Surprising Facts and Trivia About Spain's Christmas Lottery
A Lottery With More Than 200 Years of History
Quick answer: The Spanish Christmas Lottery has been held since 18 December 1812, making it one of the oldest draws in the world. Its numbers are sung by the children of the San Ildefonso school, the big drum holds 100,000 boxwood balls weighing 3 grams each, and in total about 1 in 6.5 tenths wins some prize.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
Spain's National Lottery is one of the oldest continuously running lotteries in the world, with its first draw held on March 4, 1812. The first specifically Christmas-themed draw dates back to December 18, 1812, held in Cadiz. Since then, the Christmas Lottery has become an unmissable date on the Spanish calendar, with more than two centuries of unbroken tradition.
The Children of San Ildefonso: The Voice of the Draw
The winning numbers and prizes are sung out by students from Madrid's San Ildefonso school, a tradition that's inseparable from the Christmas Lottery. For many years, only boys took part in this role; it wasn't until 1984 that Monica Rodriguez became the first girl to sing out a prize, which turned out to be that year's top prize.
Why Is It Called “El Gordo”?
Although it's almost always associated with the Christmas Lottery, the term “El Gordo”, literally “the fat one”, simply refers to the top prize of any National Lottery draw, and isn't exclusive to the Christmas draw: other draws, such as El Nino, also award their own Gordo. The name comes from the word's literal meaning: the “biggest” prize of all.
The Drums and Balls: Engineering in the Service of Luck
The draw is held using two drums made from a fusion of brass and bronze: the large drum, standing 2.64 meters tall, holds 100,000 numbered balls, while the prize drum, at 1.60 meters, holds 1,807 balls representing that year's prizes. The balls are made of boxwood, weigh 3 grams and measure 18 millimeters in diameter, ensuring every ball has an equal chance during the draw. Both drums are kept under close guard in an underground chamber at Madrid's Teatro Real for several days before the draw.
Surprising Facts and Anecdotes From the Draw
The history of the Christmas Lottery is full of curious stories. For example, it is common for the top prize to be sold entirely in small towns: in 2011, the whole of the top prize was sold in Granen (Huesca), a town of barely 2,000 residents.
Fun Facts in Numbers
- The first National Lottery draw was held in 1812.
- The large drum holds 100,000 numbered boxwood balls.
- Each ball weighs 3 grams and measures 18 millimeters in diameter.
- Until 1984, only boys sang the numbers; that year the first girl took part.
- The odds of winning some prize in the Christmas Lottery are roughly 1 in 6.5.
- The term “El Gordo” isn't exclusive to the Christmas Lottery: it's used across all National Lottery draws.
Frequently asked questions
Since when has the Spanish Christmas Lottery existed?
The first Christmas draw took place on 18 December 1812, in Cádiz, the same year the National Lottery was created.
Who sings the Christmas Lottery numbers?
The pupils of the San Ildefonso school in Madrid. Until 1984 only boys did it; that year a girl sang for the first time.
How many balls are in the Christmas Lottery drum?
The big drum holds 100,000 numbered balls, from 00000 to 99999, made of boxwood, weighing 3 grams and measuring 18 millimetres across.
What are the chances of winning something in the Christmas Lottery?
About 1 in 6.5 tenths wins a prize, including the refund. The odds of El Gordo are 1 in 100,000.
Why is the first prize called El Gordo?
Because it is the biggest prize in the draw. The term is used for the first prize of any National Lottery draw, not just the Christmas one.
