In the bustling northern city of Logroño, Spain, a festive air filled the streets as lucky ticket holders celebrated winning the top prize in the country’s renowned Christmas lottery draw. Known as El Gordo or the Fat One, this prestigious award brought joy and excitement to those who held the winning tickets.
The annual Christmas lottery draw is a 200-year-old tradition that signals the start of the holiday season in Spain. This year, the total prize pot for the state-run national lottery event reached an impressive €2.71 billion, slightly surpassing last year’s total. The coveted El Gordo prize landed in Logroño, located in La Rioja region, where jubilant winners toasted their success with sparkling wine amidst cheers and hugs.
The nationally televised draw took place at Madrid’s historic Theatre Royal, where students from San Ildefonso school announced the winning numbers selected from gleaming globes. Audience members decked out in Santa hats and regional costumes eagerly awaited their fate while clutching onto their personal lucky charms.
Lottery fever gripped Spain in anticipation of the Christmas draw as people banded together to purchase tickets with family, friends, colleagues, or fellow club members. It is common for groups to buy shares of tickets from favored vendors or select specific lucky numbers believed to bring good fortune.
The standard ticket for this grand event costs €20 and offers participants a chance to win up to €400,000 in prize money before taxes are deducted. Despite being sold in Logroño, over half of Sunday’s top prize found its way back to Madrid as many winning tickets were held by a local basketball club based in San Blas-Canillejas neighborhood.
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and jubilation reminiscent of their victories on court, young club members and their families rejoiced with chants and dances upon learning about their windfall. Diego Gala, the club’s physical trainer, recounted his mother waking him up with sheer excitement after discovering they held winning tickets.
Originating during Spain’s tumultuous period under French occupation during the Napoleonic wars in 1812, this cherished lottery draw was established to raise funds for independence efforts. Today, proceeds from this beloved tradition go towards supporting various social causes after covering operational expenses and payouts.
As Spain ushers in another holiday season with joyous celebrations and communal spirit around its acclaimed Christmas lottery draw, it continues to uphold a rich tradition that brings communities together in hope and excitement each year.
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