La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain

La Tomatina is an annual tomato-throwing festival held in the town of Buñol, in the province of Valencia, Spain. Taking place on the last Wednesday of August, it is considered one of the most recognizable food-fight events in the world and attracts thousands of visitors from various countries. The festival has become an iconic symbol of Spanish summer celebrations and is known for its combination of playful chaos, local traditions, and community spirit.

Overview

The central event of La Tomatina is a massive one-hour tomato fight, during which participants throw overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets surrounding Buñol’s town square. The tomatoes used for the festival are grown specifically for the event and are typically of low culinary quality. Safety rules require participants to squash tomatoes before throwing them to minimize the impact.

The festival began in 1945, when a scuffle broke out among young locals during a parade of giants and big-heads and they grabbed tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall. The fight was repeated in the following years, survived a ban in the 1950s and was officially recognized in 1959; in 2002 it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Event Structure

The festival follows a clear sequence:

• “Palo Jabón” (Greased Pole Contest). Prior to the tomato fight, participants attempt to climb a tall wooden pole covered with soap to retrieve a ham placed at the top. The event draws a large crowd, although reaching the ham is notoriously difficult.
• The Start Signal. At noon, a firework signals the beginning of the tomato fight. Trucks loaded with tomatoes enter the main street, and volunteers distribute the fruit among participants.
• One Hour of Tomato Throwing. For exactly one hour, the streets fill with people throwing tomatoes, diving into tomato pulp, and engaging in good-natured chaos.
• The End Signal and Cleanup. Another firework marks the end of the fight, after which participants stop throwing tomatoes. Residents, participants, and municipal workers clean the streets using hoses connected to nearby natural water sources. Many participants rinse off at temporary outdoor showers.

Rules and Safety Guidelines

The event operates under several safety rules:

• Tomatoes must be crushed before throwing.
• No hard objects or bottles are allowed.
• Participants must keep a safe distance from the trucks.
• Tearing or throwing clothing is prohibited.
• Once the end signal is given, all throwing must stop immediately.

These rules aim to ensure that the festival remains playful rather than dangerous.

Tickets and Access

Due to the festival’s popularity, attendance has been limited since 2013, and participants must buy official tickets in advance from the Buñol town council’s website. In 2026 there were 22,000 tickets at €15, with optional packages that add a T-shirt, a paella or after-parties. A free Children’s Tomatina for ages 4 to 14 takes place on the Saturday before.

Getting There

Buñol is approximately 40 km west of Valencia. Most visitors arrive by Cercanías commuter train (line C-3) from Valencia in about an hour, and the station is a short walk from the centre. Roads into the town centre are closed on the day of the festival and parking is very limited, so it is best not to drive.

Accommodation

Buñol has limited accommodation options; most visitors stay in Valencia and travel to the event for the day. Hotels in the area often book out months in advance.