Buñol, a small town in Valencia, has once again hosted the world-famous La Tomatina, marking the 79th edition of this iconic event. The annual tomato fight, which draws thousands of visitors from across the globe, turned the streets of Buñol into a sea of red as participants hurled over 120,000 kilograms of tomatoes at each other.
La Tomatina, recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest, continues to attract a diverse international crowd. Last year, the festival saw a significant number of foreign participants, including 14% from the United Kingdom, 10% from India, 8% from Japan, 7% from the United States, and 6% from Australia. Furthermore, this year, the tradition carried on, with over 22,000 people descending upon Buñol for the ultimate food fight.
For the first time, 30 participants were given the exclusive opportunity to join the action from the back of one of the tomato-laden trucks, for a fee of €500 each. These lucky few had the privilege of launching the first tomatoes from their elevated position, adding a new dynamic to the event.
The battle unfolds
As the clock struck the start time, the first of four trucks loaded with ripe tomatoes rolled into the streets of Buñol, signalling the beginning of the battle. Participants, both locals and tourists, eagerly grabbed their ammunition and began the chaotic and joyful fight. The streets quickly became a battlefield, with tomatoes flying in every direction.
As more trucks entered the fray, the intensity of the battle grew. Some participants climbed walls for a better vantage point, aiming their throws with precision at the sea of red below. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd, drenched in tomato juice, continued the spirited fight.
A grand finale
The arrival of the final truck marked the last wave of tomatoes and the beginning of the end for this year’s Tomatina. Participants made the most of the remaining minutes, diving into the tomato-filled streets and savouring the final moments of the unique experience.
As the battle concluded, the task of cleaning the streets began. The once bustling battlefield began to clear as workers moved in to wash away the remnants of the day’s festivities, preparing the town for its return to normalcy.
Also read: How did La Tomatina Festival start?