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El Niño instead of El Gordo: More small winners, more good cheer in Mallorca

El Niño in Mallorca: the January lottery tradition

A simple guide to El Niño, Spain’s January lottery draw, and why it remains popular in Mallorca.

Published: April 22, 2026
El Niño instead of El Gordo: More small winners, more good cheer in Mallorca

Answer

What is El Niño in Spain, and why do people in Mallorca still play it after Christmas?

El Niño is the Spanish January lottery draw held on 6 January, the Day of the Epiphany. In Mallorca, many people see it as a quieter second chance after the Christmas lottery, with a better chance of smaller prizes rather than a life-changing jackpot. That makes it feel less like a gamble and more like a traditional start to the new year.

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