You have heard of a food fight, right? Well, imagine that on a massive scale with thousands of people pelting each other with overripe tomatoes. Madness? Maybe. But it is all part of Spain’s world-famous La Tomatina festival. For one day each year, the usually quiet town of Buñol transforms into a raucous tomato battleground. Do not wear your Sunday best – you will be covered head to toe in tomato juice before you know it! Fancy joining in the mayhem? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to survive this riotous Spanish fiesta. From the history of La Tomatina to top tips for dodging tomatoes, we have got the lowdown on how to make the most of this wacky tomato free-for-all!
What Is La Tomatina Festival?
La Tomatina is Spain’s famous tomato fight festival held annually in the town of Buñol. Every August, thousands of people flock to this little Valencian town to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes.
The Origins
The origins of this eccentric fiesta are unclear but legend has it that it began in 1945 when an argument between two villagers at a tomato stall escalated into an epic tomato fight. The following year, they decided to repeat it and it soon became an annual tradition drawing larger crowds each summer.
The Festivities
Today, La Tomatina attracts over 20,000 revellers for an hour of tomato-throwing madness. The main event takes place in the town square where trucks haul in a whopping 125,000 kilogrammes of tomatoes for the awaiting crowds. At the sound of a cannon, the tomato fight begins! People squash the tomatoes in their hands and throw them at anyone in sight. Within minutes, the town square becomes a sea of red mush and pulp.
After an hour of frenzied tomato throwing, the cannons sound again marking the end of the fight. Fire trucks then spray down the streets and participants use hoses to rinse off. The remainder of the day is spent partying, dancing, and drinking. La Tomatina is messy, wacky fun that attracts thrill-seekers looking to let loose and embrace their inner child. If you want an unforgettable Spanish experience, head to Buñol next August and prepare to get pelted with tomatoes!
The History and Origins of La Tomatina
La Tomatina originated in 1945 in the town of Buñol, Valencia. The earliest known tomato battle took place during a parade in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows. A few young people disagreed and started throwing tomatoes at each other. The following year, they decided to repeat the tomato fight as a commemoration of the dispute. And so, a tradition was born!
The Festival Grows
Over the years, La Tomatina grew larger and more popular. In 1957, the town hall set rules for the tomato fight to control the chaos. The rules included squashing the tomatoes before throwing them and forbidding the use of objects that could cause injury. By the 1970s, La Tomatina was attracting media attention and tourists. Today, the tomato fight lasts only one hour, but the fiesta keeps going for a week.
A Buñol Tradition
La Tomatina is a source of pride for the people of Buñol. Although the messy fight brings tourism and revenue to the town, locals see it as a continuation of their tradition and cultural heritage. The town comes together to help organise and clean up after the event. If you want an authentic experience of this uniquely Spanish festival, head to Buñol to join the locals in painting the town red!
La Tomatina Festival FAQs: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
When and where does La Tomatina take place?
La Tomatina festival takes place on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Buñol, Spain – about an hour west of Valencia. The festivities kick off at around 10 am and last for about an hour.
How did this bizarre tradition get started?
The origin of La Tomatina is unclear, but most accounts trace it back to a food fight in 1945. The story goes that during a parade, some youngsters started throwing tomatoes at each other and the tradition was born. The event was banned for a while but eventually became an official festival in the 1950s.
What happens during La Tomatina?
During La Tomatina, people gather in the streets and pelt each other with overripe tomatoes. The event begins with trucks hauling in massive amounts of tomatoes which are dumped in the town plaza. At the firing of a water cannon, the tomato throwing begins! People squeeze the tomatoes in their hands to make them squishy before hurling them at friends and strangers alike.
Any tips for enjoying La Tomatina?
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Wear clothes you do not mind ruining as they will likely be stained red by the end of the day.
- Protect your eyes – goggles are a good idea.
- Bring a change of clothes, towels, and plastic bags.
- Arrive early – crowds swell to over 20,000 people.
- Embrace the mess – you are going to get very dirty!
- Take part in other festivities like dancing, drinking, and fireworks.
- Most of all, have fun and do not take it too seriously! La Tomatina is all about good, messy fun.
La Tomatina looks like an endless fun, over-the-top festival. If you are looking for a weird and wild cultural experience, head to Spain at the end of August and prepare to get pelted with tomatoes!
Conclusion
So there you have it – La Tomatina is one of the craziest and most fun festivals you will ever experience! From the moment you arrive in Buñol and see the streets lined with tomato trucks, you will be swept up in the electric atmosphere. Do not forget your goggles and be prepared to get very messy! Part of the joy is letting loose, making new friends, and embracing the madness of it all. After it is over, you’ll be exhausted but so happy you did it. Even if you end up with tomato in your ears for days after, the memories of running, slipping and laughing more than makeup for it. La Tomatina is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What are you waiting for? Book those tickets and we will see you in Buñol next August!
