Have you ever seen a scene straight out of a movie where people are locked in a massive tomato fight, tossing and dodging under a rain of red?
It might resemble an Italian food festival gone wild, but it’s actually a snapshot of La Tomatina, Spain’s famous festival.
In this article, we’re going to explore this unique event held in Buñol. Far from being just a battle, La Tomatina is a cultural phenomenon, brimming with good service and communal spirit, where the streets turn into rivers of tomato sauce.
Forget everything you’ve heard or read in reviews; nothing compares to witnessing the festival firsthand.
You’ll be served a slice of Spanish tradition that’s as delicious as any Italian feast, and by the end of this read, you’ll understand why La Tomatina is a menu item on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list.
What is the Latomatina or Tomato Festival in Spain?
La Tomatina is a famous festival in Spain held in the Valencian town of Buñol, located in the East of Spain. It is approximately 30 kilometers (19 mi) from the Mediterranean Sea.
Participants throw tomatoes at this festival and get involved in this tomato fight for an hour, purely for entertainment!
The La Tomatina festival happens annually in August. The specific day is usually the last Wednesday of the month. The event starts at 10 am and lasts for an hour.
Why is La Tomatina celebrated?
The festival first took place on the last Wednesday of August in 1945, when some young people spent time in the town square to attend the Giants and Big-Heads figures parade.
The young boys decided to stand by the entourage of musicians, Giants, and Big-Heads figures. The energy of these young people made one participant fall over. The participant flew into a fit of rage and started to hit everything in his path.
There was a market stall of vegetables that fell victim to the furious crowd: people started to pelt each other with tomatoes until the local forces ended the fruit battle.
The following year, the young people picked a quarrel by their own decision and brought the tomatoes from home. Although the police broke up the early tradition in the following years, the young boys had made history without even knowing it.
When and why was La Tomatina banned?
La Tomatina was banned in the early 50s, which was not a problem for some participants who continued, and even got arrested! In the end, the people had their say and the festivity was again allowed with more participants and more frenetic feelings.
The festivity was again canceled till 1957 when, as a sign of protest, the tomato burial was held. It was a demonstration in which the residents carried a coffin with a huge tomato inside. The parade was accompanied by a music band which played funeral marches and it was totally successful.
La Tomatina Festival was finally allowed and became an official festivity. In 2002, La Tomatina of Buñol was declared Festivity of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary Department of Tourism due to its success.
What are the rules of the Tomato Festival in Spain?
The city council follows a short list of instructions for the safety of the participants and the festival:
- Do not throw bottles or hard objects
- Do not tear or throw T-shirts
- Squash tomatoes before throwing them to avoid hurting others
- Keep a safe distance from trucks
- Stop throwing tomatoes after the second starter pistol shot
- Follow the directions of the security staff
What happens during Tomatina?
At around 10 am festivities begin with the first event of the Tomatina. It is the “palo jabón“, similar to a fireman’s pole. The goal is to climb a greased pole with a ham on top.
As this happens, the crowd works into a frenzy of singing and dancing while being showered in water from hoses.
Once someone drops the ham off the pole, the start signal for the tomato fight is given by firing the water shot in the air and trucks make their entry.
The signal for the onset is at about 11 when a loud shot rings out, and the chaos begins. Several trucks throw tomatoes in abundance in the Plaza del Pueblo.
For the participants, the use of goggles and gloves is recommended. The estimated number of tomatoes used is around 150,000 i.e. over 40 metric tons.[3]
After exactly one hour, the fight ends with the firing of the second shot, announcing the end. The whole town square is coloured red and rivers of tomato juice flow freely.
Fire Trucks hose down the streets and participants use hoses to remove the tomato paste from their bodies.
When Is the Next La Tomatina Festival in 2024?
The next La Tomatina Festival will be on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
For a complete cultural immersion, consider a stay in Valencia, Spain, with Pilar, your host and certified Spanish teacher.
This is more than just attending the festival; it’s a unique educational experience where you’ll dive deep into Spanish life’s historical and cultural aspects. Here’s what you can expect:
- Intensive Spanish classes for 20 hours, tailored to enhance your language skills.
- Over 20 hours of engaging activities and conversations to practice your Spanish in real-world settings.
- Excursions to local sights, accompanied by guided conversations enrich your understanding of the region’s heritage.
This stay is an opportunity to blend the excitement of La Tomatina with a deeper appreciation and knowledge of Spain’s traditions, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of a local teacher.
How much does it cost to go to La Tomatina?
What are the prices of the tickets to the Tomatino? The cost of the tickets varies depending on the number of tickets available from €12 to €40 For tickets click on the official La Tomatina site.
How much do La Tomatina tickets cost?
What are the price of tickets in La Tomatina? The price varies depending on the ticket costs just a ticket (€12) or tickets with lockers, official event t-shirts, and goggled glasses.
Where to Stay for La Tomatina
For an enriching experience during La Tomatina, consider staying at Pilar’s House, a unique Spanish homestay in Valencia. This one-week immersion program offers much more than just accommodation. Here, you’ll not only participate in the famous La Tomatina festival but also engage in a series of educational and cultural activities.
Spanish Lessons: Improve your Spanish fluency with personalized instruction from Pilar, a certified Spanish teacher.
Cultural Excursions: Explore the local area with guided tours that delve into the rich history and culture of Valencia.
Authentic Spanish Cuisine: Enjoy delicious Spanish foods prepared by your host, giving you a taste of the local flavors and culinary traditions.
This immersion experience is designed to provide a deep dive into Spanish culture, making your stay during La Tomatina unforgettable.
By the end of the week, you will have not only experienced the world’s largest tomato fight but also gained insights into the Spanish way of life, enhanced your language skills, and made lasting memories.
Is La Tomatina a waste of tomatoes?
While the hurling of 300,000 pounds of tomatoes during La Tomatina may initially appear extravagant, the event is more than just an entertainment spectacle.
The tomatoes used are specifically sourced for the festival, consisting of produce that is below standard for eating.
By utilizing these tomatoes, the festival actually helps to reduce potential food waste, as these tomatoes would otherwise not be consumed.
Additionally, the festival has a significant positive impact on local tourism and the economy, providing a different perspective on the use of these tomatoes.
Is La Tomatina the biggest food fight?
Yes, La Tomatina is recognized as the largest food fight globally. Held annually in the town of Buñol, Spain, this event has participants engaging in a lively and exuberant tomato-throwing festivity.
Originating in the 1940s as a small-scale scuffle among friends, La Tomatina has since escalated into a significant tourist draw.
This attracts thousands of participants each year, eager to experience the unique and spirited battle amid a sea of red tomatoes.
Who cleans up after La Tomatina?
Once La Tomatina’s tomato-throwing fun is over, the cleanup team swings into action. They use fire engines to spray the streets clean.
The water for this comes from a nearby Roman aqueduct. This efficient method quickly washes away the remnants of the day’s tomato festivities.
Official La Tomatina After-Party
If you love the combination of good food and festive vibes, then picture this: the day starts on a Wednesday morning in the Valencian community, with the streets of Buñol drenched in tomato pulp from the official festival.
But the celebration doesn’t end there. As evening approaches, it’s the perfect time for a date night or a happy hour in Valencia.
Here, you can indulge in the flavors of Italy with dishes like chicken marsala, where ripe tomatoes add a fresh and traditional touch to your meal.
The pasta is always a highlight, and seasonal specials promise something new and tasty to add to your dining experience.
Imagine sitting down at a table, reviewing your adventure-filled day while waiting for your dish to arrive. The service is good, making sure your wine glass complements the vibrant taste of your dinner.
And don’t forget to save some room for dessert—whether it’s a creamy tiramisu or a fresh fruit salad, it’s the perfect ending to your culinary journey.
At the bar, you can find cool events to carry on the night. And as you eat, laugh, and share stories, you’ll find the joyful essence of La Tomatina echoed in every bite and every smile.
How many hours does La Tomatina last?
La Tomatina lasts for about an hour. Typically, it starts around 11 am and concludes by noon when the second starter pistol is fired. During this time, the streets become more like a buffet of tomato-tossed joy.
Can kids go to La Tomatina?
While kids are allowed, think of La Tomatina as a restaurant that’s lively and vibrant—it might not be the best environment for the little ones on their first time out.
How do you win La Tomatina?
There’s no winning in La Tomatina; much like dining at a favorite spot, the joy comes from the experience itself, from the first bite of bread to the last sip of drinks.
What happens the night before La Tomatina?
The night before La Tomatina, the anticipation builds like waiting for a table at the most talked-about restaurant in Santa Clara, where you know the bread is warm and the drinks are poured by helpful waiters, creating a buzz you’ve heard about in glowing reviews.
How many people can participate in La Tomatina?
Regarding capacity, La Tomatina can accommodate thousands of participants, much like a large-scale event at a top restaurant known for its menu and drinks.
Is La Tomatina a religious festival?
La Tomatina is not a religious festival but a secular celebration, much like a restaurant that welcomes guests of all backgrounds to come forward and share a meal together.
