The annual Spanish Christmas Lottery, known as "El Gordo," has once again spread joy across the country, distributing a total of €2.7 billion in prizes.

This year, the winning number 72480 brought €400,000 per ticket to lucky holders, with the grand prize largely sold in Logroño and Madrid.

Communities affected by October's devastating floods in Valencia also celebrated wins, with many seeing the lottery as a symbol of hope and recovery.

In Paiporta, a town hit hard by the floods, a local lottery shop sold tickets for both fourth and fifth prizes, lifting spirits in the area.

Meanwhile, a basketball club in Madrid's San Blas neighborhood shared their winnings among families and players, bringing much-needed relief to one of the city's working-class areas.

The tradition, dating back to 1812, continues to unite Spaniards in a shared moment of excitement and optimism.