El Gordo 2024: Discover the Secrets of Spain’s Biggest Draw!


Every December 22, Spain hosts one of the world’s most famous and oldest lotteries, the El Gordo (Spanish for “The Fat One”). It's a national tradition, eagerly anticipated by millions, and known for its massive prize pool. Here's a deeper dive into what makes El Gordo so special, along with some fun facts that highlight its unique place in Spanish culture.


The Annual El Gordo Spanish Raffle: Five Fun Facts


1. A Tradition Dating Back Over Two Centuries
El Gordo began in 1812, making it one of the oldest lotteries in the world. Its origin is deeply rooted in Spanish history, with the first draw taking place in Cádiz, a port city in southwestern Spain, to help raise funds for the Spanish government during the Napoleonic Wars.

2. A Staggering Prize Pool
What sets El Gordo apart is its impressive prize pool. For 2024, the total amount up for grabs is expected to surpass €2.7 BILLION. While the top prize, "El Gordo," awards a substantial amount, the lottery is designed to spread the wealth, with over 15,000 prizes drawn. This inclusive approach ensures that many participants end up winning something, making the draw even more exciting.

3. The Longest Drawing Process
The El Gordo draw is a spectacle in itself. It takes several hours to complete, as each winning number is drawn by hand from two large spherical drums. One drum contains small wooden balls with the ticket numbers, while the other holds the corresponding prizes. The entire process is broadcast on national television and radio, turning it into a significant media event watched by millions.

4. Children of San Ildefonso
One of the most charming traditions of El Gordo involves school children from the San Ildefonso school in Madrid. These children, who are between the ages of 8 and 14, are responsible for singing out the numbers and corresponding prizes. This tradition dates back to the 18th century and adds a unique and endearing element to the draw.

5. The Odds Are in Your Favor
Unlike many lotteries that offer staggering odds against winning, El Gordo is designed to give participants a higher chance of winning. The odds of winning a prize are approximately 1 in 7, making it one of the most generous lotteries in the world. This inclusivity contributes to its popularity, as it’s common for families, friends, and even entire towns to purchase shares of tickets together.


Things you need to know for the upcoming 2024 Draw:

As the 2024 draw approaches, excitement builds throughout Spain and beyond. Tickets for El Gordo are sold as billetes (full tickets) and décimos (tenths of a ticket), allowing people to buy a share of a ticket if the full price is too steep.

The drawing will start on the morning of December 22, with the entire nation tuning in to see if their numbers will be among the lucky ones. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, El Gordo promises to deliver the thrill and anticipation that have kept this tradition alive for more than 200 years.

Join the fun and immerse yourself in one of Spain’s most beloved traditions. Who knows? December 22 could be your lucky day!

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