Spain Gears Up for the Annual 'El Gordo' Christmas Lottery Frenzy

As the festive season approaches, Spain is abuzz with excitement for the annual 'El Gordo' Christmas lottery draw, a tradition that has captivated the nation since 1812. This year, the anticipation is palpable, with hundreds of Spaniards and expats alike queuing up in front of lottery outlets, eager to secure their tickets for the December 22 draw.

A Time-Honored Tradition

The 'El Gordo' lottery, translating to 'The Fat One' in English, is not just a lottery but a deeply ingrained national tradition. First held in Cádiz in 1812, it has been a staple of Spanish Christmas celebrations for over two centuries. The draw takes place every year on December 22, a date that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Spaniards.

Record-Breaking Sales

This year, ticket sales are expected to break records, particularly in the Malaga province, where sales are projected to exceed 100 million euros for the first time. With 518,852 tickets allocated across 306 sale points in Malaga, the province is witnessing a significant surge in demand. The total prize pool for the entire country stands at an impressive 3.86 billion euros, with 2.7 billion euros to be distributed among the winners[2][3][4].

Unique Lottery System

Unlike other lotteries, 'El Gordo' operates on a unique system where players purchase pre-assigned numbers from specific shops. Each number is duplicated up to 193 times, meaning that significant winnings are often shared among multiple winners. Tickets can be bought in various denominations, from a full ticket costing 200 euros to smaller shares known as 'décimos' for 20 euros, and even smaller participations for as little as 1 euro[3][4].

Popular Numbers and Queues

The excitement is evident in the long queues outside lottery outlets, where people often wait for hours to purchase their tickets. This year, numbers ending in 24 and 29 are particularly in demand, reflecting significant events such as the October floods in Valencia. Traditional favorites like the numbers 13, 15, and 69 are also highly sought after[1][3].

The Draw Ceremony

The lottery draw itself is a grand event, broadcast live on TV and the internet. It begins at 9:00 AM on December 22 and features students from Madrid's San Ildefonso boarding school singing out the winning numbers. This tradition, which dates back to when the school was an orphanage, adds a unique and festive touch to the ceremony[2][3][4].

Community Spirit and Taxation

'El Gordo' is not just about individual wins; it often brings communities together. In the past, entire villages have shared in the jackpot, highlighting the communal nature of the lottery. However, it's important to note that winnings over 2,500 euros are subject to a 20% tax, with a tax-free threshold of 40,000 euros[3].

International Participation

For expats and those outside Spain, there is still a chance to participate. Thanks to online platforms, tickets can be purchased from other countries, allowing everyone to be part of this festive tradition. For instance, Austrians can buy tickets online through Lottoland, with the added benefit of tax-free winnings[4].

As the countdown to December 22 begins, the anticipation is building. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new expat in Spain, the 'El Gordo' lottery is an event that embodies the spirit of the holiday season, offering a chance to win big and be part of a centuries-old tradition.