Let The Tomato Throwing Battle Begin!
Are you ready for the tomato fight of your life?
This battle has the ultimate purpose to have fun because everyone is a winner!
La Tomatina 2019 — A tomato throwing frenzy (in Buñol)
Buñol. Spain Start Date: 28/08/2019 End Date: 28/08/2019
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Girl excited at La tomatina. By gibffe via Foter.com
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Relaxing during the tomato battle. By flydime via wiki commons
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a kiss on the tomato floor. By Diario Critico Venezuela via Foter.com
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Cleaning up after the battle. By gibffe via Foter.com
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Cleaning all the tomatoes. By gibffe via Foter.com
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Buñol. By JFCSvalencia assumed via Wikimedia Commons
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A traditional Valencian paella
Let The Tomato Throwing Battle Begin!
Are you ready for the tomato fight of your life? La Tomatina battle has the ultimate purpose to have fun because everyone is a winner! Come and join around 30 thousand enthusiast arriving from all over the world ready to throw tomatoes at anything that moves or stays still.
La Tomatina is held the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, a small town on the Valencia region, you will be fascinated by the town’s atmosphere full of Spanish charm.
The festival starts one week before the anticipated ‘tomato battle’ with the town’s parade, fireworks, street parties, and food activities. An excellent opportunity to meet others, like you, looking for a red juicy adventure.
If you preffer an orange throwing battle you can see what the Orange Festival is about.
Buñol Paella contestÂ
is the night before la Tomatina. The narrow streets of this medieval town starts to welcome those participating in one of the biggest paella contest worldwide; delight your taste buds and all your senses eating from this traditional dish cooked in giant pans and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the delicious wine pouring from every direction in town.
Tomatoes Fight
Starts early on Wednesday at the last day of August. The town locals cover their doors and windows along the Plaza Mayor in Buñol, in preparation for the ultimate fight that starts at 11:00 am. The narrow streets welcome the big trucks carrying the precious tomatoes ready to unload them to the anxious fighters.
But first, look for the ham on the large pole, as the tomato fight can only start after someone climbs to the top and brings down the ham. Subsequently, you will hear the sound of the rocket signaling the beginning of the tomatoes fight, then, you must become an audacious warrior, as the crowds precipitate to grab the more than 120 tons of tomatoes to soak everyone with the juicy red color for about one hour.
If grape battles are more ‘you’, see the Festa des Vermar in Binisallem, Spain.
After the Tomato Throwing
Afterwards, continue the fun by showering at the local pool of ‘los penones,’ or the Buñol River. When you come back to town, the streets will look immaculate since the town’s fire trucks already washed them from the tomato paste. However, the town is ready to continue the festivity with lots of food and drinks to choose from.
Here is a list of the Civic rules followed by everyone to ensure everyone’s safety:
- Do not bring bottles or other objects that can cause harm.
- You can only throw squashed tomatoes to avoid harming someone.
- Be aware of the large trucks driving by, it is suggested to stand in a safe distance.
- Stop throwing tomatoes at the sound of the second fired rocket.
So Why La Tomatina In Buñol?
Who said vegetables are no fun, for sure after this experience you will never think of tomatoes the same way, so come and enjoy this crazy and adventures festivity.
La Tomatina Tips
1# Wear Comfortable Cloth
Preferably, those you can dispose afterwards.
2# Bring a change of cloth
After showering you will want them.
3# Wear goggles
To protect your eyes; tomato juice is acidic.
4# Wear shoes with a strong grip
You don’t want to lose a shoe during the fight.
5# No tearing someone else’s clothe
It is considered sexual harassment.
Buñol Location
Located in the province of Valencia, Spain, it lays along the Buñol River surrounded by amazing mountains. It is a charming town perfect to host this festivity in the Plaza del Pueblo by the picturesque houses of the town.
In addition, Buñol is an agriculture town so do not worry the tomatoes used during the fight are the ones that are not consider consumable.
Where to Stay
Accommodations are limited in Buñol town of only 9000 habitants, there are few hotels and casas with rooms for rent, therefore, it is recommended for visitors to book way in advance.
Booking.com
A great alternative is to stay in the proximity towns, especially, Valencia, about 38 km from Buñol, which offers a great variety of accommodations at every budget from luxury hotels, apartments, guest houses, to budget B&Bs and hostels. Surely, you can find accommodations of your choice, just book in advance to guarantee the best price and location.
Where to Eat
There are few places to eat in Buñol, but surely delicious, here are some recommendations: first, Posada Venta Pilar offering homemade cold & hot tapas and main dishes with your choice of drink in an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Second, La pizzeria in Buñol offering an amicable terrace where you can enjoy delicious pizzas with your favorite toppings. Third, looking for gluten free options, La Boheme, is the place with a great ambiance that offers delicious food at reasonable prices.
Lastly, if you are staying in Valencia, you have nothing to worry about because you have plenty of places to eat at every budget.
How to Get There
By Air
Valencia Airport (VLC) is the closest to Buñol welcoming flights from budget airlines like Wizz Air to bigger international ones like Air France, it connects Valencia to Europe and the world.
By Bus or Train
From Valencia to Buñol you can take a straight bus that takes about 30 minutes or the Renfe (train) traveling to Buñol regularly for the festivities and takes about 40 minutes.
Lastly, other options include taxis, private cars, and other public bus lines.
From VLC to Buñol is a short 30 minute drive of 34 km straight on Via A-3 filled with green views.
Do you want to experience the area first hand? Hire a car with our search engine
La Tomatina Festival History
La Tomatina tradition started in 1944 or 1945, there is uncertainty about the event’s origins some said it started with the discontent of some townspeople that rioted with tomatoes the city’s councilmen during a town celebration.
At the end, no matter the reason everyone had so much fun that they repeated the event year after year, it got so popular that in 1957 it became official.
Recommendations for the Event