Tomatoes on the sidewalk, tomatoes on the walls, tomatoes on the trees … And even in public. Sounds strange, right? But not in Spain! Festival La Tomatina – a real tomato massacre – is held annually in the small Valencian town of Buñol. The first La Tomatina was held back in the forties and was not entirely legal, but became an official event in 1980.
The meaning of the holiday is easy and understandable – to have fun from the heart, throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. In compliance with safety measures – you cannot bring bottles, tear clothes, and the vegetable itself must be crushed first. Tomato fights are so spectacular that they are broadcast on television, and the festival itself has received international status.
This is one of the most famous and popular holidays in Spain, with thousands of locals, tourists and 150 tons of tomatoes taking part in it every year! In addition to the carnage itself, the program includes a variety of performances, performances by musicians and folk festivities. And, of course, the nationwide washing of streets and houses from tomatoes is a mandatory event. The entrance to the party costs 9 €, but for 750 € you can take a seat in a special truck in order to be the first to throw a tomato into the crowd and start the greatest action of the year!
If you wish to participate in La Tomatina, you can get to the city from Valencia by bus 265A, and if you are traveling by car, you need the A3 motorway towards Madrid.