August 31

La Tomatina

Get ready to get messy! La Tomatina is the ultimate food fight festival where thousands gather to throw tomatoes at each other. Viva la fiesta!

Yearly Date
August 31
Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Spain

Introduction

Get ready to get messy and have a blast at La Tomatina on August 31! This unique Spanish festival has been celebrated since the mid-20th century and involves thousands of people coming together to throw tomatoes at each other in the streets. It all started with a food fight between friends that eventually turned into an annual tradition. Today, it's become a popular tourist attraction and a great way to let loose and have some fun while celebrating the abundance of tomatoes during harvest season. So grab your goggles and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

La Tomatina Timeline

1945
Origins of La Tomatina
La Tomatina started as a spontaneous food fight among friends in the town of Buñol, Spain.
1957
Becomes an Official Event
Buñol town declared La Tomatina as an official festival due to its growing popularity.
1975
Local Government Takes Over
Due to the event's massive scale, the local government began organizing the La Tomatina festival.
2002
Recognized as a Cultural Event
Spain's Secretary of Tourism declared La Tomatina a Festivity of International Tourist Interest, acknowledging its global appeal.
2013
Introduction of Ticketing System
Due to the extreme popularity and to control the crowd size, a ticketing system was introduced for the event.

How to Celebrate La Tomatina

1

Join the tomato fight

Get into the spirit of La Tomatina by participating in the iconic tomato fight. Grab some friends and head to Buñol, Spain, where the festival takes place, and let loose with thousands of others in a massive tomato battle.

2

Attend a cooking class

Learn how to make delicious Spanish dishes featuring tomatoes by signing up for a cooking class. You'll not only get to enjoy the tasty results, but also gain some new skills to impress your friends with.

3

Host a Spanish-themed dinner party

Invite some friends over for a Spanish-inspired dinner party featuring dishes with tomatoes as the star ingredient. Decorate with red and yellow accents to mimic the colors of La Tomatina and create a festive atmosphere.

4

Watch a documentary or movie about La Tomatina

Learn more about the history and traditions of La Tomatina by watching a documentary or movie about the festival. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate without having to get covered in tomatoes.

5

Create tomato-themed crafts

Get creative and make some tomato-themed crafts to celebrate La Tomatina. You could paint rocks to look like tomatoes, make tomato-shaped piñatas, or create a tomato costume to wear during the festival.

Why We Love La Tomatina

A

It's a unique cultural event

La Tomatina is a traditional festival held in the town of Buñol, Spain where participants engage in a massive tomato fight. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the rich culture and history of the region, making it a must-visit event for travelers and locals alike!

B

It's a fun and exciting activity

Who wouldn't want to throw tomatoes at their friends and strangers? La Tomatina is all about having fun and letting loose - perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush or just wanting to let go of their inhibitions for a day.

C

It promotes community and unity

La Tomatina brings people from all walks of life together, creating moments of joy and camaraderie through shared experiences. It also supports local businesses and stimulates the economy of the town, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

La Tomatina Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 30
Wednesday
2024
Aug 30
Friday
2025
Aug 30
Saturday
2026
Aug 30
Sunday
2027
Aug 30
Monday