Lorraine Williamson
The Lotería de Navidad is one of Spain’s most enduring traditions, taking place every year on December 22. Families, friends, and colleagues gather to share the thrill of El Gordo, Spain’s largest lottery prize. But even if you don’t win the jackpot, the draw offers numerous other prizes.
For those living outside Spain, participating may seem complex. However, joining this cultural phenomenon from abroad is easier than you might think.
Can you join the Lotería de Navidad from abroad?
Yes, even if you reside outside Spain, you can still participate. Many tourists visiting Spain purchase Lotería de Navidad tickets as souvenirs. In regions with large foreign populations—like Catalonia, Andalucia, and the Valencian Community—ticket sales among non-Spaniards are notably higher.
Borja Muñiz Urteaga, president of the National Association of Provincial Associations of Lottery Administrators (ANAPAL), explains that curiosity about Spanish culture, fascination with the event, and the chance to win are key motivations for foreigners.
How to buy tickets outside Spain
Thanks to the rise of online platforms, purchasing Lotería de Navidad tickets from abroad has become more accessible. To participate, you must meet two conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside in a country where gambling is not prohibited. Countries like China, the United States, Brazil, and Russia restrict participation in foreign lotteries. In such cases, only state lotteries are permitted.
For the nearly three million Spaniards living abroad, buying tickets remains a way to stay connected to home. “The tradition is deeply rooted across generations,” says Muñiz Urteaga. Sending lottery tickets as gifts is also a common practice, strengthening family and cultural ties despite physical distance.
What happens if you win?
Winning a prize in the Lotería de Navidad involves specific steps to claim it, depending on how you purchased the ticket.
- Physical ticket purchases: If you bought your ticket at a sales point in Spain, you’ll need to collect your winnings in person. For prizes exceeding €2,000, you must visit a bank authorised by the Spanish State Lottery (SELAE). Smaller prizes can be collected at any official lottery office.
- Online ticket purchases: For tickets bought online, prizes are typically transferred directly to your bank account. Identification is required to verify ownership of the winning ticket.
Keep in mind that prizes over €40,000 are subject to a 20% tax, regardless of whether you are a Spanish citizen or a foreigner.
A cultural tradition beyond the jackpot
The Lotería de Navidad is more than just a lottery; it’s a cornerstone of Spanish culture. Over the years, it has evolved into a social and cultural event. Emotional advertising campaigns and the communal excitement surrounding the draw highlight its significance as a symbol of hope and togetherness.
Even during economic downturns, the lottery has maintained its role as a source of collective optimism. “The sense of belonging it fosters is key,” says Muñiz Urteaga.
A shared experience for locals and visitors alike
Giacomo Baratto, an Italian living in Spain for 25 years, describes the Lotería de Navidad as a shared ritual. “Every December 22, I watch the event while enjoying a quiet breakfast,” he says. Unlike Italy’s Epiphany lottery, which has fewer prizes and a smaller fanfare, the Spanish lottery emphasises community and the joy of shared experiences.
Foreign participants often see the Lotería de Navidad as an opportunity to embrace Spanish culture. “It’s not just about winning,” Baratto adds. “It’s about the shared excitement and the chance to give or receive a ticket as a meaningful gift.”
The Lotería de Navidad continues to unite people across Spain and beyond. Whether you’re participating to win or simply to be part of the tradition, this cultural phenomenon offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season.
Also read: El Gordo de Navidad 2024: Spain´s Christmas lottery explained