La Tomatina

La Tomatina is a famous annual festival held in Buñol, Spain, where thousands gather to throw tomatoes at each other in what is known as the world's biggest food fight. Taking place on the last Wednesday of August, the event draws visitors from around the world to the small Valencian town.

• Held annually in Buñol, Valencia, Spain
• Participants throw over 100,000 kg of tomatoes
• Attendance is capped at 20,000 ticket holders
• The tomato fight lasts for one hour
• Preceded by the 'Palo Jabón' greased pole event

What it is

La Tomatina is an exuberant festival that transforms the streets of Buñol into a sea of red as participants hurl ripe tomatoes at one another. For one hour, the town square becomes the stage for a friendly, chaotic food fight, drawing both locals and international visitors. The event is not just about the tomatoes; it is a celebration of fun, community, and letting go of inhibitions. For the people of Buñol, La Tomatina is a point of pride and a symbol of their town’s playful spirit, now recognized as a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.

Where it comes from

La Tomatina began in 1945 when a group of young people in Buñol got caught up in a spontaneous food fight during a parade. The following year, the tomato-throwing became a planned event, and the tradition grew despite occasional bans and interruptions. In the 1950s, the festival was prohibited for lacking religious significance, but persistent locals protested, even staging a mock tomato funeral, until it was reinstated. Over the decades, La Tomatina’s fame spread, especially after being featured on Spanish television, and it became an official festival in Buñol.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations start in the days leading up to the tomato fight, with events like a paella contest, music, parades, and fireworks. On the morning of the festival, the 'Palo Jabón' greased pole challenge takes place, where participants try to climb a slippery pole to reach a ham at the top, cheered on by singing and dancing crowds. Once the ham is claimed, trucks deliver tomatoes, and the main event begins: for one hour, the streets fill with people joyfully pelting each other with squashed tomatoes. After the battle, fire trucks and locals hose down the streets and participants, and some head to the local pool to clean off. Safety rules are in place, such as squashing tomatoes before throwing and stopping at the sound of the second starter pistol.

Joining in

To take part in La Tomatina, you’ll need to secure a ticket, as attendance is limited to 20,000 people. The main festivities are centered in Buñol’s town square, where the tomato fight and surrounding events take place. Expect a lively, crowded atmosphere, with music, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie among participants. Wear old clothes, protective eyewear, and be ready to get messy. After the event, facilities and local hospitality help visitors clean up and enjoy the town’s festive spirit.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article La Tomatina, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• La Tomatina on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.