History of the Sorteo de Navidad (Spain’s Christmas Lottery)

December 21, 2021 00:19:12
History of the Sorteo de Navidad (Spain’s Christmas Lottery)
Brian's Spain Domain
History of the Sorteo de Navidad (Spain’s Christmas Lottery)

Dec 21 2021 | 00:19:12

/

Show Notes

Every December 22, much of Spain braces itself for a 3-hour televised event that few people in the the world would associate with this festive season: a chance to make their Yuletide just a little bit cheerier by winning the annual Christmas lottery. This is a tradition that goes back over 200 years, believe it or not, and it is estimated that over 75% of the adult population in Spain plays; and with a total payout of 2.4 billion euros, many consider it the largest in the world. More than a celebration of gambling, it’s a deeply-rooted custom that not even the Spanish Civil War could stop. Learn more about its history in this week’s podcast. Enjoy!

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, check us out at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

Other Episodes

Episode 0

January 02, 2023 00:24:05
Episode Cover

Spanish History 101, Ep. 21: The 13th Century

If you thought the situation in Spain would getter any easier to follow, think again!!! It continues to to be murky as we are...

Listen

Episode

May 29, 2024 00:22:05
Episode Cover

Gazpacho

This is one of Spain’s quintessential summertime dishes. Refreshing and restorative, it’s the perfect answer to those draining hot estival days. Its evolution has...

Listen

Episode

September 29, 2025 00:14:05
Episode Cover

Talking Spain: The ITV car inspection

A common annual event that many motor vehicle owners have to endure is the ITV car inspection test. It’s 20 gruelling minutes of thoroughly...

Listen