Spain’s 200-year-old Christmas lottery tradition continues to bring joy and excitement to its players. This year, the total prize pot reached a record 2.71 billion euros, with the top prize of “El Gordo” being won by ticket buyers in Logrono.
In Madrid’s Teatro Real, young pupils from San Ildefonso school picked the winning numbers, while the audience cheered and sang along. Many players celebrated by wearing festive costumes and personal lucky charms.
The lottery has become a popular tradition among friends, relatives, and coworkers, with many buying tickets together or in groups. The most common ticket costs just 20 euros, offering up to 400,000 euros in prize money before taxes.
The lottery’s proceeds after operating costs and payouts are given to social causes, continuing the tradition that began in 1812 when Spain was under French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. This year, over half of the top prize went to Madrid-based basketball club members who won big.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spains-christmas-lottery-spreads-cash-seasonal-joy-winners-2024-12-22