On December 22, 2024, the much-anticipated results of the Spanish Christmas Lottery were announced, marking one of the most cherished traditions of the holiday season. This year, the Gordo, or the main prize, hit the number 72480, bringing joy to countless families across the country as it was sold entirely from administration number six, located on Muro del Carmen street in Logroño. This location was not only the centre of celebrations but also the heart of the distribution of significant prizes amounting to millions of euros.
The draw began around 9:00 am, hosted live from the iconic Teatro Real in Madrid, where children from the San Ildefonso school sang out the winning numbers. The excitement was palpable as ticket holders across Spain held their breath, hoping for life-changing news. The first major announcement came with the Gordo being revealed at approximately 11:27 am, sparking waves of happiness across Logroño and beyond.
Logroño’s administration was notable for having sold all 193 series of the winning number, leading to grand celebrations with local residents and officials gathering to toast with Riojan wine rather than the traditional champagne. Carlos Ruiz, the delegate of Loterías del Estado, stated, "The joy here today is immense, especially knowing how many people will benefit from this prize," as he spoke to reporters gathering at the scene.
Other significant prizes included the second prize, 40014, which was announced later during the draw, just after 1:30 pm. This number brought 1.25 million euros to 22 different lottery administrations spread across various regions, with notable wins reported from Valladolid and Chipiona. Raquel Velasco, the administrator at La Piedad, known humorously as the 'Doña Manolita malagueña,' proudly shared, "We continue to bring joy here; today is our biggest success yet!" This sentiment echoed as ticket holders celebrated not just their winnings but the shared hope among communities.
Ensuring broad-based dissemination of happiness, the third prize was awarded to the number 11840, with other major awards were distributed across towns impacted by the recent DANA environmental disaster. Towns such as Catarroja, which were heavily affected, were included among the lucky recipients of winnings. Each announcement signified more than just money; it stood as recognition of resilience and recovery for those communities.
Throughout the event, the eager atmosphere was occasionally punctuated by amusing moments, like the 'fake Gordo' incident, where one of the children mistakenly announced “four million euros” instead of the correct amount for another prize. The lighthearted moment left the audience chuckling, showcasing the lively spirit of the lottery draw. Helena Cortés, reporting from the Teatro Real, captured the moment: "Even with the mix-ups, the energy and excitement do not fade. The laughter unites us all, reminding us of the joy of this occasion."
Another aspect of the event focused on discussing practicalities—how the winners would claim their prizes. The Spanish tax agency, Hacienda, reminded ticket holders of their obligation to report winnings over 40,000 euros, which would be taxed at 20%. This important detail serves as both caution and clarity among the excitement, as local establishments urged winners to verify the legitimacy of their tickets and understand the tax obligations.
Many families will be thrilled to know their lives could change overnight through this lottery, reflecting the core essence of the Spanish Christmas Lottery—a mix of hope, struggle, and community spirit. Amid the festive decorations and cheerful tunes around the nation, the lottery not only marks the celebration of the year but also reinforces the community ties, as many gather together, discussing strategies, sharing what they would do with their winnings, and dreaming endless possibilities.
Reflecting on this rich tradition and community-centric spirit, the 2024 edition of the Spanish Christmas Lottery is sure to be remembered, not just for the prizes won, but for the joy of togetherness it fosters across the diverse Spanish landscapes. The Gordo’s big win will reverberate through households from Madrid to Valencia—the ultimate annual reminder of hope and renewal during this festive period.
