Spain celebrated its annual Christmas Lottery, drawing millions and uniting the nation on December 22, 2024. Spanning just over four hours, the much-anticipated event witnessed 72480 emerge as the top prize, known as 'El Gordo,' entirely sold from Logroño. The fervor of the spectacle accentuated the emotional edges of those awaiting their fortunes as the children from San Ildefonso School pulled winning numbers from the drums.
This year, El Gordo was not the only number celebrated, as other significant prizes were also revealed, generating excitement across the country. The second prize, 40014, awarded 1.25 million euros to its lucky holders, predominantly sold from the famed La Piedad lottery shop known locally as Doña Manolita, flooding the neighborhood with joy.
Winning numbers included:
- El Gordo (72480): 400,000 euros per ticket, with winners taking home 328,000 euros after taxes.
- Second Prize (40014): 125,000 euros per ticket, netting 108,000 euros after taxes.
- Third Prize (11840): 50,000 euros per ticket, which amounts to 48,000 euros after taxes.
- Fourth Prizes (77768, 48020): Each worth 20,000 euros.
- Fifth Prizes: Eight numbers awarded 6,000 euros each.
One of the standout moments occurred during the sixth table, where one young girl mistakenly announced “four million euros” when she revealed the number 43226, which caused quite the stir among the audience, highlighting the joyful chaos typical of this traditional lottery.
The 2024 Christmas Lottery distributed 2.702 billion euros among many participants, marking the event as the pinnacle of hope for many Spaniards, particularly for communities devastated by natural calamities. Towns such as Catarroja and Paiporta found newfound hope as they received significant amounts, which local authorities are eager to utilize for recovery efforts.
For many, this lottery serves as more than just a game; it signifies the spirit of Christmas, celebrated by families and community groups who band together to purchase tickets. With reports stating some winners include Carlos Picao, who intends to return to Costa Rica after winning 64,000 euros, and Antonio Bello from Córdoba, who plans to share his 50,000 euros with family, the lottery has once again intertwined luck and personal stories.
Another captivating anecdote emerged from Granada's kiosko Chalo, which sold three winning tickets across different prize categories. Paco Bartolomé, whose family has run the kiosko for generations, exclaimed, “We’re over the moon!” which captures the mood across various winning establishments.
Regardless of the prizes, the draw is steeped in tradition and nostalgia. The children of San Ildefonso have been performing this pivotal role since 1892, and each year, it brings tears of joy and elation to winners and their families, reviving hope and dreams lost through the hardships of the previous year.
All premios can be claimed beginning December 23, 2024. Those who win would need to visit designated lottery shops for smaller amounts, with larger sums being redeemable through selected banks like BBVA or CaixaBank. Importantly, any prize over 40,000 euros is liable to 20% tax, reflecting the state’s significant take from this celebratory event.
Hacienda's presence is well noted. For example, the Gordo prize attracted significant attention not just for its wealth but as it drew the 352 million euros recovery for the state from the lotteries sold. Each year’s suffering is matched by newfound wealth as winners are chosen at random, injecting much-needed funds back to areas of dire need.
With nearly 1,800 smaller prizes for “La Pedrea” awarded, the lottery ensured even more individuals left the celebrations smiling. Participants who didn’t win directly were greeted with consolation prizes, allowing many tickets to find some form of success as they clutched their dreams during what has become one of Spain’s most beloved holidays.
Overall, the 2024 Spanish Christmas Lottery is more than just numbers; it’s about community, tradition, and the hopes of millions revived through the simple act of drawing numbers. It remains to be seen what repercussions the winnings will have across the country, but for now, families and communities can breathe easier as they celebrate the spirit of giving and good fortune this Christmas season.
