Coffee Break Spanish 'El Gordo de Navidad': the Spanish Lottery | A Coffee Break with Anabel
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Dec 18, 2025 Anabel dives into the heartwarming tradition of El Gordo de Navidad, Spain's famous Christmas lottery. Discover the iconic Doña Manolita, a legendary seller of lottery tickets. Learn about the emotional TV commercials that accompany the lottery draw on December 22, highlighted by the charming voices of children from San Ildefonso. Explore how Spaniards eagerly participate in this festive event and the cultural significance behind the terms 'El Gordo' and 'tocar el gordo.' It's a delightful mix of language and culture just in time for the holidays!
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Doña Manolita Family Visit
- Annabelle Lee recounts her family planning to go to Doña Manolita to buy Christmas lottery décimos.
- She explains Doña Manolita is famous for selling many winning tickets and inspired this episode.
Host Avoids Buying Tickets
- Annabelle Lee shares she never buys lottery décimos because she doesn't like gambling.
- She contrasts her view with most Spaniards, who do participate in the Christmas Lottery tradition.
Winners Are 'Sung' By Schoolchildren
- Annabelle Lee explains the Christmas Lottery winners are sung by the children of San Ildefonso.
- The verb cantar is used because the children literally sing the winning numbers during the draw.