Spain’s iconic Christmas lottery, El Gordo, distributed a massive €2.77 billion in prize money on Monday, spreading cheer across the country and offering particular relief to residents of León province, which was badly affected by wildfires earlier this year. Many winners of the top prize were based in the region, prompting emotional reactions from locals who described the windfall as a rare moment of hope after months of hardship.

The state-run draw, whose prize pot increased from last year’s €2.70 billion, was held at Madrid’s Teatro Real and broadcast nationwide. In keeping with a tradition that dates back more than two centuries, pupils from the San Ildefonso school sang out the winning numbers while drawing them from two revolving globes, officially ushering in Spain’s festive season. Large crowds gathered at the venue, many wearing Santa hats, traditional outfits and carrying lucky charms.

The ceremony was briefly disrupted when a small group of protesters voiced pro-Palestinian slogans inside the theatre, but the draw soon continued as planned. In the weeks leading up to El Gordo, lottery excitement grips Spain, with families, friends and colleagues pooling money to buy tickets together. On average, Spaniards spend about €66.6 on tickets, with the popular €20 “decimo” offering holders a chance to win a share of the world’s largest lottery payout.

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