La Tomatina

Name: La Tomatina
Start: 2025-08-26
Location: Buñol

Spain's Epic Tomato Battle

2026/08/25

Every August, the small Spanish town of Buñol becomes the stage for La Tomatina, one of the world’s largest and most exuberant festivals. In just one hour, over 100,000 kilograms of ripe tomatoes are hurled through the streets, turning the town into a sea of red pulp, laughter, and energy. Whether you crave thrills or want to experience Spain’s most playful tradition, La Tomatina is a festival that stimulates all five senses and is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

Held on the last Wednesday of August, anyone can join the fun! Locals and travelers from all over the world, regardless of age or nationality, come together to revel in the extraordinary and get covered in tomatoes.

Main Attractions

The Tomato Fight

The main event is the epic tomato battle. At 11 a.m., a cannon signals the start, and five large trucks dump over 100,000 kg of tomatoes into the streets. Instantly, the town is filled with the scent of tomatoes and a river of red. For one hour, people of all ages squeeze and throw tomatoes at each other, smiling and laughing until everyone is drenched. Language and borders disappear as everyone becomes one in the “sea of tomatoes.” Before and after the fight, local bars serve beer, sangria, and Spanish snacks. Many fuel up with paella, tortilla, or bocadillos, savoring the tang of tomatoes, sweat, and the sweetness of sangria in the summer heat.

Key Events

The day begins with the “palo jabón” (greased pole) climb, where participants race to grab a Spanish ham perched atop a slippery pole, cheered on by the crowd. (In practice, the tomato fight begins with the cannon regardless of the pole’s outcome.) After the fight, fire trucks hose down the town and participants. The festival week also features concerts, parades, and paella contests, filling the town with a festive spirit.

Costumes

Most participants wear old T-shirts, shorts, and goggles, but you’ll also see tomato-print hats, superhero costumes, and matching team shirts. The town is decorated with banners, flags, and plastic sheeting, and by midday, everyone is so covered in tomato pulp that it’s impossible to tell who’s who!

Cultural and Historical Background

La Tomatina traces its origins to 1945, during a festival honoring Buñol’s patron saint, Saint Luis Beltrán. According to popular accounts, a scuffle broke out among young people during a parade, and tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall became the weapon of choice. The spectacle was so amusing that the following year, locals brought their own tomatoes to repeat the event, and soon it became an annual tradition.

In the 1950s, the festival was temporarily banned by local authorities, but strong public demand led to its revival. By 1959, official rules were established, and La Tomatina was recognized as an official festival. In 1975, the town began supplying the tomatoes, and from 1980 onward, the Buñol city council took over organization, transforming it into an international event. Since 2013, due to a surge in participants, ticketing and attendance limits have been introduced, and now more than 20,000 people from around the world gather each year.

La Tomatina is a unique Spanish festival born from a spontaneous food fight and elevated to a symbol of community pride, abundance, peace, and the bonds of the town. For locals, it’s a day to celebrate unity and joy, and for visitors, it’s a chance to experience the heart of Spain’s festive spirit.

Participant Voices

I flew in from Australia just for this. I’ve never laughed so much in my life! Covered head to toe in tomato, I made friends from five countries in an hour. There’s nothing else like this festival in the world!

Fun Facts

Over 100,000 kg (220,000 lbs) of tomatoes are used each year, and only tomatoes not fit for sale are chosen.
For safety, participation is capped at 20,000 people, and everyone needs a ticket.
The citric acid in tomatoes helps clean the town after the festival!
La Tomatina-inspired events have sprung up in Colombia, China, the US, and beyond.
Locals recommend squishing tomatoes in your hand before throwing to prevent injuries.