Where the Bleep Do People Celebrate ‘La Tomatina’?

The Messiest Festival You’ve Never Heard Of

Ever wondered where you can participate in the world’s largest, most outrageous food fight? That place is none other than Buñol, Spain, home to the famous La Tomatina Festival—a chaotic, tomato-filled event that attracts thrill-seekers from around the globe. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, thousands of people gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other, turning the streets of this small Spanish town into a squishy sea of red. So, why the bleep do people celebrate La Tomatina, and how did this bizarre tradition begin? Let’s dive into the juicy details!

Why the Bleep Do People Throw Tomatoes in Buñol?

The origins of La Tomatina are as slippery as a tomato in mid-throw! While no one knows the exact story, the most popular legend is that it all began in 1945 when a local street brawl broke out during a parade. People started grabbing tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall and hurling them at each other. The idea must have stuck—because the following year, the participants returned to repeat the tomato chaos, and thus, La Tomatina was born.

What started as a small local skirmish has now turned into a full-blown international festival, attracting visitors from all over the world eager to experience this quirky tradition. Today, La Tomatina is such a big deal that tickets are required, and Buñol’s population swells from around 9,000 to over 20,000 on the day of the event!

How the Bleep Does It Work?

If you’re picturing a massive, unstructured tomato war, think again. While messy, La Tomatina has some surprising rules and traditions to keep things under control:

  1. Tomato Throwing Time Limit: The actual tomato fight lasts for one hour, starting at 11:00 AM. A loud cannon signals both the beginning and the end of the battle.
  2. Soft Tomatoes Only!: The tomatoes used are specifically overripe to ensure they’re soft enough to splatter without causing injury. Before throwing, participants are encouraged to squish the tomatoes in their hands to avoid hitting anyone too hard.
  3. Protective Gear Recommended: Most people wear old clothes they don’t mind ruining, and many bring goggles to protect their eyes from flying juice. Some even sport snorkels—yes, snorkeling through tomatoes is a thing!
  4. The Aftermath: After the hour is up, the streets are covered in tomato pulp, and the town starts the cleaning process. Fire trucks come through to spray down the streets—and people! Since tomatoes are acidic, they leave the streets sparkling clean.

What the Bleep Should You Bring to La Tomatina?

If you’re planning to attend La Tomatina, here are some must-haves to ensure you survive (and thrive) in this wild, tomato-tossing extravaganza!

  1. Protective Eyewear – Flying tomatoes can be fun, but not when they hit you in the eyes! Protect your peepers with a pair of durable goggles. Anti-Fog Protective Goggles for Festivals – Keep your vision clear and your eyes safe during the fight!
  1. Waterproof Phone Case – Let’s face it—you’ll want to document the madness. But your phone won’t survive a tomato bath! A waterproof case will keep your device safe while you snap those Insta-worthy shots. Waterproof Phone Pouch with Touch-Sensitive Screen – Capture every moment of the action without worrying about the splatter.
  1. Old Clothes or Disposable Outfits – Don’t wear anything you want to keep! Many participants opt for old t-shirts and shorts or purchase cheap, disposable clothing that they can throw away after the fight. Disposable Coveralls for Festivals – Protect your clothes and keep it hassle-free with these easy-to-wear coveralls.
  1. Sturdy Shoes – The streets get slick with tomato juice, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes. Flip-flops are a no-go—you don’t want to lose your footwear in the frenzy! Non-Slip Festival Shoes – Stay upright and safe while you wade through the squishy sea of tomatoes.

What the Bleep Else Can You Do in Buñol?

While La Tomatina is the main attraction, there’s more to Buñol than just tomato fights. If you have some extra time, check out these other activities in the area:

  • Buñol Castle: Explore the town’s medieval castle, which dates back to the 11th century. Wander through its courtyards, towers, and even a secret tunnel!
  • The River Buñol: After the chaos of La Tomatina, relax by the scenic river that runs through the town. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a quiet afternoon.
  • Valencia: Only 40 kilometers away, Valencia offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and world-renowned cuisine (don’t miss the paella!).

How the Bleep Can You Join La Tomatina?

Joining La Tomatina isn’t as simple as showing up with a basket of tomatoes. Since tickets are now required, it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Tickets: Purchase your tickets online in advance. There’s a limited number available, so don’t wait until the last minute!
  2. Accommodation: Buñol is a small town, and accommodations fill up fast. Many participants stay in Valencia and take a bus or train to Buñol on the day of the event.
  3. Transportation: From Valencia, it’s a quick trip to Buñol by train or bus. Special transport services are also available for festival-goers on La Tomatina day. Tomatina Festival Transportation Pass – Simplify your travel with a special round-trip pass from Valencia to Buñol.

The Bleeping Bottom Line

La Tomatina is more than just a food fight—it’s a unique and thrilling way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while letting loose in the messiest way possible. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a festival enthusiast, or just someone who loves tomatoes, this quirky festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So, if you’ve ever dreamt of tossing tomatoes in the streets with thousands of strangers, La Tomatina is calling your name. Just don’t forget your goggles!


  • Protective Goggles for Festivals Buy Now
  • Waterproof Phone Pouch Buy Now
  • Disposable Festival Coveralls Buy Now
  • Non-Slip Festival Shoes Buy Now
  • Tomatina Transportation Pass
  • What Not To Do – Spain Buy Now
  • Easy Spanish Phrase Book Buy Now

Get ready to make a splash (or a splat!) in Buñol, and remember: La Tomatina is messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *