{"id":54111,"date":"2018-09-01T09:11:59","date_gmt":"2018-09-01T08:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=54111"},"modified":"2026-03-16T11:03:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T10:03:52","slug":"la-tomatina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/la-tomatina\/","title":{"rendered":"La Tomatina: The World\u2019s Biggest Tomato Fight"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re preparing for La Tomatina<\/strong>, get ready to participate in the world\u2019s largest food fight! La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing festival in Bu\u00f1ol, a town near Valencia. During this tomato fight festival in Spain, people throw tons (literally) of over-ripe tomatoes at each other. If your reason for learning Spanish<\/a> was to connect with the\u00a0local culture, here is your chance. Visit this one-of-a-kind festival which happens every year on the last Wednesday in August. Give this article a look to get some great tips before heading to La Tomatina!<\/span><\/p>\n

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The air at La Tomatina is full of hands and tomatoes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Origins of La Tomatina Festival<\/span><\/h2>\n

La Tomatina in Spain originally started one day when some rowdy teenagers used vegetables during a street fight. The next year, teenagers returned with their own tomatoes and staged a friendly tomato fight. The tradition continued off and on throughout the years. Now, this tomato festival in Spain<\/strong> is an official Fiesta of International Tourist Interest. Many people consider this a \u2018bucket list\u2019 festival!<\/span><\/p>\n

Information on La Tomatina<\/span><\/h2>\n

This tomato festival in Bu\u00f1ol<\/strong> starts very early on the last Wednesday in August. In the town\u2019s central square, a ham is hung from a greased pole. People try to climb the pole to reach the ham which signals the start of the tomato fight (around 11:00). Tons of tomatoes are dumped into the streets by trucks. The tomato throwing continues for an hour and officials fire a gun at 12:00 to signal the end. Hoses spray water on festival-goers before and after the fight. Residents help wash the tomatoes off people, so say a nice Spanish greeting<\/a> in exchange!<\/span><\/p>\n

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People (and buildings) are wearing protective gear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tips for La Tomatina <\/span><\/h2>\n

The tomato-throwing festival<\/strong>\u00a0might seem crazy or dangerous to some people\u00a0but never fear. Knowing the rules and following these Tomatina tips will help you enjoy the festival safely.<\/span><\/p>\n