For several months now, a special atmosphere has filled the halls of the San Ildefonso boarding school in Madrid. Here, 28 boys and girls ages 10 to 14 have been preparing since the fall for one of the most anticipated events of the year—the Christmas lottery draw. Each of them dreams of stepping onto the Teatro Real stage on December 22 and delivering their part flawlessly.
They rehearse several times a week. The children not only learn to pronounce and sing the numbers correctly but also to work in pairs and synchronize with each other, so everything looks coordinated and professional. For many, this isn’t their first experience: some are seasoned participants who have been on stage before, while others are newcomers, facing everything for the first time.
First Impressions
Twelve-year-old Ángel is performing in the lottery for the fourth time. He admits he still feels nervous every time, but says it only gets more interesting each year. In his view, the key is not to be afraid of making mistakes and to enjoy the experience. Once, he had the honor of announcing the top prize—“El Gordo”—and he says he’ll remember that moment for the rest of his life.
Ten-year-old Aurora is preparing for her second performance. She shares that last year she was very nervous, but now she knows how to cope: if you get mixed up with a number, just pause, take a deep breath, and try again. Once, she even dropped a lottery ball, but she didn’t panic and calmly continued singing as if nothing had happened.
Behind the Scenes: How They Prepare
Teachers and educators play a key role in preparing the children. They not only teach them how to sing and pronounce the numbers correctly, but also help them manage their emotions. According to one of the educators, Arancha Martínez, the hardest part is learning to keep the rhythm and not lose track, as the whole process can’t take more than 20 minutes. In addition, children are taught to maintain good posture and take care of their voices so they don’t strain them at the most important moment.
This year’s participants include 16 girls and 12 boys, many of whom come from different countries and cultures. All of them went through a special selection process: teachers first checked how each voice sounded, and then paired them up for the performance. Those who don’t sing help pick out the balls with numbers and prizes.
Nerves and support
On the eve of the draw, the children are especially anxious. Many admit to sleeping poorly the night before the event, since they will be watched not only by the audience in the hall, but also by millions of people around the country. It’s important for them not just to sing well, but also not to let their friends and teachers down.
The educators try to reassure the children, explaining that mistakes are normal and that the most important thing is not to lose composure. If they don’t get to sing a big prize, there’s no need to get upset. The main thing is to be part of this unique event and to enjoy taking part.
Traditions and new faces
Every year, new participants arrive in San Ildefonso, eager to try their luck in the lottery. For many, it’s a real challenge—not only must they learn the script, they also have to work as a team, listen to their partners, and react quickly to any unexpected situation.
Rehearsals are conducted in the form of games so the children don’t get tired or lose interest. Teachers invent a variety of exercises to develop memory, hearing, and a sense of rhythm. Special attention is paid to making sure every child feels confident and knows they will be supported no matter what happens.
If you didn’t know, the San Ildefonso boarding school is Madrid’s oldest educational institution, founded back in the 16th century. Its students traditionally announce the numbers and prizes of the Christmas lottery—a tradition that has become one of Spain’s most recognizable. Over the years, hundreds of children have taken the stage, making it a significant part of their lives. Many fondly remember their participation and take pride in being part of this unique story.
