What began as a local dispute in market of Spain in 1945 has now evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of visitors from across the world. This year, the annual La Tomatina Festival returned to Buñol, Spain, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Thousands of people from across the globe gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of La Tomatina.
In 2002, Spain officially recognised the annual food fight Tomatina as an international tourism attraction. Tomatoes, which is often regarded as a vegetable full of vitamins and antioxidants, and great for health, however there’s more that this vegetable carries with itself. Tomatoes are also perfect for learning about the Spanish culture. Since 1945, the event has been held every year except 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
History of La Tomatina – When, Where, & How
The world’s largest food festival La Tomatina began in Bunol, Spain, in 1945, after a fight during a town parade ended with people throwing tomatoes on each other. The involuntarily fight was later done intentionally, by the same group of young people who brought their own tomatoes for fight and in 2002 it was officially recognised as a festival of international tourist.
It was briefly banned in the 1950, citing non-existence of any religious significance. However, nothing is more important that the mental peace hence it was reinstated in 1957 and was officially recognized as a festival of international tourist interest in 2002.
Is La Tomatina an Act of Food Wastage?
Tomatoes need not just a little bit of help to grow, it needs help from several people and groups to grow. All tomato farmers remain cautious all the time while growing tomatoes as crop protection products increase Spanish field tomato yields by 85%. In that case, is it OK to throw tonnes of tomatoes in Spain to celebrate La Tomatina? Is La Tomatina an act to bring together people from across the globe or really a wastage of tomatoes? Let’s explore the truth behind it.
La Tomatina in Spain is generally not considered a wasteful act of food wastage as the tomatoes used in the festival are specifically grown for the annual event, are low-quality, overripe, and in case they are not used for the festival will certainly be not accepted by the vendors or farmers. In short, these tomatoes are regarded as an act to reduce food waste rather than to create it. The tomatoes used in the world largest food festival do not meet the standards for human consumption and are purchased locally to participate in the festivities. To conclude if your mental peace and happiness reduces food waste also then it is really an occasion to celebrate than to think over it.
La Tomatina 2025
The theme for La Tomatina 2025 was “Tomaterapia” or “Tomato Therapy,”, which reflects the resilience of the community after the sever flood in Spain in October 2024. About 120 tonnes of tomatoes were thrown onto the streets of Bunol, Spain. Approx. 22,000 participants were present in the world’s largest food festival, wearing swim goggles and earplugs to protect themselves. The best thing about the event is that participants every year beyond the boundaries of age, race, or language, all immersed in the unified chaos. As per the rules, the intentional tomato fight lasted for an hour. The official event in 2025 began after a ham was taken from the top of a greased pole b a participant. The participants post the tomato festival gathered at communal showers to cleanse themselves from the thick tomato muck up to their ankles.
Tickets & Price for the Event
For a foreigner, a basic La Tomatina entry ticket costs around €15 – €25 (approximately ₹1,450 – ₹2,420) and often vary as per the circumstances. Official entry ticket can be purchased from the official website ( www.latomatinafestival.es).
Similar Tomatina festivals in Other Countries
Similar La Tomatina Festival like event is celebrated in countries like Florida, London, Amsterdam, the Colombian town of Sutamarchán and, most recently, Hyderabad, India. Since the festival has earned the global recognition, the event is celebrated as a community event, Joy fostering Spanish culture, unity, and providing a global platform for people to connect through a shared experience of joy. The event also serves as a tourist attraction supporting the local economy while preserving unique Spanish tradition.
DOs and Don’ts of La Tomatina Event
DOs
- Squash your tomatoes: Before throwing them, squeeze the tomatoes to reduce their impact and prevent injuries.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Wear old clothes, such as a t-shirt and shorts, that you are willing to throw away after the event.
- DO wear protective eyewear: Goggles are recommended to protect your eyes from the acidic tomato juice.
- Wear proper shoes: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, like old sneakers, that you don’t mind getting ruined.
- DO take care of valuables: Consider using local services that offer storage for your passport and money to prevent pickpocketing.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during the event.
- Follow staff instructions: Always obey security and event staff for safety and order.
- DO have fun: Get messy and enjoy the unique experience.
DON’Ts
- DON’T bring bottles or hard objects: No bottles or hard objects other than tomatoes are allowed.
- DON’T tear clothes: Do not tear or rip other participants’ clothes.
- DON’T throw tomatoes after the signal: Stop throwing tomatoes immediately when you hear the second warning firework or loud honk.
- DON’T approach the trucks: Keep a safe distance from the tomato-loaded trucks and lorries.
- DON’T climb on structures: Avoid climbing on walls, gates, or windows to get a better view, as you may become a target.
- DON’T wear unsuitable footwear: Do not wear flip-flops or sandals, as they are not suitable for the slippery streets.
- DON’T bring bags: No types of bags are allowed into the fighting area.
- DON’T bring selfie sticks: These are forbidden due to crowd management rules and will be confiscated.