La Tomatina: The World’s Biggest Food Fight in Spain

Held on the last Wednesday of August, this festival is an explosion of fun, color, and excitement. With its origins dating back to the 1940s, La Tomatina has evolved into an internationally recognized event, attracting visitors from across the globe.

The History of La Tomatina

The origins of La Tomatina remain somewhat mysterious, but the most popular story dates back to 1945, when a group of young people started a food fight in the town square during a parade. The following year, they repeated the event, and despite early bans, the tradition continued to grow. In 1957, La Tomatina was officially recognized as a festival, and today, it is one of Spain’s most popular events.

What Happens at La Tomatina?

1. The Morning Festivities

The festival begins early in the morning, as thousands of participants gather in the Plaza del Pueblo. The atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and excitement as people prepare for the tomato battle. Before the fight begins, there is a fun tradition called El Palo Jabón, where people attempt to climb a greased wooden pole to grab a ham at the top.

2. The Tomato Fight Begins

At 11:00 AM, a cannon signals the start of the battle, and trucks carrying over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes enter the town square. Within minutes, the streets are transformed into a sea of red as participants throw, squish, and splash tomatoes at each other. The fight lasts for exactly one hour, after which another cannon signals the end.

3. The Aftermath and Cleanup

Once the battle is over, the streets of Buñol are covered in tomato pulp. Fire trucks spray water to wash down the town, and many participants head to the Buñol River to clean off. The city is surprisingly spotless by the afternoon, as the acidity in tomatoes acts as a natural disinfectant.

Tips for Attending La Tomatina

1. Wear Old Clothes:
Everything you wear will get covered in tomatoes, so don’t bring anything valuable. Many people wear white shirts to embrace the colorful mess.

2. Protect Your Eyes and Ears:
Wear swimming goggles to avoid tomato juice getting into your eyes, and consider using earplugs to prevent pulp from getting inside your ears.

3. Follow the Rules:

• Only throw squashed tomatoes to avoid injuries.
• Don’t tear other participants’ clothes.
• Stop throwing tomatoes when the second cannon sounds.

4. Arrive Early:
Buñol is a small town, and the festival attracts thousands of visitors, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.

5. Bring a Waterproof Bag:
If you need to carry essentials like your phone or money, use a waterproof pouch to keep them safe.

Other Activities in Buñol

If you’re visiting for La Tomatina, consider exploring other attractions in the region:

• Valencia: Just 40 km away, Valencia is famous for its City of Arts and Sciences, golden beaches, and authentic paella.
• Buñol Castle: A medieval fortress offering stunning views of the town.
• Horchata Tasting: Try horchata, a refreshing local drink made from tiger nuts.