Ever dreamed of getting involved in a massive food fight that involves launching 145,000 kilograms of tomatoes at your friends and other participants?
Well, look no further than the La Tomatina festival which is held in Bunyol, Spain every August!
This event is truly one of the most unique food festivals in the world. Instead of only gathering people to taste a certain food or dish, like most food festivals do, participants in La Tomatina don’t only eat the tomatoes which are typical to the Valencia region in Spain, but they also end up chucking them in a messy, fun-filled experience that ends with participants that are soaked in tomato juice and a city that smells like a giant gazpacho.
Participants in La Tomatina are only able to begin with their tomato-throwing bonanza after a participant has climbed to the top of a soapy pole and is able to bring down a ham which has been placed on top. It sounds crazy, but it’s true!
The population of Bunyol multiples greatly as 40,000 people invade its streets on the last Friday of every August to celebrate La Tomatina. In addition to the bizarre tomato-throwing tradition, other food-centric events during the festival include a paella cooking contest to see which participant can make the best version of this classic Valencian dish.
In short, if you love food and fun and don’t mind getting a little bit dirty, La Tomatina should be on your bucket list!
