El Gordo 2024: Spain's Christmas Lottery Spreads Joy Across the Nation

The Grand Event: Spain's Christmas Lottery 2024

Spain's annual Christmas lottery, known as "El Gordo" (The Fat One), is a cherished tradition that captivates the nation every December 22nd. This year, the lottery distributed a staggering €2.7 billion in prizes, bringing festive cheer to countless participants across the country.

El Gordo's Winning Number and Its Journey

The coveted first prize, El Gordo, was awarded to the number 72480. Each décimo (a tenth of a full ticket) holding this number received €400,000 before taxes. The winning tickets were sold entirely in Logroño, a city in the La Rioja region renowned for its wines.

The 2024 Draw: A Day of Anticipation and Celebration

This year's draw took place at Madrid's Teatro Real, where students from San Ildefonso school melodiously announced the winning numbers. The event was broadcast nationwide, captivating audiences for hours as they awaited the life-changing results.

Top Prizes and Their Winners

El Gordo (First Prize):

• • Winning Number: 72480
  • Prize Amount: €4 million per series (€400,000 per décimo)
  • Winning Locations: The entire series was sold in Logroño, La Rioja, with a significant portion purchased by members of the Club Deportivo Distrito Olímpico in Madrid.

Second Prize:

• • Winning Number: 40014
  • Prize Amount: €1.25 million per series (€125,000 per décimo)
  • Winning Locations: Distributed across various regions, including Valladolid and Chipiona.

Third Prize:

• • Winning Number: 11840
  • Prize Amount: €500,000 per series (€50,000 per décimo)
  • Winning Locations: Notably in Valencia and Bilbao.

Celebrations in Logroño and Beyond

The announcement of the winning number sparked jubilant celebrations in Logroño. Notably, a significant portion of the winning décimos was purchased by members of the Club Deportivo Distrito Olímpico, a basketball club in Madrid's San Blas-Canillejas area, highlighting the widespread reach and communal spirit of the lottery.

Supporting Communities in Need

In a heartening turn of events, several prizes reached towns recently affected by natural disasters. Paiporta and Catarroja in Valencia, both impacted by the DANA storm in October, received substantial winnings. In Catarroja, an administration distributed €500,000 as part of a third prize, offering much-needed relief and joy to these recovering communities.

A Tradition Steeped in History

The Spanish Christmas lottery, established in 1812, is not only a significant economic event but also a cultural cornerstone. Its unique structure, allowing for multiple ticket holders to share the same number, fosters a sense of unity and shared hope among participants. This communal aspect is further emphasized by the tradition of purchasing and sharing décimos among family, friends, and colleagues.

Conclusion

This year's El Gordo has once again demonstrated the profound impact of Spain's Christmas lottery, not just in terms of monetary prizes but in its ability to bring communities together, offer hope, and spread joy during the festive season.