Tomatina festival in Buñol brings joy as thousands throw tomatoes
- The Tomatina festival takes place annually in Buñol, Spain, on the last Wednesday of August.
- Participants throw 120 tons of tomatoes during the hour-long event, which originated from local children's food fights in 1945.
- Suspended twice during the pandemic, the festival continues to grow and attract international tourists.
The Tomatina festival is a unique event held annually in the eastern Spanish town of Buñol, attracting up to 22,000 participants each year. The festival takes place on the last Wednesday of August and has roots dating back to 1945 when local children engaged in a spontaneous food fight using tomatoes. The event has grown in popularity and since its official recognition as a tourism attraction in 2002, it has become a significant cultural phenomenon, celebrated by locals and tourists alike. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was suspended twice in 2020 and 2021 but has since resumed. During the hour-long tomato-throwing event, participants hurl 120 tons of overripe tomatoes at each other, creating a vibrant scene of chaos and laughter. Attendees are encouraged to squash the tomatoes before throwing them, which helps reduce injuries. The event is characterized not by competition but by the sheer joy of throwing tomatoes. Participants often come prepared with swimming goggles and earplugs for protection, ensuring they can fully enjoy the spectacle. After the action, the streets are hosed down, and the citric acid in the tomatoes helps leave the pavement cleaner than it was beforehand. While tomato-flinging festivals exist in other parts of the world, Buñol's Tomatina has maintained its status as the most iconic celebration of this kind. The local government and community embrace the festival, viewing it as a symbol of exuberance and cultural identity. It serves not only an entertainment purpose but also draws international tourists who contribute to the local economy, making it an integral event in Buñol's calendar. Growing in size and reach each year, the Tomatina festival illustrates a strong connection between the town's history and modern tourism, showcasing how traditions can evolve while still retaining their core essence. It remains a testament to human creativity and the joyous spirit of communal celebration, inviting individuals from around the globe to participate in this remarkable event.