Last Updated: 8/14/2018 | August 14th, 2018
Everybody loves a good festival. They are a chance to let loose, have fun, and indulge in something crazy.
And the only thing more crazy than a giant festival?
A giant food fight.
And there’s nothing better than La Tomatina in Bunol, Spain for that!
What originated as an impromptu local food fight among friends in 1945 grew to become its own cultural event — and the world’s largest food fight. Since 1945, La Tomatina has became a yearly occurrence in Bunol, Spain (aside from a few years in the 1950’s when it was banned under Franco). It takes places every year on the last Wednesday of August, and upwards of 30,000 tourists some to take part in this massive food fight.
Starting early in the morning, people wearing clothes never to be worn again crowd trains heading from Valencia to Bunol. They get there and join the masses heading to the city center, stopping on the way for some food and (a lot of) drinks. Eventually, everyone reaches the city center and simply stops. There’s nowhere else to go. The crowd is simply too thick.
During the run-up to the 11 am kick-off, many participants compete in a pole climb, where they scramble up a greased pole to win a ham. Once the ham is captured, the party official “starts” (though I didn’t see anyone get the ham so you can be sure that the party is starting at 11 am no matter what).
Nothing I write will give justice to this ridiculous festival, which is why I brought my camera along when I attended! While I was fighting away, my friends at Travelyourself took my camera so I could bring you this:
The fight lasts for one hour after which the city is ankle-deep in a river of tomato juice. The fire department will come out shortly thereafter and hose down the city (which when combined with the citric acid in the tomatoes actually does a nice job of cleaning the place!). Partygoers tend to head down to the river to clean up and wash off (or you can get hosed down by one of the locals and their kids who love spraying everyone). The party continues the rest of in many of the plazas around the city. There’s music, dancing, copious amounts of sangria, and lots of good food. This goes until sunset when most crowds head back to Valencia.
It is one of the best times I’ve ever had. In the crush of the crowds, you’re just throwing tomatoes left and right at anything and everything – barely looking where you’re going. I watched people climb statues and doorways for better angles only to turn themselves into easy targets for those nearby. Afterwards, our friends jovially skipped to down and spent the rest of the day on a high partying and chatting with everyone.
Some Tips for Attending La Tomatina
Planning to attend this epic food fight? Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your trip:
- Wear clothing you’re ok with throwing out. Chances are it’s not going to recover (including your shoes!) Many clothes get torn, stained beyond repair, and just end up smelling for days after. Don’t bring anything nice.
- If you’re a woman, be on the lookout and wear a sports bra as many guys get grabby and often times try to snap bras off.
- Don’t bring any valuables like your wallet or passport as you might lose them. Plus, petty crime is rife here. It’s easy to get into people’s pockets. Wear a money belt or a ziplocked poach around your next.
- Only bring your camera or phone if is waterproof. Even then, make sure it has a protective case!
- Wear goggles. You don’t want to get tomato juice in your eyes.
- If you’re traveling with friends, agree on a place to meet afterward. There’s a good chance you might lose them in the crowd.
- Arrive early as there’s limited space!
- Don’t wear flip flops or sandals. The ground gets slippery fast, so you want good shoes to keep you upright. The right crowds also mean people will step on your feet all the time!
- Stay hydrated. It’s going to be super hot in August, and there will be people everywhere. Drink up before the fight so you can fling tomatoes without getting dehydrated.
- Watch for shirt rippers. There is a tendency for people (who may have had a bit too much to drink beforehand) to try and rip the shirt off your back. It’s against the rules of the festival, but people will still try to do it so be aware!
La Tomatina was certainly the most interesting festival I’ve been to. It’s quite dirty (obviously) and if you don’t like a mess or crowds, chances are you won’t like this! But I had an amazing, energetic time, and my time there connected me with some of the most important people in my life. There’s something that bonds people throwing vegetables with each other. So for those looking to spend a few hours throwing food, dancing in the streets, and drinking sangria, visit La Tomatina!
How to Get to La Tomatina
Bunol is located around 40km outside of Valencia. To get there from Valencia, you have 3 options:
- Drive – It’s about a 40-minute trip by car. If you don’t want to rent a car yourself, try using Blablacar (a ride-sharing app)
- Bus – The bus #265a, #265b, and #2 go from Valencia. The ride takes between 60-75 minutes. Round-trips tickets will cost just under 8 EUR.
- Train – Take the C3 from Valencia. Tickets will cost around 4 EUR each way and it takes slighlty over an hour.
As of 2013, foreigners wishing to take part have to pay 10 EUR for a ticket. If you want to attend La Tomatina you can purchase your official tickets here!
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
Book Your Trip to Valencia: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Valencia by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.
Book Your Accommodation
My favorite hostel in Valencia is Red Nest. To book another hostel in Valencia, use Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.
Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!
Want More Information on Valencia?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Valencia for even more planning tips!
Backpacking Through Europe? Get My Guide!
Nomadic Matt’s Backpacking Europe
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!!
Also look at my other Europe guides:
Franny
That is crazy!!!! I would hate it. 🙂
Rob
This is certainly up there on the “to-do before I die” list, nice, looks like great fun! I think I’d turn up with a super soaker loaded with 10 litres of cheap watery tomato ketchup for ammo *evil grin like that guy on doom 1 when he picks up a weapon*
Linda
Ha ha ha! Totally f*ckin crazy! And I soooo Looooove it! What a noise, what a mess….*giggles*
If it weren’t so crowded, I hate that kind of crowds, I’d definitely book for next year already….
Andrew
Ha! That is absolutely insane and awesome!
I prefer to eat my tomatoes, but that is definitely one hell of a scene.
Safe travels,
Andrew
TheBrooklynNomad.com
Jesse F.
That was certainly one crazy day. Tomatoes and sangria for the lot. Thanks for hooking up this vid again! Good luck in your future travels sir.
Laura
Oh, I can’t see the picture! I hope it makes the weekly picture so I can see it in my inbox!
NomadicMatt
The great firewall of China has blocked youtube again? Well, I’ll try to find a good photo.
Daniel
Drinking sangria at 10am? Must be a Saturday! I kid, of course! Great video.
NomadicMatt
yeah…which seems to be the ratio in the hostels around spain
NomadicMatt
La Tomatina was on my bucket list. Now, I can cross it off!
Cindy
Insanity! I love it!
Marking it on the calendar….
NomadicMatt
you better!
Gillian
Looks like a load of messy fun.
Heather
Does this match running the bulls at Pamplona for the ultimate Boy’s own experience in Spain. I think I’ll aspire to walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela for my dream trip rather than one big tomato fight.
Kelly
Great Post. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I attended Tomatina during my honeymoon (yes, I know it’s not very romantic) in 2005 and it was a blast. Its not something I need to do every year; I had a minor allergic reaction to the tomatoes, but it was worth it. It was a crazy event I will never forget – I definitely recommend it!
Mattverine
Awesomeness!!!
No cravings for salsa though, just some sort of sensitive wipes for the eyes.
Advice for people wishing to attend:-
Take nothing that you value down to the streets where it’s “goin’ down”
Put your money and cigarettes / lighters into waterproof zip lock bags
Flip flops are dangerous
Expect to lose your t-shirt / vest or have it torn off
Prepare yourself to go without a lavatory for up to 4 hours
Have water on standby
some advise wearing goggles, but these will almost certailnly become dislodged or removed during the battle.
These are the things I would have like to have known pre-event, so I’m passing it on now.
Cheers.
kristina
it was an experience. There is definately a chance of dying at this festival. you are crushed by thousands of people. with no escape. Be warned of the danger, if you ever fell at this festival you would be crushed to death and I am hapy to have got out alive. There are many more people than tomatoes.
Jessica
This is exactly what kept me away from this festival – a fear of being crushed and stampeded on. Even though I absolutely adore Spanish festivities, this one, along with bull runs, is definitely not for the faint of heart.
cele
Can you buy there the tomatoes? Or where do you pick them from?
NomadicMatt
They dump them out of the trucks for you to throw.
Hol
I can’t wait for La Tomatina! I’m going with Stoke Travel and have scored free unlimited beer and sangria by booking with the promo code SHARKWEEK!
Laura
Planning on heading to La Tomatina, 2016 – any tips on scoring tickets? Do you have to buy a package or are individual tickets an option?
Thanks!
Cindy
Yes! I have the same question as Laura on the tickets!! Do you think it’s necessary to buy the package or we could be just fine if we purchase individual tickets and our own train ticket. Thank you!!
Alicia
Oh my god! I did this last summer while working for an Australian travel company (Stoke Travel). It was madness. I was the only one in the staff crew from Spain (Madrid), everyone else was Australian, and so are most of the visitors. But it is insane. For me it was a one time thing, too many people, not enough space, some people panicked and some really wanted to be in the front rows so were pushing quite aggressively. It was fun, but one time is enough for me. If you are interested, Stoke Travel has quite good deals sleeping in a close by camp site, and all the beer and sangria you can think of.
Naman Kumar
Wow what a festival! I have always wanted to attend it and this post has made me more certain. Next August in Bunol for sure.
James Ian
This is awesome. I’d love this. Your tip of wearing goggles is a good one. I notice not too many people in the photo are (but I bet they wish they were).
Marilena
I had a hard time finding tickets for La Tomatina this year, but thankfully Stoke Travel came through!! Tickets, transport included and free booze with their promocode: FREE
I am so excited, can’t wait!
Lorraine
I’ve done this last year with Stoke Travel as found it so hard to find tickets for the festival, transport etc. They have this package (24hr day trip) where you arrive on the day of the fight by a bus from Barcelona, welcome drinks, transport to and from the fight to the after party – We had everything sorted for just 95euro! Not to mention the Stoke Travel guides are so fun to party with, plus you get to meet so many international people! Highly recommend it !!
Lisa Havick
Would you suggest going with a travel group and which would you suggest? Hoping to do this while in Spain this year but trying to figure out which travel company is best to get pre and after party etc