The Big Christmas Draw
Every December, Spain buzzes with anticipation for one of the most iconic events of the year: the draw of El Gordo, the Spanish Christmas lottery. This lottery, officially called Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad, has become a cherished tradition and is one of the largest and oldest lotteries in the world. But El Gordo is more than just a chance to win big; it’s a celebration that unites communities and brings families together.
The History of El Gordo
El Gordo’s roots trace back to 1812, when Spain held its first Christmas lottery in the midst of economic hardship. Since then, it has grown tremendously, capturing the hearts of Spaniards and becoming one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the country. The lottery was initially created to raise money for state projects, and it has continued to support public welfare and infrastructure ever since.
How It Works
El Gordo works differently from most lotteries, both in terms of ticketing and prize structure. Each ticket, or billete, costs €200, but to make it more affordable, the tickets are divided into 10 “decimos” (tenths) costing €20 each. People commonly purchase these “tenths,” and groups of friends, families, and even entire towns come together to share the ticket cost and winnings.
The prizes are distributed across a range of categories, with the first prize being the famous El Gordo (“The Fat One”) jackpot. But even if you don’t win the grand prize, there are many smaller prizes spread across thousands of tickets, making the odds of winning something surprisingly high.
The Big Draw: A Day of Celebration
The draw takes place on December 22nd every year and is an all-day event that captures the attention of the entire nation. Students from the San Ildefonso school in Madrid sing out the winning numbers and prizes, a beloved tradition dating back to the lottery’s earliest days. Families gather around the television to watch, and the children’s voices announcing the numbers have become an unmistakable symbol of Christmas in Spain.
The event is not just about the excitement of winning—it’s also about the joy of sharing and celebrating together. Small businesses and neighbours often pool their resources, and when a winning number is drawn, the celebration ripples through entire communities. Towns that win El Gordo erupt with joy, and in a spirit of camaraderie, locals toast and share in each other’s luck.
The Spirit of Sharing
Unlike many other lotteries, El Gordo embodies a spirit of sharing and unity. Families, friends, and communities come together to buy tickets, making any win a shared win. You’ll often see a bar owner, butcher, or postman selling tickets to locals, and entire villages may have the same ticket number. This collective experience of “winning together” is at the heart of El Gordo’s charm.
Even those who don’t win a prize take part in the festive spirit, often buying small *participaciones*—tiny fractions of a full ticket—to be part of the fun. The lottery, more than anything else, is about a sense of togetherness, something that is deeply embedded in Spanish culture.
What Are the Odds?
El Gordo is known for its generosity. Approximately 70% of the money collected from ticket sales is returned to players as prizes, making the odds of winning something relatively high. The grand prize for the winning ticket number can be a staggering €4 million, with thousands of other cash prizes distributed across tickets, ensuring that many people get a taste of the holiday winnings.
Why It’s So Much More Than Just a Lottery
For Spaniards, El Gordo is about much more than just a financial windfall. It’s about tradition, excitement, and hope. The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without the familiar sound of children singing the winning numbers, the sense of community as people wait with bated breath for their number to be called, and the countless heartwarming stories that emerge each year.
In a time of year filled with goodwill, El Gordo perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit of Christmas in Spain. It reminds everyone that there’s joy in sharing and hope in coming together, even if it’s just for a moment, over the simple thrill of a lottery ticket.
Whether you’re in Spain for the first time or a long-time resident, experiencing El Gordo is a holiday must. From the sense of anticipation to the joy of shared celebration, there’s no lottery quite like it anywhere else in the world. So, if you’re considering participating, grab a decimo, share it with friends, and immerse yourself in one of Spain’s most cherished Christmas traditions.
And who knows? This year, El Gordo might just bring a little extra magic to your holiday season and allow you to purchase your dream home in Spain.
