Every December, Teatro Real in Madrid puts aside classical opera for a day and becomes the epicenter of popular celebration. From early morning, hundreds gather here to be part of the most anticipated winter event—the Christmas lottery draw. By nine o’clock, the auditorium is packed: some dressed as bishops, others as superheroes, or even as lottery tickets. Faces show the fatigue of a cold night, but eyes shine with anticipation. Many spend more than a day in line to secure the best seats and not miss a moment of this festival of hope.
There’s a unique atmosphere in the hall: colorful wigs, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, even golden chains—everyone tries to stand out. Among the regulars is Juan Lopez, who for fourteen years in a row has come dressed as a maroon bishop. Along with his friend dressed as the Pope, they take turns in line so they don’t miss a single moment. For them, the main thing isn’t just the chance to win, but the opportunity to meet like-minded people, swap jokes, and support each other while waiting for a miracle.
The Costume Festival
On this day, the Teatro Real transforms into a true stage for street theater. Here, you might run into anyone—from Goku with a massive chain to classic Madrid chulapos, and even people dressed as pigs or prisoners. Every year brings new characters, while journalists wander around looking for the most colorful personalities to interview. Security keeps a close watch, but never interferes with the fun—the main rule is that nothing interrupts the course of the drawing.
Special attention is drawn to the children from the San Ildefonso school, who perform the traditional lottery song, announcing the numbers and prize amounts. Their voices, echoing in the buzzing hall, create a unique atmosphere. Many audience members, exhausted after spending the night outside, hum along or even drift off to sleep during the monotonous recital of numbers, but every time a major prize is drawn, the hall erupts in applause and cheers of joy.
The hope for luck
Among those trying their luck for the first time was Kike, a Madrid resident with Peruvian roots. This year, he chose to dress as Goku, but admits the gold chain is just a prop. Even after a night spent in the cold, he remains optimistic and is already making plans in case he wins: to invest in housing. For many lottery participants, this is more than just entertainment—it’s a real chance to change their lives.
The hall is also home to true veterans of the drawing. For example, José Toro, who appears every year in a new Don Quixote costume. This time, he was ‘Don Quixote Man’—a superhero ready to take on mortgages and life’s challenges. Together with his friends, all doctors from Murcia, he comes to make sure he never misses a single draw. For them, participating isn’t just about the thrill: it’s a way to support one another, take a break from everyday worries, and feel part of a grand celebration.
Moments of triumph
When another prize is announced, the hall erupts into excitement. Journalists rush to the winners, eager to be the first to get the scoop. Sometimes the joy is premature—not every prize is real—but that doesn’t dampen the overall mood. A standout moment is when a man from Zaragoza wins the fifth prize with a ticket bought in Alcañiz. Instantly, he’s surrounded by microphones and cameras as the hall applauds the new hero of the day.
The climax comes when the children of San Ildefonso announce the grand prize—’El Gordo.’ This year, luck passed by the Teatro Real, but no one is disappointed: for most, it’s not about winning, but being part of this unique event. Everyone leaves with memories, photos, and the hope to return next year—to try their luck again and relive the joy of this collective celebration.
