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Spain’s Christmas Lottery Draw Sparks Joy and Community Spirit
In a cherished holiday tradition that has persisted for over two centuries, participants in Spain’s Christmas lottery draw rejoiced with sparkling wine, cheers, and embraces this past Sunday. The event not only signifies the onset of the festive season but also represents a unique cultural moment in the Spanish calendar.
This year, the total prize fund for the state-run lottery reached an impressive €2.71 billion (£2.25 billion), surpassing last year’s €2.59 billion. The top prize, affectionately known as El Gordo or “The Fat One,” was awarded to ticket holders in Logroño, the capital city of the La Rioja region.
The nationally televised draw took place at Madrid’s iconic Theatre Royal, with young students from San Ildefonso school conducting the ceremony by selecting winning numbers from two rotating globes and announcing them with song. The brightness of the ceremony was amplified by audience members, dressed in festive attire ranging from Santa hats to traditional regional costumes, who patiently queued for hours to participate in this time-honored event.
Among those present was 25-year-old Vicent Jacinto, who, adorned in traditional Valencian attire, expressed hopes that the lottery’s benefits would extend to regions affected by recent tragedies, specifically referencing the devastating floods that impacted Valencia in October. “I think it should go to the affected areas. We’d like that very much,” he remarked.
The buildup to the Christmas lottery in Spain is characterized by a fervent communal spirit, with families, colleagues, and friends often joining forces to purchase tickets or fractions of tickets. Many have their preferred vendors or lucky numbers, adding a layer of personal connection to the experience. The standard ticket price is €20, which can yield winnings of up to €400,000 before tax.
Interestingly, a substantial portion of Sunday’s top prize ended up in Madrid, despite being won in Logroño. Many winning tickets were owned by members of a local basketball club in the working-class neighbourhood of San Blas-Canillejas, where exuberant celebrations erupted as families and club members gathered to chant and dance in unison, mimicking their energetic spirit on the court.
Diego Gala, the club’s physical trainer, recounted an enthusiastic start to the day: “I woke up late today, and my mother came into my room with the tickets in her hands screaming like crazy,” highlighting the sheer joy and excitement the lottery brings to families across the country.
The roots of this lottery tradition trace back to 1812, during a challenging period when Spain was under French occupation amid the Napoleonic wars. Originally established to raise funds for the fight for independence, the lottery has since evolved to benefit various social causes, contributing to communal welfare beyond just the thrill of winning.
Source
www.theguardian.com