La Tomatina
August 27, Wednesday
Valencia
Origins and History
La Tomatina began in 1945, reportedly as a spontaneous food fight among local youths during a parade. Over the years, it evolved into an organized event, despite being banned several times in its early history. The festival gained official recognition in the 1950s and has since grown in popularity, attracting tourists from around the globe.
How the Festival Works
The event starts in the morning with festivities such as music, dancing, and a traditional competition called "palo jabón," where participants try to climb a greased pole to retrieve a ham at the top. Once the ham is claimed, or after a set time, trucks loaded with tomatoes enter the town square.
At the sound of a signal, the tomato fight begins and lasts for exactly one hour. Participants hurl tomatoes at each other, turning the streets into a sea of red pulp. To ensure safety and fun, there are a few rules:
- Tomatoes must be squashed before being thrown to avoid injuries.
- No hard objects or bottles are allowed.
- Participants should wear protective goggles and gloves.
- T-shirts should not be torn or thrown.
- The fight stops at the second signal, after which fire trucks hose down the streets and participants.
Tomato Supply and Cleanup
The tomatoes used are grown specifically for the event and are not suitable for consumption. They are usually overripe and sourced from nearby regions. After the fight, the town is cleaned quickly and efficiently, with water hoses and volunteers helping to restore order. Interestingly, the acidity of the tomatoes helps clean the streets, leaving them surprisingly spotless.
Tourism and Cultural Impact
La Tomatina has become a major tourist attraction, drawing over 20,000 people each year. Due to its popularity, the town has implemented ticketing and crowd control measures to ensure safety. The festival has inspired similar events in other countries and has been featured in films, documentaries, and travel shows.
La Tomatina is not just a tomato fight—it’s a celebration of joy, community, and the playful spirit of Spanish culture.