Let me share the details of my recent visit to La Tomatina in Spain. Want to know how I survived one of the most epic food fights in the world? Check out the details below.
- This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Visiting La Tomatina in Spain
What is La Tomatina?
La Tomatina in Spain is one of the most iconic national festivals – a tomato-throwing battle that attracts thousands of people worldwide to the small town of Buñol (near Valencia). This vibrant event is held on the last Wednesday of August and is essentially a celebration every curious traveler should attend at least once.
This year La Tomatina took place on August 28th: the fight started at noon and lasted 60 minutes. You can check out the details via this IG Reel or TikTok.
Is there a dress code for La Tomatina?
The classic La Tomatina look is a white T-shirt, but it’s not mandatory. Festival-goers wear everything from fun costumes to colorful summer outfits. I recommend bringing a pair of diving goggles and comfortable, washable shoes (flip-flops can easily get lost).
Do you need tickets for La Tomatina?
Yes, you should get your tickets at least a few months in advance through the official website. The best way to visit La Tomatina is with a combo ticket that includes both bus transportation and festival entry from Valencia. If you’re driving, arrive early to find parking. I got to Buñol around 7 am to pick up the press pass and was able to park near the Campo de Futbol. Otherwise, the small town is blocked off by local police and might need to park kilometers away or find no spot at all.
Is La Tomatina worth it?
Visiting La Tomatina in Spain is definitely worth it, at least once. I’ve never experienced anything like it. While some people return year after year, the experience is unique, and you have to try it yourself to see if it’s your kind of fun.
How much does it cost to attend La Tomatina?
La Tomatina tickets cost around 15 euros, though prices can vary if you opt for packages that include transportation from Valencia, meals, or party entries.
Top Facts to Know About La Tomatina in Spain
- The pear-type tomatoes used for La Tomatina aren’t suitable for eating due to the phytosanitary treatments they undergo, but they’re 100% locally sourced to make the festival sustainable.
- For the 2024 edition, the budget for the 120,000 kilos of tomatoes was around 60,000 euros, fully funded by the Diputacion de Valencia.
- Last year, 21,000 participants came from all over the world, including the UK (14%), India (10%), Japan (8%), the U.S. (7%), and Australia (6%), among many others.
- La Tomatina began in 1945, though its exact origins are unclear. Legend has it that the festival started spontaneously when a group of young people engaged in a food fight during a local parade. Over the years, it evolved into an organized event.
Does La Tomatina sell out?
Yes, tickets for La Tomatina do sell out, so it’s important to book in advance. Local authorities limit the number of visitors. Last year, everything was sold out a month before the festival.
How long does La Tomatina last?
La Tomatina starts at noon with a cannon blast and lasts one hour. However, you should arrive earlier (around 10-11 am) to secure a good spot. By 11:30 am, only the back rows were available. Most people arrived around 10 am to watch the “palo jabón” competition at Buñol’s central square. This fun contest involves climbing a soap-greased pole to retrieve a Spanish ham at the top, while the crowd showers the climbers with water hoses.
What happens during La Tomatina?
At noon, trucks loaded with tomatoes and a few locals enter the main street of Buñol, while making several stops to unload the tomatoes. The tomato fight begins when participants pick up the first tomatoes and start throwing them. Although I spent most of my time filming and dodging tomatoes – it was still a blast!
La Tomatina Rules You Need to Know
- Backpacks, bags, cameras, and any objects that could cause harm (like bottles and hard objects) are prohibited.
- You can have your phone inside a waterproof case hanging on your neck (the security staff asks you to hide it behind the T-shirt).
- It’s recommended to carry a certified copy of your ID or passport, leaving the original in a safe place.
- Wear old clothes and old, closed shoes (flip-flops are easily lost – I was wearing Crocs, but I knew I would be standing away from the fight to film everything).
- Diving goggles can help protect your eyes from tomato acid.
- Crush the tomatoes before throwing them to reduce the impact.
- Keep a safe distance from the trucks.
- Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and moderate your alcohol consumption (you can buy drinks at local bars and food stands anytime).
- Follow the instructions of the security personnel. In case of emergency, exit through the nearest street as directed by the security staff.
- There are water points throughout the town to wash off the tomato remains. Free public showers are available at the sports center and municipal pool, as well as in the Maravillas pool area (you can wear a swimsuit under your outfit to be able to undress and wash everything off).
After the Tomato Fight
After the tomato fight, people head to open showers to wash off the mess. It’s a good idea to wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you can partially undress (since the showers are just on the street). Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes, and grab a bite to eat at a local café or bar. Buñol hosts various afterparties and events throughout the day and night. So, usually, travelers stay in Buñol for the whole day.
Why I Liked La Tomatina
Visiting La Tomatina in Spain is a one-of-a-kind experience. It took me years to go, as I tend to avoid crowded places. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of this festival and the friendliness of the locals. Unlike other Spanish destinations like Barcelona or Mallorca, where there’s growing resistance to tourists, the people of Buñol are extremely welcoming and enjoy throwing water at tourists from the rooftops. I recommend arriving early to soak in the lively atmosphere along the main street. After 11 am, it’s nearly impossible to move around as everyone stakes out their spot. I was standing at one of the corner stairs to capture the best views, so I didn’t feel too crowded: the chaos mostly happens on the streets where the trucks unload.
La Tomatina definitely belongs on any Spain bucket list! Would you dare to visit it?
My Video from La Tomatina
Pin it:
For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide, Viator, and Klook
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
So many things I would not have known. It seems as though wearing goggles is the key!
How much fun is this! Thanks for all the great tips to enjoy it more.
I had heard vaguely about La Tomatina before, it looks like a lot of fun. Definitely on my list now of festivals to visit (someday). I would wear an old white tshirt and goggles, because I definitely don’t want to get it in my eyes.
This looks fun but not sure it’s for me. I would rather watch from a rooftop. For participants though, looks like all enjoyed.
Oh I didn’t realise the tomatoes used aren’t suitable for eating. I love that the residents throw water down onto the crowd.