Just a few days before the highly anticipated Christmas Lottery draw, the atmosphere in Madrid is starting to fill with excitement and hope. One of the most emblematic places where hope comes alive is the iconic lottery administration Doña Manolita. With more than 120 years in the heart of the Spanish capital, this establishment has witnessed countless stories of fortune and joy.
Doña Manolita opened its doors in 1904 on San Bernardo Street and, after a stint on Gran Vía, has been located on Carmen Street since 2011. Its history is filled with anecdotes, such as the trip to Zaragoza, where, as Bosco Castillejo, Marketing and E-commerce Manager, tells it, the tickets were passed under the mantle of the Virgin of Pilar, which began its legend as a distributor of big prizes.
The Christmas draw is a central event for Doña Manolita. On December 22, the scene is filled with excitement and nervousness, both for the establishment’s workers and for the Madrileños and tourists who gather in the hopes of purchasing the ticket that will change their lives. Since July, tickets have been selling non-stop, and that day culminates the campaign in a spectacular way.
Over the years, Doña Manolita has managed to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity. Despite the significant increase in online sales, allowing people from all over Spain to comfortably purchase their tickets, the tradition of lining up on Carmen Street remains irreplaceable. Bosco mentions that on days with high attendance, the lines can reach Gran Vía, but thanks to an efficient logistics system, the process is quick.
One of the most beloved customs is the delivery of tickets upside down in a special little wallet, as well as passing the tickets over a commemorative bronze marking the administration’s centennial. These rituals are not mere formalities; they nurture the magic and excitement that surround Doña Manolita every December.
More than just a lottery administration, Doña Manolita has become a true symbol of Madrid. A place where residents and visitors feel united by the shared longing for luck and Christmas optimism. With more than 80 big prizes under its belt, the administration continues to be synonymous with fortune and hope. Bosco invites everyone to come together on December 22 to share the excitement of the draw, reminding that, at Doña Manolita, luck is always present.
via: MiMub in Spanish
