Do you know the Christmas Lottery? A complete guide to one of the most iconic draws in the world

As the lights begin to adorn the streets and the cold of winter sets in, a tradition resonates in the heart of Spain: El Gordo de Navidad. This is not just a simple lottery; it is a holiday that is intertwined with the culture and excitement of a nation. But what exactly is this lottery that captivates so many every December?

El Gordo de Navidad is much more than a chance to win; it is a tradition that dates back more than two centuries. With its first celebration in 1812, it has woven its history into the cultural idiosyncrasies of Spain, becoming more than just a game of chance.

This event is not only famous for its antiquity but also because it arouses a unique expectation. Ask any Spaniard and they will tell you that El Gordo is a guaranteed topic of conversation in cafes and offices during the Christmas period. More than 75% of the population sits in front of the TV to watch the draw, and it is rare to walk into a bar or restaurant without finding viewers attentive to the live broadcast.

In the Christmas lottery, the prizes are as plentiful as the illusions. Unlike other draws where the jackpot is the only focus, here the chances of winning something are significantly higher. This is thanks to a unique prize system, where in addition to the main prizes, there are prizes for approximations to the winning number, reintegros and the so-called "pedreas" with prizes of one thousand euros each. In total, there are 28,312,400 prizes available! This makes the odds of winning one of them significantly high.

The tradition of El Gordo de Navidad is so deeply rooted that even those who do not normally participate in games of chance get caught up in the magic of the draw. The purchase of tickets becomes an annual ritual, and the numbers chosen carry with them personal stories and wishes for good fortune. It's not just a numbers game; it's a lot of stories and memories that are renewed every year.

The History of the Spanish Christmas Lottery

The origin of El Gordo de Navidad is as fascinating as the lottery itself. Rooted in Spanish history, it began in 1812, during a tumultuous time marked by the war against Napoleon. Back then, the need to raise funds for the resistance and alleviate state finances was the spark that ignited the creation of this tradition. But how did a lottery created in times of conflict become the most anticipated annual event across the country?

Origin of the lottery and its initial purpose during the war against Napoleon

The beginnings of El Gordo date back to early 19th century Cadiz, where it was devised as a means to finance the fight against Napoleonic forces without imposing more taxes on citizens already affected by the war. This lottery not only symbolized a patriotic contribution but also offered a glimmer of hope and possible fortune in dark times. With modest initial prizes, the emotional and economic impact of the lottery was immediate and profound.

Evolution of the lottery to become Spain's most anticipated annual event

Over the years, El Gordo de Navidad has evolved to become an integral part of the Spanish Christmas holiday. From a simple fundraising raffle, it has transformed into a social phenomenon that brings people together, regardless of their status or background. Growing in popularity and prize size, the raffle has weathered significant historical moments, including wars, epidemics and political changes, while remaining firmly at the heart of Spanish tradition. Today, the draw not only stands out for its million-dollar prizes, but also for being a time when families and friends come together in the shared hope of prosperity and joy.

Christmas Lottery Prizes

The Spanish Christmas lottery is undoubtedly the lottery that distributes more prizes worldwide. This year, a total of 2,590,000,000,000 euros in prizes will be up for grabs, more than 2.5 billion, which will be distributed among a total of 28,312,400 prizes. Have you ever seen a lottery draw that gives away so many prizes? Let's see what are the main prizes of the draw.

The First Prize: El Gordo

The centerpiece of El Gordo de Navidad is, of course, "El Gordo" itself. This prize is the one everyone looks forward to, and no wonder: it has a value of 4,000,000 euros per series, which is equivalent to 400,000 per tenth (we will explain later how this system works.

Second and Third Prize

The excitement does not end with the first prize. The second and third prizes also transform lives: a second prize of 1,250,000 euros per series (125,000 euros per tenth) and a third prize of 500,000 euros per series (50,000 euros per tenth). Although these amounts are smaller compared to El Gordo, they are still substantial.

Total Prizes Distributed

A unique aspect of El Gordo is the extraordinary amount of prizes offered. It's not just the top three places; there are multiple prize categories, which means there are a large number of winners each year. In addition, the prizes are not limited to full tickets; the approximations, rollovers and special prizes also receive a proportionate share of the pie.

What are approximations, rollovers and pedreas? Approximations are numbers that are close to the winning numbers. Reintegros are all the numbers that coincide in the last digit with the winning numbers. And, finally, the pedreas are special prizes to which 1,000 euros are awarded to each series.

How the Christmas Draw and the Tenths and Series System Works

Understanding the Lottery Format

The Christmas Lottery is not an ordinary lottery. It employs a complex system involving two large spherical cages. One of them contains 100,000 wooden balls, each engraved with a unique five-digit number ranging from 00000 to 99999. This wide range of numbers allows for numerous combinations, adding to the excitement among participants. The other sphere houses 1,807 smaller balls, each of which corresponds to different euro prizes, including the grand prize, El Gordo.

As if it were a scene from a festive movie, the children of the San Ildefonso School in Madrid are in charge of drawing the numbers and prizes, singing them aloud in a tradition that goes back centuries. This melodious process captivates the hearts of the nation, as people cling to their tickets in the hope of hearing their numbers read aloud.

How Series and Tickets are Issued

But how exactly are these coveted tickets issued? Each ticket is printed in several "series". For example, if there are 172 series of the number 00001, that means there are 172 identical tickets with the same number, which increases the potential prize pool. When a number is drawn for a prize, all tickets with that number win, resulting in a wide distribution of wealth. The more series there are, the larger the prize pool.

This system also introduces the concept of "décimos". A ticket is made up of ten décimos, which are essentially tenths of a ticket. This allows participants to purchase smaller portions of a ticket, making it more affordable to play without losing the opportunity to win a portion of the prize.

How to buy a tenth of a ticket to participate in the drawing

Very simple: you will have to choose the Christmas Draw option, and you will have to choose a 5-digit number from 00000 to 99999. You will be able to buy from one to ten tickets of the same number. Once you have decided your participation, simply place your purchase in the shopping cart and that's it! You will be participating in the most awaited raffle of the year.

Conclusion - The Charm of El Gordo de Navidad

In the cultural fabric of Spain, few events capture the imagination and the heart like El Gordo de Navidad. As we come to the end of our journey through this deep-rooted tradition, we pause to admire the full tapestry we have woven together. The Christmas Lottery is not just a game of chance; it is a phenomenon that brings people together, that awakens hope and that, year after year, becomes a national holiday.

From its humble beginnings in 1812, as an initiative to increase state funds during the war against Napoleon, this lottery has grown to become much more than just a lottery. Over the centuries, it has evolved to reflect and foster community spirit. Today, it is not only the most anticipated lottery draw of the year in Spain, but also a phenomenon of worldwide interest. But what makes El Gordo de Navidad so special? Beyond the million-dollar prizes, it's the emotional connection that really stands out.

We invite everyone, inside and outside Spain, to be part of this celebration. To participate in El Gordo de Navidad is to immerse yourself in a story of hope and festivity, to share a moment of illusion with friends, family and strangers. With the ease of buying tickets online, this invitation extends beyond the Spanish borders, reaching every corner of the planet. Wherever you are from, El Gordo welcomes everyone.

So, whether you are considering buying your first décimo or you are already a regular participant every December, we encourage you to experience the magic of El Gordo de Navidad. Who knows, maybe this year fortune will smile on you. But even if it doesn't, you will have been part of something much bigger: a tradition that celebrates community, history and, above all, hope.