The traditional draw, which is an occasion to share with family and friends.
El Gordo de Navidad is a prize from Spain's National Lottery and an integral part of Christmas traditions, considered one of the most cherished. The prize itself isn’t overwhelmingly large, but the joy of this lottery lies in sharing it with family and friends. It takes place on December 22nd and is broadcast live on television.
The origins of this lottery date back to 1812 when it was first held in Cádiz to raise funds for the state during the War of Independence. Since then, it has remained one of the oldest lotteries in the world.
Participation involves buying décimos, which are fractions of a full lottery ticket. This allows multiple people to share the same numbers, encouraging group participation among friends, families, and coworkers. Thanks to this system, the prizes, especially El Gordo, are generously distributed across the country.
The draw itself is a spectacular event held at the Teatro Real in Madrid, broadcast live on television and radio. The winning numbers are sung by children from the San Ildefonso school, a tradition that adds a special emotional touch.
There are many rituals and customs tied to El Gordo. Many people choose numbers with personal significance, such as important dates. Others buy their décimos from famous lottery retailers known for delivering many winning tickets, like "Doña Manolita" in Madrid or "La Bruixa de Sort" in Sort (Lleida).
El Gordo de Navidad is more than just a lottery; it is a tradition that embodies the joy, hope, affection, camaraderie, and generosity that characterize the Christmas season in Spain.
