Fortune’s Feast: How Spain’s Christmas Lottery Transforms Lives Every December

Viewers across Spain eagerly tune in to witness the broadcast of the Christmas lottery, affectionately known as “El Gordo” or ‘The Fat One,’ where students from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school take center stage, singing out the winning numbers.

This year, a staggering 2.6 billion euros ($2.86bn) in prizes will be distributed, with the majority in smaller amounts, a tradition maintained as the announcements were melodically sung out on Friday.

Individuals commonly purchase fractional shares of full tickets, with a popular choice being a 20-euro ($22) share, promising a top prize of 400,000 euros ($440,000).

This centuries-old tradition marks the beginning of the festive season and is broadcasted from Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house. Tens of thousands tune in through radio stations and online platforms to partake in the excitement.

The cherished tradition of purchasing and sharing tickets in the lead-up to Christmas brings families and friends together. Celebrations unfold in bars, sports clubs, and on the bustling streets.

At the San Ildefonso school in the Spanish capital, children play a crucial role in the event. They select numbers from 100,000 small wooden balls drawn from two large golden rolling drums, revealing ticket numbers and their corresponding prizes. The familiar cadence of their song echoes throughout the country.

The event spans approximately three and a half hours, creating a sense of anticipation among ticket holders as they await the announcement of the coveted jackpot known as “El Gordo.”

While other lotteries boast larger individual top prizes, El Gordo, held annually on December 22, holds the distinction of being the world’s richest in terms of total prize money.

Spain’s national lottery, established as a charity in 1763 during King Carlos III’s reign, initially aimed to support charitable causes. Over time, its objective evolved to contribute to state coffers.

The December 22 lottery, a tradition dating back to 1812, has retained its unique charm, with children continuing the tradition of singing out the prizes, adding a timeless touch to the holiday season.