The El Gordo lottery, Spain's beloved Christmas tradition, has once again exceeded expectations with its record-breaking draw this year, totalling 2.7 billion euros. This lottery, which dates back to 1812, holds the title of the oldest and largest lottery worldwide. The excitement surrounding the draw, which took place on December 22, 2024, is palpable as it marks the start of the festive season across the country.
This year, the lottery organizers distributed the main prize of 4 million euros, incredibly awarded 193 times—an impressive eight-fold increase compared to last year. This staggering total prize pool reflects approximately 70% of the lottery's revenue, which reached 3.86 billion euros, showcasing its immense scale.
The draw is traditionally celebrated with enthusiasm, with many Spaniards gathering at homes, cafés, and public squares to watch the live broadcast. The ritualistic atmosphere is enhanced by the performance of students from the San Ildefonso school, who sing the winning numbers. Yet, this year’s draw was not without its hiccups, as one young presenter mistakenly repeated numbers before realizing her error, resulting in gasps from the audience and adding to the memorable nature of the event.
Among the winning numbers, 72.480 stood out as the lucky digit for the main prize. This number was sold entirely by lottery administration number six, located on Calle Muro del Carmen in Logroño. What’s fascinating is how much of the winning lotería was purchased by the Club Baloncesto Distrito Olímpico, known for its historical roots and community involvement.
Ángel Alda, the owner of the winning administration, expressed feelings of being "overwhelmed" and slightly "scared" by the enormity of the winnings this year, emphasizing the impact this draw has on ordinary citizens and organizations alike. Participation by community entities like the Club Baloncesto, established from two historic clubs, reflects the tightly knit relationships within Spain, where winning is seen not just as individual success but as collective joy. One club member noted, "Iemand van de club zei dat ze daar erg aardig waren, dus kopen we daar onze loten," highlighting the friendly rapport with their local lottery outlet.
Winners of the El Gordo lottery are entitled to claim their prizes starting the afternoon of the draw and have until March 24, 2025, to collect their funds. Each complete ticket or décimo fetches 400,000 euros, with about 328,000 euros remaining after taxes. This lottery also serves as significant financial support for various regions and sectors within Spain, particularly during the holiday season.
The anticipation leading up to the draw can be seen through the faces of participants like Jenny Maximo, who stood with her family outside one of the lottery shops just before the event. When asked why she participates, she said, "Waarom ik meedoe? Omdat ik wil winnen natuurlijk!"—reflecting the dreams and hopes shared by many. Jenny envisions buying a home for herself and her daughter, emphasizing the personal aspirations attached to the draw.
The El Gordo lottery is not merely about individual fortunes; it intertwines itself with Spain's cultural fabric, enhancing the community spirit. This year’s event brought festivities alive, showcasing unity as neighbors cheer for each other’s well-being, thereby reinforcing the idea of shared prosperity. The lottery is truly more than just numbers; it’s about aspirations, dreams, and the sense of belonging it fosters among the people.
National and local media coverage amplifies the excitement surrounding El Gordo, making it one of the most-watched events of the year. The blend of tradition, community camaraderie, and the thrill of the prize drawing sets the stage for thousands to dream about what winning might bring. Given its successful tradition, one can confidently state El Gordo will continue to captivate hearts for many years to come, with millions holding their breath each December as the singing heralds the joyous possibility of fortune.
