Spaniards line up for El Gordo (the Fat One), a $2.43B lottery

MADRID – 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 lines formed 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 2.24 billion euros ($2.43 billion).

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It’s estimated that three-quarters of Spain’s 46 million people will take part in Tuesday’s lottery.

The Yuletide tradition dates to 1812. The drawing 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 euros ($435,000), enabling thousands of ticket-holders to be winners.