The Unique Christmas Lottery of December 22, 1938
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) left an indelible mark on almost every aspect of life in Spain, including its traditions. One of the most surprising manifestations of this turmoil was the Christmas Lottery, known as “El Gordo.” On December 22, 1938, a rare event occurred: two separate El Gordo draws took place, separated by an astonishing 500 kilometers. This event stands as a testament to the division that plagued the country during its most turbulent times.
Two Christmas Lotteries?
The Christmas Lottery in Spain traces its origins back to 1812, with its modern incarnation gaining popularity around 1892. However, the draw of 1938 was unlike any other, organized in the midst of a deeply fractured nation. Spain was effectively divided into two factions: the Republicans, who organized the draw in Barcelona, and the Nationalists, who presided over the draw in Burgos.
When and Where Did the Draws Occur?
Both draws occurred on the same fateful Thursday, December 22, 1938. The Burgos draw took place under Nationalist control, while the Republican lottery was hosted in the Café Lyon d’Or, situated on the bustling Rambla in Barcelona. The sheer distance between the two draws highlighted the stark geographical and ideological divides within Spain.
The Winning Numbers
On that historic day, the winning numbers drawn were significantly different. The Burgos lottery yielded the number 36,758, which brought fortune to residents of Málaga in Andalusia. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, the victors celebrated number 22,655, sold locally. This contrast not only illustrates the division but also emphasizes how two draws could occur simultaneously yet yield such divergent results.
Why Were There Two Draws?
The existence of two draws stemmed from the ongoing civil war, symbolizing the two factions battling for control over Spain. The Nationalist draw aimed to reinforce their cultural narrative, while the Republican draw sought to continue a beloved Christmas tradition under perilous circumstances. Ironically, both draws aimed to appropriate the essence of Christmas spirit while raising funds for their respective causes.
The history of the Christmas Lottery itself dates back to a time of crisis; initially created to finance war efforts against the French in 1812, it sought to alleviate the financial strains of conflict—a characteristic mirrored in its dual draws of 1938.
The Impact of War on the Lottery
The Civil War shifted the location of the lottery draws from Madrid to Valencia and then to Barcelona, reflecting the political instability of the period. The lottery not only served as a financial tool but also bore symbolic weight, showing how both sides sought legitimacy through established traditions. The winners of this draw were affected by the war, as the socioeconomic policies during this time shaped the immediate aftermath of both draws.
A Special Chapter in History
The Christmas Lottery’s dual draws in 1938 represent one of the most extraordinary chapters in its history. While it may not be the only instance of unusual lottery activities—there were also cases of equal first prizes in earlier years—this event profoundly illustrates how deeply intertwined culture and conflict can be.
Every year since, the Christmas Lottery continues to evoke sentiments of hope and joy. Yet the backdrop of the Civil War reminds us that even tradition can serve as a reflection of a nation’s struggles and divisions.
Curiosities of El Gordo
Interestingly, certain numbers have proven to be fortunate on multiple occasions. For instance, 15,640 won in both 1956 and 1978, while 20,297 was a winner in 1903 and again in 2006. In contrast, some endings remain consistently unfortunate—highlighting the lottery’s enigmatic nature.
Conclusion
The story of the December 22, 1938 Christmas Lottery serves as both a celebration of tradition and a reminder of the scars of civil division. It evokes curiosity and reflection on how cultural symbols can be appropriated in times of conflict, revealing the resilience of a nation’s spirit, even amid profound turmoil.