- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- FestivitiesFoodSpanish
- Where:
- Spain
- Date change rule:
- Last Wednesday of August
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍅
La Tomatina erupts every last Wednesday of August in Buñol, Spain, transforming the streets into a vibrant red spectacle. Join thousands for the world’s biggest tomato fight, where participants hurl overripe tomatoes in a joyous, chaotic celebration. Get ready to dive into the fun, embrace the mess, and experience a truly unique cultural festival.
Want to sponsor La Tomatina? Learn how
Expected La Tomatina Deals
While direct deals for La Tomatina are less about product discounts and more about experience, expect travel agencies like EF Ultimate Break or Contiki to offer tour packages that include tickets, accommodation, and transport to Buñol. Local businesses in Valencia and Buñol, such as restaurants and souvenir shops, often run specials during the festival week. Look for themed merchandise from vendors near the event, and consider booking accommodations through sites like Booking.com or Airbnb well in advance. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for La Tomatina
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LaTomatina. Share your most vibrant photos and videos of the tomato fight, focusing on the energy and color.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #LaTomatina. Create short, energetic videos capturing the chaos, joy, and aftermath of the tomato battle.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LaTomatina. Share event updates, tips for attendees, and engage with the community planning to go.
La Tomatina Hero
The People of Buñol
History of La Tomatina
It is believed that La Tomatina started as a joke in 1945 during a parade of Giants and Bigheads. A few local youths decided to partake in the parade but this angered some party members. This resulted in a small dispute near a vegetable stand that led to a tomato fight between those involved. The police arrived on the scene to put an end to the dispute. This fight was repeated in the years that followed, drawing in bigger crowds and requiring the authorities to step in. The event became so popular that the City Council had to take over in 1980. Now it attracts thousands of tourists of all nationalities, making it a festival with a huge international impact.
Surprisingly, the festival was banned in the early 1950s by authorities as they did not find it amusing. It had no religious importance and there were many complaints filed by the older population of the town. The ban was lifted but in 1957, it was banned again. In August 1957, to protest against the ban, a ‘tomato burial’ was held in the town. A coffin filled with tomatoes was carried while musicians played somber music. Moved by the unity of the young people in the town, the prime minister declared La Tomatina an official festival.
Today it is a much-celebrated event, so much so that it is broadcast live on T.V. It was even declared the Festivity of International Tourist Interest in 2002 by the Secretary of the Department of Tourism.
La Tomatina timeline
Local youths anger party members by partaking in a parade of Giants and Bigheads and a dispute ensues near a vegetable stand, leading to a tomato fight.
The event is banned twice as it has no religious importance and is protested by the older population of the town.
The tomato fight becomes so popular that people repeat it each successive year, and in 1980 the City Council takes over.
As the number of people attending La Tomatina increases every year, it is declared the Festivity of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary of the Department of Tourism.
La Tomatina FAQs
When is La Tomatina?
La Tomatina 2026 takes place on Wednesday, August 26, in Buñol, Spain. This iconic tomato battle marks the last Wednesday of August, drawing thousands to the streets for a vibrant, messy celebration.
How many tomatoes are used in La Tomatina?
Approximately 150,000 kilograms (around 330,000 pounds) of overripe tomatoes are typically used in La Tomatina. These tomatoes are specifically grown for the festival and are deemed unsuitable for consumption.
How many people attend La Tomatina?
Since 2013, official ticketing has limited attendance to 20,000 participants. This cap ensures safety and manages the crowd in the narrow streets of Buñol, making for a more controlled yet equally exhilarating experience.
What are the rules for La Tomatina?
Key rules include squashing tomatoes before throwing them to avoid injury, no ripping clothes, and stopping when the second signal shot is fired. Participants must also follow the instructions of security personnel.
La Tomatina Activities
Squash some tomatoes
Squash some tomatoes and cook something delicious. Or, if you’re so inclined, just play with them!
Have a food fight
Get energized and be ready to have a fun food fight! There’s nothing better than letting loose and getting dirty!
Explore Buñol
Buñol has plenty of tourist attractions to offer year-round. Visit one of the town’s rivers, caves, and historical buildings, including a 13th-century castle.
5 Fun Facts About La Tomatina
It’s the largest food festival
It is the largest food festival — 20,000 people participate in it.
Buñol does not grow tomatoes
There are no tomatoes grown in Buñol, but they are transported there from all over Spain for the festival.
The streets are cleaned afterward
After the festival, fire trucks take over and quickly clean the streets.
Low-quality produce is used
Tomatoes used for the fight are overripe and of low quality.
The festival has a Google Doodle
The festival has its own Google Doodle and Google also marks the day with a banner.
Why We Love La Tomatina
It celebrates tomatoes
This day celebrates tomatoes and their benefits. While we enjoy their sweet and tangy taste, tomatoes are also good for our health and have antibacterial properties for the skin.
It brings people together
People from all over the world visit Spain for the festival. It is a celebration of people from different cultures and religions enjoying themselves together.
It is a day of joy
It is a day of joy and happiness. People can have lots of fun together and forget their troubles.
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