One of the regions most odd and most famous fiestas will kick off in Buñol's next week.
The picturesque town is gearing up for a riot of red as the world-renowned La
Tomatina festival makes its triumphant return tomorrow (Wednesday 30 th August),
promising a spectacle of tomato-flinging madness.
A longstanding tradition that has captured the hearts of both local residents and global
tourists alike, La Tomatina unfailingly unfolds on the final Wednesday of August,
commencing at noon. This year, the 77th edition of the event is set to attract a diverse
crowd, including participants from around the world who flock to this Spanish town to
partake in the revelry.
Originally born from an unexpected mishap in 1945, La Tomatina has since evolved
into one of the planet's most vibrant and colourful gatherings. The festival's origins
trace back to a group of young enthusiasts who were striving to catch a better glimpse
of Buñol's lively parade. In their eagerness to navigate through the thronging
bystanders, a chance incident ensued – one of the parade's participants was
accidentally toppled over, resulting in a flare of anger. In response the spectators
seized tomatoes from a nearby vendor and playfully hurled them at the irate
individual, giving birth to the inaugural La Tomatina.
The star of the show, the pear tomatoes, are favoured due to their cost-effectiveness
and will be carefully loaded onto a fleet of seven trucks, embarking on a 70-kilometer
journey to Buñol.
While the La Tomatina festival once accommodated up to 50,000 participants, safety
concerns have compelled organisers to cap the attendance at a maximum of 20,000
individuals, each armed with official tickets. The tomato melee lasts for an hour,
culminating in the arrival of fire trucks that diligently cleanse the streets. Post-battle,
attendees have the option to retreat to their lodgings for a well-deserved shower or
take a refreshing dip in the nearby Buñol river.
With only a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, La
Tomatina's exuberant legacy persists, marking it as an unparalleled celebration of
spontaneity, joy, and camaraderie. As the clock ticks closer to the last Wednesday of
August, Buñol braces itself for an outpouring of tomato-flinging frenzy that promises to
captivate both newcomers and seasoned revellers alike.