The La Tomatina Festival is the “World’s Biggest Food Festival” which is held on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol near Valencia in Spain during the week of festivities of Bunol. Thousands of tourists from across the globe visit Bunol to paint it red by throwing over-ripe tomatoes over each other and becoming a part of this pure fun fight.

 

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How did Tomatina begin?

There is no record of a perfect date when it all started but it has been a tradition since 1945 when young men who wanted to be part of the parade showered tomatoes and were interfered by police. Till 1980, every year the same tradition was followed until the town hall made an announcement of organizing this festival every year at Plaza Del Pueblo.

 

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How is Tomatina Celebrated?

Around 10 a.m. The event begins with the first activity which involves climbing the greasy pole with a ham on top. The dropping of ham from the top marks the start of the fight. Soon water canons starts the fight by firing water in the air and trucks loaded with tons of tomatoes make their way into the Plaza Del Pueblo and the chaos begins. The tomatoes are supplied from Extermadura where they are grown specifically for the Fest, hence they are cheap and of a low quality. After an hour of tomato fight, fight ends with the second shot and advent of fire trucks to wash the streets.

 

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Rules of Tomatina Fest

  • Squash the tomatoes before hitting to reduce injuries
  • Ripping of T-shirts is not allowed
  • Make way for trucks and lorries and maintain a distance from them
  • Do not get any hard objects along that can cause injuries
  • Once the second water cannon is shot; do not throw tomatoes
  • Wear gloves and glares for protection

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Places to Stay

The Bunol is a small town with limited accommodations which are generally over occupied during the festivities. There are various options available in the neighboring city of Valencia.

To plan your trip to Spain and paint Bunol red, log on to www.mytravelo.com. It takes care of all your traveling needs by offering you tour operators who assist you in planning and executing your holiday. It can help arrange your tour at the best of the prices and facilities. It can arrange your accommodation with transportation and guide so that you can enjoy the festival to the fullest. So this holiday visit Spain and enjoy the shades of red.