Cipotegato

Name: Cipotegato
Start: 2025-08-26
Location: Tarazona

Tomatoes, Tradition, and Frenzy in the Summer of Tarazona

2025/08/26

Every August 27th, the small city of Tarazona in Aragón, Spain, erupts in a vibrant, laughter-filled, tomato-throwing spectacle known as the Cipotegato Festival. A masked jester dashes through the main square, chased by a crowd hurling countless tomatoes—an event where tradition, adrenaline, and the unity of the entire town swirl together. If you want to laugh with strangers while covered head-to-toe in tomatoes and feel the true heat of a Spanish summer, this is one festival you cannot miss.

Held every August 27th, the Cipotegato kicks off a week of festivities in Tarazona. Locals, tourists, families, and thrill-seekers are all welcome. Whether you dive into the chaos of tomato-throwing or just watch the spectacle, it’s one of Spain’s most exciting and unforgettable traditions.

Main Attractions

The Cipotegato Chase

The heart of the festival is the great chase in Tarazona’s Plaza de España. At noon, the “Cipotegato”—a jester in yellow, green, and red stripes—emerges from the town hall to a roar from the crowd. With a staff topped by a ball, the Cipotegato weaves through a sea of tomato-armed revelers. The scent of crushed tomatoes fills the air, the sound of fruit splattering on costumes echoes, and thousands of voices cheer and laugh. If the Cipotegato makes it through the square, he is hoisted up by his friends and becomes the town’s hero.

Key Events

Beyond the chase, the week is packed with festivities: parades of giant puppets (gigantes y cabezudos), traditional music and dance, bull runs, and nightly fireworks. The city is decorated with flags and banners, and every square and street hosts concerts, food stalls, and open-air feasts. The sense of camaraderie is as strong as the tomato juice underfoo.

Costumes and Decorations

The Cipotegato’s costume features yellow, green, and red stripes, a full-face mask, and a staff with a ball. Many participants wear white clothes, ending up stained bright red, while others don raincoats or goggles for protection. Piles of tomatoes and colorful decorations line the city, ready for the battle.

Traditional Food & Drink

After the tomato fight, festival-goers enjoy Aragonese specialties: migas (fried breadcrumbs with sausage and peppers), ternasco (roast lamb), empanadillas (savory pies), and more. Red wine and calimocho (red wine with cola) are served, and the aromas of grilled meat, garlic, and sweet pastries fill the air. Ice cream and churros from street vendors are also popular treats.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Cipotegato date back to the 18th century, when a prisoner could win his freedom by escaping the crowd in the square—armed only with a stick and his wits. Over time, this became a symbolic ritual, and today, the Cipotegato is chosen by lottery from among local youth. The festival is a source of pride for Tarazona and is officially recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Spain.

For locals, Cipotegato is a rite of passage passed down through generations—a day to celebrate unity, courage, and humor. The unchanging “heat” of the festival brings the town together every year.

Participant Voices

“We came from Barcelona to see it. The square was packed, everyone laughing and throwing tomatoes! I was completely red by the end, but sharing wine and stories with locals made it the highlight of my summer.”

Fun Facts

Over 20,000 kg (about 44,000 lbs) of tomatoes are used each year.
The Cipotegato is chosen by lottery from local youth and kept secret until the day of the festival.
After the chase, the Cipotegato’s staff is displayed in the town hall as a symbol of triumph.