The Christmas special edition of the popular television show 'El Grand Prix de Navidad' aired on December 22, 2023, with towns Alfacar and Aguilar de Campoo competing for the title. The show, hosted by Ramón García and Cristinini, sought to deliver festive entertainment amid competition from other channels and diminishing audience numbers.
Originally scheduled for January 6, the final was moved after disappointing ratings from earlier episodes. Influenced by the airing of competing programs, including the eighth season of 'La Isla de las Tentaciones' on Telecinco, RTVE adjusted its programming strategically. Although the show was expected to provide family entertainment during the Christmas break, the premiere episode on December 23 garnered only 8.7% viewership, significantly lower than anticipated, and ratings continued to decline.
Located near Granada, Alfacar is known for its rich history and its role as the birthplace of acclaimed poet Federico García Lorca, whose tragic events during the Spanish Civil War are forever linked to the region. Meanwhile, Aguilar de Campoo, situated north of Palencia, is renowned for its biscuit industry and historical heritage. This unique blend of cultural backgrounds added to the excitement as both towns prepared for the final challenge, with popular regional representatives bolstering their chances.
Traditional elements of the show saw significant alterations for this winter edition, with ice skating replacing the anticipated swimming pool, introducing several new games perfectly suited for the cold weather. Children taking on leading roles as 'mayors' of their towns created a charming dynamic with their adult sponsors. Notable games included "La Gran Cena de Nochevieja," where they slid across the ice delivering menus, and "A todo Hockey," turning the rink setting lively with mock hockey matches.
Despite the challenges faced, the producers intended to captivate the audience with innovative concepts, engaging familiar characters, and beloved classic games. The inclusion of child gaming influencer Mikecrack attracted younger audiences, becoming part of this family-friendly festive atmosphere.
The new arrival of amusing challenges like "Polvorón Express," which tests the coordination skills of participants amid humorous obstacles, anticipated laughter and cheer. Traditional formats such as “Misión Zanahoria” and “La Patata Caliente” also returned to connect the nostalgia of older viewers with the excitement of the youth.
The production aimed to spark enjoyment from audiences, hoping shifts toward late-night programming would not dissuade families from tuning in. The combination of holiday spirit and entertainment promised to create memorable moments, echoing similar festive feelings of past shows, even amid scores reflecting below-average viewership during the holiday season.
With all eyes turned to the outcomes of the final victory, viewers hoped thrilled, humor-filled episodes could reclaim viewer interest and bolster family activities leading up to Christmas. Only time would tell whether the extensive planning and dynamic changes would yield successful ratings for 'El Grand Prix de Navidad' this winter.