Spain’s epic tomato throwing festival
Spain’s La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato throwing festival, will once again attract visitors. Held every year on the last Wednesday of August, this unique festival lasts a week and attracts both locals and international tourists to the town of Buñol in Valencia, Spain. Known for its vibrant chaos and fun, La Tomatina is a must-see event for thrill-seekers and festival enthusiasts alike.
To prepare for this year’s festival, about 120 tons of ripe, red, succulent tomatoes were carefully selected and transported to Buñol, a place famous for its tomato farming. These tomatoes are chosen for their ripeness and juiciness, ensuring an exhilarating experience for participants.
First attracting national attention in the 1980s, La Tomatina has grown into a global phenomenon. Each year Buñol, a small town with a population of about 9,000, welcomes between 20,000 and 40,000 visitors. Due to the large number of tourists, many people choose to stay in the nearby city of Valencia, 38 km away, and travel to Buñol by bus or train in the early morning hours to join the festival.
The highlight of the festival: Tomato Mayhem
La Tomatina turns Buñol into a red chaotic battlefield. The festival officially begins when a jamón (Spanish ham) is removed from the top of a greased pole, signaling the start of the tomato fight. However, in recent years, the event has used gunfire to mark the beginning and end of the tomato wars.
The festival begins at 11 a.m., and at the signal, participants will eagerly throw ripe tomatoes at each other amid cheers and laughter. The tomato fight, characterized by a noisy and frenzied atmosphere, usually lasts about one to two hours, turning the town into a sea of bright red.
As soon as the battle ended, fire trucks moved in to wash away the tomato remains. Participants then rushed to the nearby Buñol River to wash off the tomato stains. Despite its small population, Buñol can easily welcome more than 30,000 visitors a year.
To prepare for the festival, locals take measures to protect their homes and businesses by covering them with tarpaulins to avoid damage from splashing tomatoes. In addition to the tomato throwing event, the festival week also has many different activities such as musical performances, parades and spectacular fireworks displays. The highlight of the week is the traditional paella cooking competition held the night before the main event.
La Tomatina offers a wonderful experience of fun and community spirit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this vibrant festival promises excitement and the chance to take part in one of the most special celebrations in the world. Come and immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of La Tomatina and create unforgettable memories!
