Spain's spectacular Christmas lottery extravaganza unveils €2.59b in prizes

As Spain ushers in the holiday season, anticipation reaches a fever pitch with the commencement of the world’s wealthiest lottery.

The nation is adorned in festive cheer as large queues snake outside kiosks, awaiting the moment when the nationally televised draw for the Christmas lottery reveals its bounty.

Children from the San Ildefonso school, once a refuge for orphans, take center stage, lending their voices to announce the winning numbers and corresponding prizes.

The air is charged with excitement as Jose Moreno, a 52-year-old building superintendent from Barcelona, shares his enthusiasm, having queued for over two hours to secure tickets from the famed Dona Manolita in central Madrid – a charming shop considered by many as Spain’s luckiest.

“I bought the same number, so if it is picked we will all win,” Moreno declares, encapsulating the spirit of the tradition where families, friends, co-workers, and communities unite in purchasing and sharing the 20-euro tickets, known as “decimos.”

This annual spectacle, held on December 22, boasts a staggering total prize pool of €2.59 billion ($2.83 billion), distinguishing it as the world’s most generous lottery in terms of total prize money.

The prizes vary from a modest 20 euros, ensuring a return on investment, to the coveted “El Gordo” or “The Fat One” – a substantial 400,000 euros – distributed among numerous holders of “decimos” bearing the same winning number.

While other global lotteries may boast larger individual top prizes, Spain’s Christmas lottery, with its communal ethos, captivates the nation.

The draw, hosted at Madrid’s Teatro Real and commencing at 9 am (0800 GMT), holds the attention of the entire country for approximately four hours, bringing it to a virtual standstill as citizens eagerly await their fate.

Karin Arizaca, a 25-year-old Peruvian studying and working in Madrid, shares her tradition of purchasing two “decimos” each year, expressing the emotional moments spent watching the draw with her parents at home.

The day unfolds with scores of resellers strategically setting up temporary stands, offering tickets from renowned vendors like Dona Manolita at a slightly elevated price.

As the draw unfolds, television stations broadcast live celebrations from winners across the country, showcasing scenes of jubilation, hugs, and sparkling wine.

The Christmas lottery has become a heartwarming tradition, embodying the spirit of generosity and community.

Since its inception in 1892, the Christmas lottery has endured, surviving even the tumultuous years of Spain’s 1936-39 civil war.

Tickets go on sale in July, with Spaniards investing an average of 67.11 euros, contributing to the roughly one billion euros raised annually for public coffers.

The lottery not only dispenses financial windfalls but also weaves a tapestry of stories that reflect the shared joy and camaraderie embedded in this cherished holiday tradition.