Every December 22, the festive spirit sweeps across Spain as millions prepare for the spectacular draw of the Christmas Lottery, known as Sorteo Extraordinario de la Lotería de Navidad. At the heart of this cherished tradition are the students of the Colegio de San Ildefonso, who for over two centuries have sung the winning numbers and distribution of prizes, adding to the event's unique charm.
The Colegio de San Ildefonso, Madrid's oldest public school, has played a pivotal role since its first involvement with the lottery back in 1771. Established originally as a charity institution to care for abandoned children, the school has transformed and evolved significantly over the centuries. Today, it acts both as an educational center and as a residence for children from vulnerable backgrounds, continuing its legacy of support and education.
During the early morning hours on December 22, voices fill the Teatro Real as selected students sing the iconic “miiiiiiiiiil euros,” the chorus signaling the announcement of prizes. According to María del Mar Muñoz, director of the residence, this year, 25 students will partake—thirteen veterans and twelve newcomers. "The preparations began early on, with continuous practices since October to prepare them for this remarkable day,” she explained.
The selection process for these youthful voices is rigorous. Interested students, aged between 8 and 14, attend trials to demonstrate their vocal abilities and clarity of enunciation. The school has refined its selection criteria over the years, emphasizing good vocal timbre and presence, ensuring they shine bright on this public stage.
“Each selected child must exhibit excellent diction and read numbers quickly,” Muñoz detailed, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “We give them training not only on singing but also on managing their emotions during such high-pressure moments.” The students engage in rehearsals working on their performance techniques, vocalizations, and even stage presence to handle the excitement of being watched by millions.
There's also greater interest from the families, with many coming from diverse backgrounds, bringing together numerous cultures and languages represented among the students. Notably, along with the Spanish children, several participants hail from countries such as Peru, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela.
Historically, the first participation of the children of San Ildefonso dates back to the early days of the lottery system. It was during the reign of Carlos III when they began singing during draws, originally as part of fundraising efforts for the school. The joyous allure of their voices has since become synonymous with the lottery, and they’ve seemingly become the bearers of good fortune.
Each year, the performance of the children reaches households across Spain, fostering hope and excitement as they call out the much-anticipated “Gordo,” the grand prize. This tradition has woven itself deeply alongside the cultural fabric of Spanish Christmas celebrations.
To prepare for this major event, students at the Colegio San Ildefonso do not take the task lightly. They are provided professional guidance from their instructors who make sure they not only practice singing but also go through stress-management techniques. This helps build their confidence, enabling them to perform to the best of their capability on the big day.
More than just singing, these children embody centuries of tradition and spirit, enhancing the immeasurable joy of the lottery, become ambassadors of hope for families yearning for fortune. Their parts are rehearsed down to the very last detail—how to grasp the lottery balls, read off the winning numbers, and interact with the lottery routines as smoothly as possible.
Behind this enchanting performance lies the Colegio de San Ildefonso's story. Founded by the Madrid municipality to provide care and education to orphans, it has fulfilled its role remarkably by marrying educational excellence with social responsibility. The school provides free education for students, with additional costs for resources and meals conveyed at nominal fees, ensuring broad access for the families of the children.
Now, as December 22 quickly approaches, the anticipation builds. The excitement of students preparing to take the stage elicits joy not only within the audience but reflects back to them, reminding us all of the magic inherent within this tradition. For many Spaniards, the sound of the children singing during the lottery signifies more than just numbers being read; it evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday seasons filled with hope and possibility.
Despite the years, the role of the children of San Ildefonso remains steadfast, as they continue to enrich the lottery experience and retain its signature identity—a refreshing reminder of youth and joy during the holiday season. With every note sung on stage, they breath life to this timeless tradition, bridging the past with the present as each year brings the community closer to shared dreams and aspirations.
