Since 2012, the Teatro Real opera house has played host to one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Spain: the special Christmas Lottery . On the morning of 22 December, those who’ve bought their lottery tickets (that is to say, most Spaniards, for almost every family, group of friends or workplace in the country buys at least one) harbour hopes of winning the big El Gordo prize and making all their dreams come true.
The Christmas Lottery began in the 19th century, when the Cortes of Cádiz was in session (1812). In those days, the authorities thought it would be a good idea to add money to the public treasury without collecting new taxes. The name of the draw (Sorteo de Navidad , in Spanish) was made official in 1892.
Since 18 December 1812, the Christmas Lottery draw has followed the exact same procedures each year. Pupils of the San Ildefonso school call out the winning numbers and corresponding prizes, delivering the results in song to the public. In the early days of the lottery, the numbers and prizes were printed on paper. Today, two round lottery drums containing small wooden balls are used.
For over 40 years, the draw took place in the Lotería Nacional hall on Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, here in Madrid. In 2010 and 2011, it was held at Palacio de Congresos. Finally, in 2012, it moved to Teatro Real. This year, the lottery will give out 2,590 million euro in cash prizes.
Visitors can attend the event at the theatre for free. The theatre opens at 8am and gets filled on a first-come, first-served basis, until all seats (600) are taken.
The draw at the opera house is a real spectacle altogether! Visitors can attend the exciting event for free . Doors opens at 8am and it's first-come, first-served, so be sure to set your alarm on the 22nd!
In the meantime, check out this year's Christmas Lottery ad:
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