La Tomatina

A Wild and Messy Tomato Battle in Buñol

La Tomatina is a world-famous festival held in the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, Spain. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, thousands of participants gather to engage in a massive tomato fight, turning the streets into a sea of red. La Tomatina has gained international recognition and has become a symbol of fun, excitement, and uninhibited revelry.

La Tomatina – The Battle

The heart of La Tomatina lies in the epic tomato battle that takes place in the streets of Buñol. Participants eagerly await the signal to begin, and as soon as it is given, chaos ensues.

Truckloads of ripe tomatoes are brought in and unloaded onto the streets, providing an endless supply of ammunition for the participants.

The tomato fight lasts for about one hour, during which people hurl tomatoes at each other, creating a spectacular and messy spectacle. The streets are transformed into a slippery and pulpy battlefield as the air fills with laughter, cheers, and the sound of squashed tomatoes. It’s a joyful and carefree experience where people embrace the messiness and simply enjoy the exhilaration of the moment.

Festivities and Traditions

La Tomatina is not just about the tomato fight; it is a week-long celebration leading up to the main event. The festivities include parades, music performances, dancing, and fireworks, creating a lively and festive atmosphere in the town of Buñol.

One popular tradition is the “palo jabón,” a greasy pole contest. A long pole is erected and covered in soap, and participants attempt to climb to the top to reach a ham that is placed there. It is a challenging and amusing spectacle, with participants slipping and sliding as they strive to claim the prized ham.

Another tradition is the “palo ensabonado,” where a pole is again covered in soap, and the objective is to reach the top and retrieve a flag. Participants try to climb the pole, often forming human pyramids to gain an advantage. This tradition adds an element of fun and friendly competition to the festivities.

Cleanup and Community Spirit

After the tomato battle comes to an end, the streets of Buñol are left in a chaotic and messy state. However, the local community comes together to clean up the aftermath. Fire trucks and hoses are used to wash away the tomato pulp from the streets, while locals and volunteers assist in the cleaning process. This collective effort showcases the strong sense of community and camaraderie that La Tomatina fosters.

Furthermore, the discarded tomatoes do not go to waste. The acidity of the tomatoes is believed to have cleansing properties, and the soil in Buñol is known to be rich and fertile. The tomatoes are collected and used as fertilizer for the surrounding fields, benefiting the local agriculture.

Do you want to take part in La Tomatina?

To attend La Tomatina you’ll need to plan your trip with a few key steps:

1. Choose Your Travel Dates: La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday of August each year. It’s a good idea to arrive in Spain a few days before to acclimate and explore.
2. Book Your Flight: The nearest major international airport to Buñol is Valencia Airport. Look for flights that arrive in Valencia, which is well-connected by flights from major cities around the world.
3. Accommodation: Consider staying in Valencia since Buñol is quite small and might be crowded around the festival time. Valencia offers more accommodation options and is only about 38 kilometers away.
4. Transportation to Buñol: From Valencia, you can take a local train to Buñol. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Trains run frequently, especially on the day of the festival, to accommodate the large number of visitors. Check the local train schedules closer to your travel dates.
5. Festival Tickets: While La Tomatina was free to attend in the past, it now requires a ticket due to the popularity and to control the crowd sizes for safety reasons. Make sure to purchase your ticket in advance from an official source.
6. Local Tips: Remember that La Tomatina can be quite messy, so wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting stained with tomato. Protective eyewear might also be a good idea.

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to enjoying a unique and exhilarating experience at La Tomatina!