La Tomatina de Buñol: the tomato festival that will surprise you
Spain is known around the world for its vibrant festivities and unique traditions.
One of the most emblematic celebrations is the famous holiday la Tomatina from Bunol.
If you are planning to come to Valencia at the end of August to study at Hispania, escuela de español our face-to-face Spanish courses o online Spanish coursesTake the opportunity to go to the Tomatina de Buñol!
The Fiesta de la Tomatina is an annual event that takes place in the small town of Buñol, very close to the city of Valencia. In just 40 minutes you will arrive!
From its humble beginnings in the decade 1940, this celebration has evolved to become one of the most popular parties and extravagant throughout Spain.
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world they meet at the narrow streets of Buñol to participate in a tomato battle without precedents.
During La Tomatina, participants throw tomatoes at each other, creating a sea of tomato juice and fun.
In this article we are going to tell you all the details of this festival: its history, exactly where and when it is celebrated, the number of tomatoes used, its international impact and much more.
Do you want to join this party?
So prepare the tomatoes and let the battle begin! 🍅
History of the Tomatina
La Tomatina in Bunol has a very curious origin.
It all started in the summer of 1945. It was him last wednesday of august and some young people inhabitants of Bunol They enjoyed the traditional parade of giants and big heads in the town square.
At one point, they wanted to participate in one of the parades and caused the fall of one of the participants, who became so enraged that he began to hit left and right.
Little by little, the rest of the people also began to get angry and throw tomatoes from a vegetable stand in the square, so this big incident ended with law enforcement trying to separate people to end the tomato battle.
Happy with the result of the party, the following year the young people, this time intentionally, brought tomatoes and started another one again. red war, causing its prohibition in the early 50 years.
La people of Bunol he rebelled against this prohibition, also celebrating the festival year after year.
As a new protest attempt, in 1957, the inhabitants of Buñol seized a coffin where they placed a large tomato and celebrated the burial of the tomato with a procession accompanied by funeral marches.
All these events that occurred and all the attempts of the people to preserve their tradition began to be echoed throughout the country that supported them, so in the end there was no other choice but to legalize what was called the Tomatina party.
Where is the Tomatina
Now that you know everything about why la tomatina is celebrated, in this section we tell you everything you need about where the Tomatina is made.
Where is La Tomatina celebrated in Spain?
The Tomatina It is celebrated in some delimited streets of the center in the town of Bunol, which is located in the province of Valencia.
During the day of the party, the participants tomatoes are thrown each other in a great battle in the streets of the center of town.
This bizarre tomato festival in Spain attracts thousands of people from around the world every year.
To participate, you have to pay an entrance fee.
Ticket price Tomatina
El entrance fee to the Tomatina in Spain may vary, but you can find tickets from the twelve euros.
To buy them, simply access the Tomatina de Buñol official website and there you can buy them.
When It is the Tomatina of Buñol
Here we tell you everything you need to know about the dates of the Tomatina.
Date of the Tomatina in Buñol
¿What day is la Tomatina?
is always celebrated the last Wednesday of August. This year the Tomatina will August 30.
La party in bunol happens morning in a series of events that we will explain to you later.
What time does the Tomatina start?
The tomato fight usually starts at noon, To 12.00, and lasts about one hour.
However, as we have said, before the tomato battle there are more acts.
How the Tomatina is celebrated
Very good! Let's talk now about as it is celebrated this fun party and all the events that cover it:
- The previous night:
Last night in this town there is a party. It is true that the tomatoes are not yet in action but you can now go to the fairgrounds and enjoy their beach bars and different attractions.
You will meet all the future participants, so it is a perfect opportunity to make new friends with whom to share the great battle that is about to begin.
- Breakfast:
Before the big event, we should go to the town square the 9 am to eat the buns that the Buñol Town Hall gives away to everyone who comes looking for them.
- El palo:
It's time climb the pole. In order for La Tomatina to begin, one of the attendees must climb the pole until they reach the ham which had been placed on top, Until it's hit, the party can't start.
while some people they sing typical songs of this holiday. From the balconies of the houses, the neighbors shoot water buckets attendees.
