When you want to have some of the craziest and wildest ideas about what a festival should be themed like, leave it to the Spanish people to decide. They have some of the most unusual events in the world and La Tomatina is one of them. As the title briefly describes it, this is truly the biggest food fight in the world. The weapon of choice for the people of Buñol is the tomato. Tens of thousands of people come each year to take part in this peaceful battle…
The battlefield is on the streets of Buñol, a small town in the province of Valencia, Spain. Although the festival is held over a period of one week, the tomato fight takes place on the last Wednesday of August. The tradition started in 1945, but nobody knows what really set it in motion. Some say it began as a form of protest against the rulers of the country, while others say that a friendly fight eventually spread in the whole city.
Truth is that over the years, more and more people from around the world come to La Tomatina each year to have tons of fun. Usually, there are somewhere from 25.000 to 50.000 participants that occupy the small town and fill it with tomato juice. Reaching the site is very easy, with regular buses and trains from the main cities of Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia.
The main feature of the festival is of course the tomato fight. Tons of tomatoes are used each year and the streets become like red rivers where people start to swim towards the end. This is perfect for those that like to get dirty and like to make others the same. There is no other way here: if you go out on the streets you have to take part in the battle. The most important thing you should know is that you should never try to stand out from the crows, since you will become the universal target. Also, do not expect to use your clothes again after the fight is over. To avoid accidents happening, there are some rules you have to keep in mind and you will find them at the site.
While this is the attraction of the festival, there are certainly other things to keep you busy for a whole week. Music concerts, parades, contests, fireworks and many more will assure that everyone has a good time every moment. And because Spanish people like good food, you can enjoy the best paella while you drink some tomato juice. This is the perfect place and event to end your summer in a big way. If you like food and fun, then you have to visit La Tomatina festival. If you made up your mind and decided to be one of the people throwing tomatoes this year, then make sure you plan your trip ahead and find accommodation in either Buñol or Valencia, as places are occupied quickly.
Best Lodging for La Tomatina
La casita Santa Bárbara 3*
Situated in Macastre in the Valencia Community region, La casita Santa Bárbara has a patio. There is an outdoor fireplace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. The country house features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen.
Finca Mirador 3*
Set within 46 km of Bioparc Valencia and 47 km of Church of Saint Nicolás in Macastre, Finca Mirador offers accommodation with seating area. Guests can make use of the outdoor fireplace or the seasonal outdoor pool. Accessible via private entrance, all units have air conditioning, soundproofing, wardrobe and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Cover Photo Credit: Alberto Saiz
