In anticipation of their date, the Three Wise Men of La Cañada have brought gold this year to the Alicante region of Alt Vinalopó. The association linked to the sacramental auto that, since the 18th century, has reproduced scenes from the story of the Magi who arrived in Bethlehem, has distributed a good amount of the tenths of the third prize of the Christmas Lottery sold in the only administration of the nearby town of Biar: 'The Muhammad'.
In total, José Joaquín Rico, the veteran lottery player from the small town of 3,700 inhabitants, has distributed 1,850 tenths that add up to the not inconsiderable figure of 92.5 million euros. The La Cañada association has been subscribed to this 31938 for more than 30 years, of which it has distributed a total of 500 tenths, about 25 million euros, among members and supporters.
"The association does what I do, spread enthusiasm," said the lottery winner: "I distribute the lottery and they work for a whole year to create that illusion with all the children on January 6." La Cañada barely has 1,200 inhabitants, so "the whole town will lead to that number."
The local group of the Popular Party, which governs the municipality with six of the eleven councillors, is also faithful to the number. Although, as stated by the Councilor for the Treasury, José Luis Valdés, the 200 tenths have gone to numerous neighbors who do not necessarily belong to their formation, since it is customary for civic and festive associations to acquire or exchange lottery tickets. Of course, the mayor has congratulated himself on the prosperity that this unexpected gift has brought to the town.
Although not only in him, because as the owner of the lottery administration has said, some pinches no less than this 31,938 have traveled in and out of the province of Alicante. Specifically, they traveled 60 tenths to the beautiful Malaga town of Ronda. They do it every year, because the local Madrid fan club is also subscribed.
Closer, in the city of Alicante, a long-established bar in the Alicante neighborhood of San Blas, El Castell, acquires another 200 tenths every year that it sells to its large clientele. Its owner assured that the prize is widely distributed among dozens of workers who are regulars at his breakfasts, lunches and daily menus. Mostly workers, some civil servants and even journalists, since the bar is close to the headquarters of the newspaper Información.
Another menu bar, Pico Esquina in Cartagena, has also made its regular customers happy thanks to the 90 tickets purchased at 'La Mahoma' in Biar. It is called that, just in case, because the Muhammad is a doll characterized in a Muslim style that has represented the Moorish side for centuries in the Moors and Christians Festivals in certain towns in Alicante, such as Villena or Biar itself.
