The Spanish town of Buñol, located near Valencia, witnessed the world-famous tomato festival “La Tomatina.” Yesterday, on August 27, thousands of tourists and locals gathered to participate in the traditional tomato battles, reported Valencia Secreta.
The festival is held every year on the last Wednesday of August and is widely recognized as one of the country’s symbols. This holiday is not only entertaining but also has a unique history. Its origins date back to 1945. At that time, local market vendors threw tomatoes at each other during a quarrel. This event pleased the local residents, and the following year it was officially organized as a festival. In the 1980s, extensive media coverage made it famous worldwide and attracted thousands of tourists.
In the early hours of the celebration, according to tradition, the contest begins to grab the ham hanging on a greased pole. Later, trucks bring tomatoes to the city square. After a special signal given via water cannons, the real battle begins. Participants wear white T-shirts to completely cover themselves in red and throw tomatoes at each other for hours.
From this year, a special ticket system has been introduced at the festival, limiting the number of participants to twenty thousand people. For example, in 2012, 50,000 people attended the festival. This system ensures not only safety but also preserves the traditional atmosphere for the participants.
The tomato battles last approximately one hour, but their noisy and colorful environment makes them unforgettable for tourists and locals. The festival also includes musical and dance programs, various shows, turning it not only into a battle but also into a true cultural event.
After the battle, the city streets are cleaned of tomato residues using hoses and fire trucks. This tradition is not only beautiful but also environmentally significant.
Thus, the “La Tomatina” festival in the small Spanish town of Buñol attracts tourists from around the world as an entertaining, colorful, and historically and culturally significant event.
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