Throughout recent history Spain has commanded a remarkable status not only in the spread of its language around the world but also its culture. In modern times this has been represented by the influence of General Franco, an incredible story, depicted so wonderfully in Ernest Hemmingway’s “Homage to Catalonia”. So where does the El Gordo lottery fit in to this rich tapestry and social fabric? Well, in the truest sense of all things Spanish and as distinctive as Paella, Tapas, Matadors, it certainly fulfils a particular and charismatic role.