The El Gordo Lottery in Spain
In Spain many people enjoy the exciting El Gordo lottery. This is known as the best lottery in Spain. The literal translation of El Gordo is Fat one. The payouts for the El Gordo are indeed fat. The prizes can reach millions frequently. This lottery in Spain has even captivated many people all over the world because of the huge prizes usually given to winners.
There are basically two types of tickets that you can buy for this Spanish lottery. The type that is more popular is called Sorteo de Nativitad. The draw for this lottery is done a few days prior to Christmas Day. It usually happens three days before Christmas Day. The name it is known for has always been El Gordo and it is also because it is considered as the game with the biggest prize. It also offers the best thrill for many citizens there.
The second major lottery is known as El Gordo de la Primitiva. The result for this type of lottery is drawn every Sunday offering many cash prizes. The Spanish citizens like supporting their lotteries and they can purchase tickets in twelve thousand sites all over Spain which includes the islands.
The lotteries are all operated by the Spanish government under the Loterias Y Apuestas Del Estado. They make sure that all the rules are followed. According to history some villages in Spain have more lucky winners than other places. One famous town known for having many millionaires from El Gordo is Sort. The name of the town actually means luck and true to its name there have been many El Gordo winners there. Today this is one of the top places where people like buying their tickets. The major draw happens each year and it usually last for three hours. There is actually a choir composed of children from a famous school in Madrid who sings the numbers. They also sing the amount of the cash prize.
The numbers are taken out from one big golden drum. The setting takes place in the Grand Salon inside the National lottery Department of Spain. The choir states the word Gordo while waiting for the numbers. Everyone waits with some degree of impatience for all the results. The payouts often reach two billion Euros. The entire event is full of pageantry which happens on an evening. This lottery actually started two hundred years ago.
Imagine being the grand prize winner in such a huge lottery in Spain. You can share your prize with your loved ones and some friends as well during Christmas. The El Gordo in Spain reflects the passion and the optimistic attitude of the Spanish people.