Lorraine Williamson
On Wednesday 27 August, the streets of Buñol will once again run red – not with danger, but with tomatoes. La Tomatina, Spain’s most eccentric fiesta, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, with more than 20,000 participants ready to dive into a battle involving 120 tonnes of overripe fruit.
From a spontaneous squabble in 1945 to a global spectacle, the event has become one of Spain’s most internationally recognised traditions, a blend of rebellion, humour and community spirit that shows no sign of slowing down.
From mischief to tradition
The story of La Tomatina is part comedy, part defiance. It began when a group of boys disrupted a parade in the town square. An argument broke out, tempers flared, and a nearby vegetable stall provided the perfect arsenal. Tomatoes flew until the police broke it up.
Undeterred, locals repeated the battle the following year, bringing their own supplies. Though the authorities banned the fight in the 1950s – even arresting participants – residents refused to let it die. However, their persistence paid off, and the event was reinstated and gradually embraced as an official fiesta.
By 2002, its popularity and cultural value were undeniable. The Spanish government granted it the title of “Festival of International Tourist Interest”, confirming what the world already knew: La Tomatina had become a national treasure.
Rules of the red battlefield
The chaos may look unrestrained, but order exists. Tomatoes must be squashed before throwing to avoid injuries. No bottles or hard objects are permitted. The battle begins at 12 noon when a rocket is fired and ends one hour later. In that single hour, Buñol’s narrow streets are transformed into rivers of pulp. Afterwards, fire hoses and water cannons clean the town and the revellers, leaving behind laughter, exhaustion and memories.
More than a food fight
For Buñol’s 9,000 residents, the tomato fight is just one highlight in a week-long fiesta filled with parades, concerts, fireworks and communal meals. Paella competitions, music performances and traditional processions create a carnival atmosphere that draws visitors long before the first tomato is thrown.
The event is also a major economic driver, attracting tourism across the wider Valencia region. Hotels sell out months in advance, and restaurants, bars and local businesses thrive from the international attention.
La Tomatina Spain in 2025
This year’s anniversary edition carries extra significance. Eight decades on, the essence of La Tomatina remains unchanged: a playful act of collective release, fuelled by laughter, camaraderie and tradition. Authorities stress that the tomatoes used are those deemed unfit for consumption, ensuring sustainability and minimising waste.
From a moment of youthful mischief to a global celebration of joy, La Tomatina proves that even the messiest of beginnings can leave behind a remarkable legacy. As Buñol prepares for its biggest tomato fight yet, all eyes are once again on Spain’s most colourful, chaotic, and uniquely unforgettable fiesta.
If you have booked your tickets for tomorrow, don´t forget to wear a white t-shirt that you can throw away. Goggles, if you have them, are a welcome bonus. But above all, have fun! For more information, visit the official website.