Spaniards queue to buy ticket for world's richest lottery, El Gordo

Spaniards are taking advantage of unseasonably warm weather and a “day of reflection” break in political campaigning ahead of a general election to buy tickets for the world’s richest lottery.

Long queues formed at shops on Saturday as people hoped to buy a winning share in Spain’s Christmas lottery, known as El Gordo (the Fat One), which will hand out €2.24bn.

It is estimated that three-quarters of Spain’s 46 million people will take part in the draw on Tuesday.

The Yuletide tradition dates to 1812. The draw is broadcast nationally, gluing hope-filled Spaniards to radio and TV sets for hours as winning numbers are called out.

Unlike lotteries offering one large jackpot, El Gordo keeps the top prize at €400,000, enabling thousands of ticket-holders to be winners.