What is La Tomatina?
Quick answer
La Tomatina is a massive tomato-throwing festival held every year in the town of Buñol, near Valencia, Spain, on the last Wednesday of August. For about one hour, thousands of people pelt each other with more than 100 tonnes of overripe tomatoes. It began in 1945.
How it started
The most popular story says that in 1945, young people in Buñol’s town square started a scuffle during a parade, grabbed tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall and began throwing them. They repeated the fight the next year, bringing their own tomatoes. Authorities banned it several times, but locals kept it going, and in 1957 it became an official festival.
How the day works
- In the morning, a ham is placed at the top of a greased pole called the palo jabón. Traditionally, the fight begins when someone climbs up and grabs it.
- A water cannon signals the start, usually around 11 a.m.
- Trucks deliver tomatoes to the crowds in the narrow streets.
- After one hour, a second signal ends the fight, and throwing must stop.
- Fire trucks hose down the streets, and the tomato acid leaves them sparkling clean.
The rules
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Squash tomatoes before throwing | To avoid injuries |
| No bottles or hard objects | Safety |
| Don’t tear other people’s clothes | Respect |
| Stop when the second signal sounds | Order |
| Keep clear of the trucks | Safety |
Tickets and crowds
Since 2013, entry has been ticketed and limited, with about 20,000 participants, after crowds grew to more than 40,000.
Tips
- Wear old clothes and closed shoes that you can throw away.
- Bring swimming goggles to protect your eyes.
- Leave phones and valuables behind or in a waterproof case.
- Buñol is about an hour from Valencia by train.
For another festival from the same region, see where paella comes from. For a colorful festival in India, read what Holi is.
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