Okay, let’s admit it – who hasn’t wanted to be part of a full fledged food fight? The Tomatina festival is renowned all over the world for its uniqueness and its free-spiritedness. As one of Spain’s many festivals or fiestas, Tomatina is definitely one of the most popular.
Tomatina in Bunol, Spain
It takes place in the village of Buñol which is in Valencia, Spain, on Wednesday of the last week of August. On a regular day, the population of Buñol sits comfortably at 9,000. During the Tomatina festival that lasts an entire week, the population increases by about 2-4 times.
Approximately 20,000 to 40,000 tourists from all over the world usually come to take over the small village and participate in the festivities. Other events that take place during the week include music, parades, processions, dancing, fireworks, street performances, as well as a paella cooking contest. Paella is a Spanish dish that is native to the Valencian region of Spain.
Let the Food Fight Begin!
In the morning, several trucks transport approximately 100 tonnes of tomatoes to the village square in the middle of Buñol. A tall wooden pole about two storeys tall is set up in the center of the city. At the top of the pole, a ham is placed, and the pole is greased. The firing of water cannons marks the commencement of the friendly food fight.
The Rules
People are advised to wear protection (goggles, gloves), and it is technically not allowed to tear anyone’s clothes. However, by the end of the fight, most people are usually rendered shirtless. Traditionally, the tomato fight ends when someone has captured the ham from the top of the pole, but today the tomato fight lasts for one hour or two when the water cannons are fired for a second time to mark the end. No one has ever gotten the ham, to date.
How do they clean up all the mess? Fire trucks are used to wash away all the tomatoes. Thanks to the acidity of tomatoes, the streets are left cleaner than before the fight.
Origins of Tomatina
There are a few stories that are circulated to tell the origin of Tomatina, but unfortunately the original or true story is uncertain.
One story tells of two rival teenage gangs from different classes who passed each other in the marketplace one day, and began to fight by throwing tomatoes.
Another story tells of a bad musician being pelted with tomatoes for his performance.
The last one we’ll share is of a parade where a group of youngsters were trying to take part in a parade where the paraders were dressed in large giant costumes. One of the giants was knocked over and infuriately began to hit all in his vicinity. The youngsters, in retaliation, began to throw tomatoes at him.
Year after year, Tomatina increases in its size to the point where it has now become very crowded – so if you are thinking about attending, you should book ahead and get there early. Consider visiting Buñol and Spain on your next vacation!