When you start to hear a lot of applause, it means that some brave climber has managed to reach the ham and the party can start.
- The battle:
At 12.00:XNUMX, while the people shout «tomato, tomato», they begin to arrive trucks loaded with tomatoes honking, they drop them on the ground and people start throwing them like there's no tomorrow.
The participants and all of Buñol are dyed a strong red color and after an hour, the battle ends.
- The end of the Tomatina:
Once the battle is over, the residents of Buñol take out their hoses and help the participants to wash, others use the fountains to try to remove the red color that covers their entire bodies.
Where do Tomatina tomatoes come from?
Now let's talk about tomatoes.
Which is the origin of tomatoes What are they used in Buñol?
As it turns out, these tomatoes are grown specifically for these holidays.
They come from the town of Chilches (Castellón), where they are less expensive.
They say they don't taste very good, so don't try them!
Remember that tomatoes are a bit acidic. For this reason it is recommended to use protective glasses and gloves.
Who pays for the Tomatina tomatoes?
Is Bunol Town Hall the institution that is in charge of supplying the tomato festival.
How many kilos of tomato are used in the Tomatina
Every year in the Tomatina in Valencia nothing more and nothing less than some are used 50 thousand kilos of tomatoes.
Can you imagine so many thousands of tomatoes flying through the air and scattered throughout the town? What madness! 😝
Children's Tomatina
Do you know that the Tomatina Bunol in Valencia Isn't it exclusive only for adults?
The little ones can join in on the fun too!
This year will be the seventh edition of the Children's Tomatina, and is celebrated a few days before, the 26 August at 12 noon in the Plaza de Buñol.
Since the beginning in 2013, the Children's Tomatina has provided the opportunity for children to enjoy this exciting experience just like adults.
This party is specially designed for Children between 4 and 14 years, and it is carried out the last Saturday of August. The children's tomato battle lasts for 30 to 40 minutes.
The rules of the battle are identical to those of the original Tomatina. But children are more sensitive to tomato acid and you have to bring them towels and clean clothes to change into.
And of course everyone must wear protective glasses, otherwise they will not be able to participate.
Access to the Children's Tomatina is completely price quotation.
La Tomatina and its international impact
La Tomatina has become a very famous party internationally, and it is not surprising.
The idea of a massive tomato battle in the streets of a Spanish town is very appealing, making it a unique experience that many want to witness and participate in.
In addition, La Tomatina has gained popularity over the years due to the media coverage and dissemination through internet and social networks.
The Tomatina photos and videos of people throwing tomatoes at each other have gone viral, generating curiosity all over.
International party of touristic interest
For these reasons, La Tomatina de Buñol was declared in 2002 as International party of touristic interest.
This has led to the party becoming an almost massive event in Spain.
Many tourists travel specifically to Buñol, known worldwide as the tomato town, to be part of this fantastic party.
In addition, La Tomatina has established itself as a tradition rooted in Spanish culture and represents the joy, fun and festive spirit the country.
The combination of elements such as music, the colorful atmosphere, good vibes and the release of stress through the tomato battle creates a memorable experience that transcends borders.
Museum of the Tomatina
Do you know that there is also a Tomatina museum?
It is located in the town of Buñol itself, and is ideal for those who want to learn more about the characteristics of this tradition.
The museum has a 270 degree immersive room where La Tomatina is recreated with videos. In this way you can experience it almost as if you were there.
A concert by the Buñol music bands, another symbol of the town, is also broadcast in this room.
You will learn its funny history and a visit to the beautiful bunol castle.
How to Get to Bunol
El town of bunol is about 40 kilometers from Valencia. There are several options to get there from the capital:
- car or motorcycle:
It is the fastest option. If you don't have a car, don't worry because there are also options with public transport.
- Bus:
You can access Buñol from Valencia by bus directly with the lines 265 and L265B.
- Train:
With the line C3 You can get to Buñol from the suburban train from the Estación del Norte.
Now you know everything you need about the La Tomatina festival in Bunol in Spain.
Would you like to participate or have you already participated in previous celebrations?
Comment your experience!
Have a good day 😉.
Article written by Carlos Martínez for Hispania, escuela de español.
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