The 2024 Spanish Christmas Lottery has revealed its winners, delighting millions with the announcement of significant cash prizes. The draw, held on December 22 at the Teatro Real in Madrid, began at 9:00 AM and continued for over four hours, culminating with great anticipation from millions of lottery participants across Spain.
This year, the illustrious "El Gordo" (the Fat One), the highest prize, was awarded to ticket number 72,480, bringing home 400,000 euros per ticket, significantly enhancing the holiday spirit for many families. This number was exclusively sold out entirely in Logroño, eleving the fortunes of locals who were eagerly waiting to know the results.
The second major prize, 40,014, worth 125,000 euros per ticket, was finally drawn just before 1:30 PM. It was spread across multiple locations including Valladolid and Chipiona, marking another fantastic return for ticket holders. Esther Samaniego from the lucky administrative office "La 7 de la suerte" confirmed no tickets were returned, expressing joy at the substantial impact of their sales.
Notably, the number achieved recognition by being sold widely, as much of the prize was also attributed to Chipiona, where various local enterprises, such as beach bars, shared the wealth, much to the delight of their patrons. "Que uno de nuestros clientes también reparta la ilusión entre los suyos hace que se desborde aún más la alegría," explained Juan Carlos, manager of the administration.
The third prize, 11,840, presented 50,000 euros per ticket, proved equally lucky for many. Early on, this number was the first among the major prizes to be announced, with the joy sparked by its widespread distribution across cities like Bilbao, La Pobla de Segur, and many others, symbolizing hope during the holiday season.
One of the heartfelt moments came from the mayor of Catarroja, who commented, "En medio de todo el pesar que nos trajo la dana, pues es un motivo de alegría," referencing the recent flooding disaster which had afflicted the area. The lottery’s outcome provided much-needed relief and optimism to the community.
The total amount allocated for prizes this year stood at €2.702 billion, with 70% of all ticket sales allocated toward these earnings. More than 29 million tickets sold for the draw signify the lottery's importance culturally as it unites family and friends, creating collective excitement as they share dreams of winning.
The traditional element is deeply embedded within the lottery, with children from the San Ildefonso school continuing their festive role of announcing winners, their clear voices ringing like bells throughout Spain each Christmas season. This custom not only creates nostalgia but binds communities through shared experiences and traditions.
Similar to past years, the joy of smaller prizes remains significant, with over 1,794 smaller prizes of 100 euros being distributed, known locally as the 'pedrea'. These smaller wins often evoke smiles and gratitude among players, reinforcing the idea of community celebration and layered joys.
Participants are reminded the joy does not end once the draw is finished. Winners have until March 22, 2025, to claim their prizes, with specific guidelines on how prizes above 2,000 euros must be claimed at authorized banks.
The response to the 2024 Christmas Lottery highlights not just the financial rewards but its enduring place as Spain's hallmark of festive joy and community bonding. The lottery's rich traditions stemming from its origin during the Napoleonic Wars to the present day symbolize the resilience and festive spirit among the Spanish people.
With the announcement of these results, excitement lingers, with hopes already building for next year’s draw. Could next December bring even more remarkable fortune? One thing is certain: the wait will begin with dreams, laughter, and anticipation for families across the nation.
