Two centuries ago, the country staged the spectacular event of popular Spain’s Christmas lottery, which is referred to as “El Gordo” or “The Fat One.” Millions of people across excitedly awaited the magic to happen when students from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school took the stage and serenaded the audience with the winning songs.
A Massive $2.86 Billion in Awards
There were an incredible 2.6 billion euros ($2.86 billion) in prizes up for grabs in this year’s El Gordo spectacular. The distribution, which was carried out primarily in smaller quantities, took place live on television in accordance with tradition, with the winning announcements sung out in a tuneful rhythm.
Decimos and 88008: A Victorious Ensemble
With a tempting top prize of 400,000 euros ($440,000), the popular 20-euro ($22) “decimo” share stole the show from the majority of participants who chose fractional shares of full tickets. When it was announced that 88008 was the lucky number for the day, people with 20-euro tickets holding this fortunate combination rejoiced. The combination’s winners were scheduled to get 400,000 euros, or roughly 325,000 euros after taxes, according to an official announcement made later on Friday.
In Madrid, a Centuries-Old Tradition Is Unfolding
This two-century-old custom, which heralds the start of the holiday season, was made possible by the famous Teatro Real opera house in Madrid. Tens of thousands of people attended in person, while countless more watched the live stream on radio and the internet.
Youngsters, Wooden Balls, and Melodramatic Proclamations
Children from the San Ildefonso school meticulously chose the winning numbers from a pool of 100,000 little wooden balls that were drawn from two big golden rolling drums, which added to the charm. All across the country, the pulsating revelation of ticket numbers and their matching awards created a beloved rhythm that was known to every family.
The Moment of El Gordo Jackpot
Attendees looked forward to the most exciting part of the nearly four-hour ceremony, which was the jackpot announcement, which was fittingly titled “El Gordo.” The thrill peaked as the fortunate ones found out their fate, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of this ancient custom.
Spain’s Christmas Lottery: The Richest Lottery in country
Even while some lotteries have bigger top prizes than others, El Gordo, a yearly event that takes place on December 22, is the world’s richest lottery when it comes to the total amount of money up for grabs.
Ticket purchases and summertime memories
The first tickets went on sale in July, marking the start of the voyage to El Gordo riches. An additional sentimental element was added to this cherished Spanish custom as many participants seized the chance to obtain a “decimo” in the coastal towns or resorts where they spent their summer vacations.
El Gordo keeps weaving tales of good fortune, camaraderie, and joyous celebration into the hearts of millions of people even as the echoes of the festivities resound throughout the country.
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