La Tomatina: Spain’s messiest festival

Aug 11, 2010 5:14:27 AM

Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.

View gallery

The last Wednesday in August marks Spain’s messiest festival. Held in Buñol, an otherwise drab industrial town 40km west of Valencia, La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing orgy that causes the population to swell to more than 40,000 visitors in a town of just 9000 inhabitants.

The mayhem takes place on the town’s main square and Calle del Cid. At precisely 11am a large greased pole with a ham attached to the end of it is hoisted into the air, and there’s a mad scramble as people struggle against each other to pull it down. Once this is achieved, a rocket swooshes skywards and over 100 tonnes of ripe, squishy tomatoes are tipped from trucks to the waiting crowd. For precisely one hour, until a second rocket is fired, everyone joins in a frenzied, cheerful, anarchic tomato battle. After being pounded with pulp, expect to be sluiced down with hoses by the local fire brigade.

A food-fighting history

The crazy food-fighting festival of La Tomatina began in 1945, but it is not known why. Locals have numerous theories, including the popular tale of disgruntled townsfolk attacking city councilmen during a town celebration. However, it could also be attributed to anything from an anti-Franco protest or simply a fun food fight between friends. Whichever way it started, the townsfolk of Buñol enjoyed it so much that it was repeated year after year, finally becoming an officially recognised celebration in 1952. Despite being canned briefly during the 1970s for having no religious significance, it has returned full-throttle every year.

The festival is now held in honour of the town’s patron saint, St Louis Bertrand, and the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Mother of God of the Defenceless).

Travel plans

Most people come for the day, arriving on the morning train from Valencia and heading back in the afternoon. But if you want the full La Tomatina experience, stay for the week-long celebration, which involve music, dancing, parades and fireworks. The night before the fight, a paella cooking competition is held where women traditionally dress in white, and men forego shirts altogether.

Protection for the fight is recommended – wear old clothes and shoes and a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. As you’re hosed down with water after, a change of clothes is a good idea, although warm Valencia temperatures will have you dry in no time.

What you don’t bring to La Tomatina is also important. The crazed tomato-throwers take no prisoners; cameras are seen as positive invitations to pelt the owner. Women should be aware that a wet T-shirt competition is an unofficial part of the day. Tomatoes are supplied, but ensure they are squashed or fruit might not be the only bruised bodies in town.

If you don’t fancy being showered with soggy tomatoes, you can watch the spectacle in dry comfort on Canal 9, Valencia’s local TV channel. Or, you could avail yourself for the more painful orange-throwing festival, the Battle of the Oranges, held in the northern Italian town of Ivrea every February.

For more info visit www.latomatina.es (in Spanish).

Like this? Sign up to get our best articles by email

Comments

21 August 2010 1:33PM vasenka Report this comment
Much safer than running with the Bulls...!
24 February 2011 7:06PM suziedsouza Report this comment
A cannon is fired to signal the beginning and end of the tomato-throwing. According to the official La Tomatina website, there are just five rules: 1. You must not bring bottles or other objects that could cause an accident or injury. 2. You must not tear or throw t-shirts. 3. To avoid hurting people, you must squish tomatoes before they are thrown. 4. You must be careful around any trucks or vans. 5. After hearing the second shot, you must stop throwing tomatoes. http://www.whatisguide.net/0209-la-tomatina.html
15 December 2011 6:36AM bryanr12 Report this comment
People celebrate it simply to have fun initially started on a small scale, this festival is now popular across the globe. http://www.whatisall.com/beliefs-and-traditions/what-is-la-tomatina.html
11 February 2012 4:20AM valerietje Report this comment
You'd better bring old clothes and wear googles! Last year we went, and I thought i would just 'watch from the side'. Well there is no such thing, you are in it, or you're not there... Got a blue eye but that was about it, loved it. We stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast in the city center of the historical cathedral area: Valencia Mansion Bed and breakfast, we must say it was the highlight of our trip! http://www.valenciamansion.com/ , we found it on TripAdvisor and my, was it special...