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

May 03, 2023 00:08:25
Episode Cover

Spanish Sayings In Danger

With the increasing effects of climate change looming, and a deep drought continuing to drain Spain of its water supply, classic Spanish sayings and...

Listen

Episode

June 12, 2025 00:09:25
Episode Cover

The World’s Oldest Known Fingerprint?

This just may be the one. 43,000 years old, no less. And found in a faraway natural cave outside the historic city of Segovia....

Listen

Episode

February 01, 2026 00:13:10
Episode Cover

How was King Jaime I conceived?

Well, we can agree that his parents had somethng to do with it, but if a popular legend is to be believed, and there...

Listen