La Tomatina Festival
In recent years, La Tomatina has become something of an institution. Taking place annually in the town of Buñol in the Valencia region of Spain on the final Wednesday of August, it attracts tourists from all over the world who hope to throw tomatoes at each other.
The origins of La Tomatina can be traced back to 1944, when young men wanted to march in the Gigantes y Cabezudos parade. In protest against their non-participation, a brawl broke out and tomatoes from a nearby market stall were used as weapons. The following year, exactly the same event occurred, except people brought tomatoes from their own homes.
By 1950, the council allowed the party to take place but it was banned again in 1957. Two years later, the council approved it again with the understanding that tomatoes could only be thrown at a specific time.
The event bumbled along until 1983, when a report on the RTVE television station increased its profile significantly. Reflecting this increasing popularity, by 2002 it was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, and is now seen as a must-go-to event for backpackers and others who are looking for some fun.
On the day, proceedings begin at around 10am with the climbing of a greasy pole in order to displace a ham, which is placed at the top. This is called the “palo jabón” and, once completed, the festivities are allowed to begin. Many have complained that La Tomatina wastes food but the tomatoes used are imported from Extremadura and are of significantly lower quality than those which are typically eaten. These tomatoes are also grown especially for the event.
The Plaza del Pueblo is the main battleground for La Tomatina, where tomatoes are thrown from several trucks. The tomatoes are usually crushed first so they do not injure the participants, although the wearing of goggles and gloves is recommended. After around an hour, proceedings are halted and the street, which is usually soaked in red tomato juice, is traditionally cleaned by fire engines. One of the main advantages of La Tomatina is that the acid in the tomatoes cleans the cobblestones of the streets, whilst the participants usually clean themselves in the local fountains.
A large tourism industry has developed around Buñol during La Tomatina, with cheap hotels and hostels recording increased bookings during the festival. A village of 9,000 souls typically grows to around 30,000 during La Tomatina, with many Europeans taking advantage of cheap flight offers to Valencia. Due to the throngs of people, it is often difficult to get near the central area and the hub of the action, so many have to settle for a tomato fight in one of the alleyways.
For more details on the tomato-throwing festival of La Tomatina including some good photos, see the www.Tomatina.es website.
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