The 2024 Spanish Christmas Lottery, or Lotería de Navidad, has wrapped up its annual draw on December 22, 2024, with the coveted top prize known as 'El Gordo' going to ticket number 72480. This year’s draw took place at the iconic Teatro Real in Madrid and was filled with excitement as tickets were drawn and prizes announced.
At precisely 11:27 AM, after the draw had been underway for several hours, the much-anticipated Gordo was announced, rewarding ticket holders with 400,000 euros per décimo (one-tenth of a ticket). The overwhelming majority of these winning tickets were sold through one administration located at Muro del Carmen 4, Logroño, with part of the winnings going to the Club Deportivo Distrito Olímpico based in Madrid. This significant win has brought joy not only to the ticket holders but also to the wider community.
The lottery has its roots extending back 212 years, deeply ingrained as part of Spain's Christmas tradition, infusing the holiday season with hope and festivity. The 2024 lottery reported overall ticket sales reaching approx 3.505 billion euros, reflecting the nation’s enduring enthusiasm for this beloved event, which has continued to thrive even after the challenges of past years.
Winners cheered as additional prizes were drawn, with the second prize going to 40014, worth 125,000 euros per décimo. This prize was distributed across various cities including Valladolid, Chipiona, and Sant Boi de Llobregat. Witnessing winners claim their prizes adds to the emotional depth of the event, as individuals share their stories and experiences surrounding the lottery.
For the third prize, the number 11840 was called, offering 50,000 euros per décimo. This number also saw widespread distribution, touching down on several locations including Bilbao and multiple cities across Valencia, demonstrating the lottery's reach throughout Spain.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as the draw also included two quarter prizes, numbers 77768 and 48020, each offering 20,000 euros per décimo. The 77768 was primarily acquired from ticket sales within Madrid, drawing significant participation from residents.
Smaller but meaningful prizes were awarded as well with eight fifth prizes: 37876, 72853, 74778, 45456, 45225, 97345, 75143, and 60622, each bringing 6,000 euros to respective holders. Notably, the first number drawn was the 37876, creating immediate jubilation as it was announced around 9:16 AM, the earliest prize of the day.
The process of distributing prizes, known as the 'pedrea', was filled with cheers and excitement as participants eagerly awaited their numbers to be drawn. This year, the lottery confirmed it would reward not only full matches but also proximate numbers, encouraging widespread participation. For example, ticket holders of numbers one before and one after the Gordo received 2,000 euros each, adding to the anticipation and suspense throughout the draw.
"This year's draw marks another significant chapter for the Spanish Christmas Lottery. For many, it signifies hope and community spirit, with families coming together to share the thrill and partake of the joy brought by the lottery's winnings," remarked Carlos Ruiz, delegate of the State Lotteries from La Rioja, highlighting how the lottery interlinks lives and communities both large and small.
Winners of the tickets are required to be aware of the tax obligations associated with their winnings. Prizes totaling €40,000 or more are subject to taxation at 20%, meaning those fortunate enough to win the first prizes must prepare to pay their dues, bringing the excitement of winning back to practical realities.
Once the dust settles on the excitement of the draw, the focus shifts to community stories and individual celebrations, as ticket holders recount their moments of joy. People clearly showcased the shared joy brought by these prizes, with community members coming together to witness how this event intertwines with their local identities.
The lottery is not just about the monetary rewards; it’s also about the good-natured fun, the engagement among families, and even friendly rivalries over whose numbers will be lucky. The aftermath of the lottery often sees parties and celebrations as families and friends come together to toast their good fortune or console each other over missed numbers.
Despite the waiting and suspense, many participants express the sentiments of gratitude and excitement, reflections of Spain's rich culture of solidarity and community cohesion. The energy surrounding the Lotería de Navidad acts as more than just financial opportunity; it embodies the spirit of Christmas and the joy of coming together as one community.
For everyone involved this past December 22, 2024, the Lotería de Navidad was more than numbers and tickets—it was about hope, tradition, and the joy of giving and receiving. Some may carry home large prizes, but all participants share the joy of this annual event shoulder to shoulder under the same festive spirit.
With each passing year, as more people join the tradition, the Spanish Christmas Lottery strengthens its role within the heart of Spain, promising laughter, ties, friendships, and community, reinforcing the very essence of what it means to celebrate Christmas together.
