In pictures: Spain's El Gordo win

1 of 7 Spain's El Gordo lottery pays out more than any other in the world - this year's prize money totalled 1.8 billion euros

2 of 7 The winning numbers were sung by children in an El Gordo tradition, during a three-hour televised ceremony

3 of 7 For the lucky ticket-holders, Christmas celebrations started early across Spain

4 of 7 In Valencia, the bar where several winning tickets were sold erupted into celebrations which spilled onto the pavement

5 of 7 The bar's owner, Ximo Sanchis, was lifted aloft by delighted customers...

6 of 7 ...before one delighted winner, clutching his lucky ticket, hugged and kissed him

7 of 7 The annual Christmas excitment of El Gordo appeals across the generations, as millions wait to see if they have won