La Tomatina in Bunol, Valencia is the largest food fight on the planet. Every year approximately 40,000 tomato enthusiasts turn up for the biggest tomato fight in the world.
Five bulbous, tomato-packed rockets are sent whistling into the sky to start the festival of La Tomatina. The masses congregated below then launch into a one hour frenzy of tomato throwing - it's everyone for themselves.
One of the highlights of First Festival Travel's tour packages is the optional excursion to a nearby village to experience their all night wine & water festival. Join us for the festival experience of a lifetime!
La Tomatina History: Several interpretations on the origin of this popular festival exist. According to some historians, its origin goes back to a "practical joke" that some friends wanted to play on a man who was crossing the town square singing and playing a musical instrument but, apparently, he was doing it so badly that some of the people around decided to take some tomatoes from a fruit and vegetable stall and throw them at him. Everybody else joined in and the end result was a tomato battle.
However, the most reliable and historical version says that everything started in 1945. The town square (where the "tomatina" is traditionally held nowadays) was crowded with young people of that time to witness a "Gigantes and Cabezudos" parade (giant carnival figures with a grotesque head). Some of them decided to join the authority committee and music band leading the parade and to do so they pushed the ones who were wearing the giant disguises.
One of the participants fell down and when he stood up he started beating everyone around so everybody got caught up in a fight. Fate or chance, there was a vegetable stall nearby with open crates showing the goods for sale. The young people involved in the fight took the tomatoes from the crates and started throwing them at each other until the police broke up "the battle", and those responsible for the riot paid for the damages.
This riot was not forgotten and the next year on the same Wednesday of August the youths of the town met again at the square, but this time with their own tomatoes. This is how another battle started and once again was stopped by the local police. In fact, in the following years the authorities forbade the celebration of what was already popularly known as the "day of the tomatina".
In 1950 Buñol Town Hall allowed the festival. But the following year it did not. Some of the young participants were arrested and imprisoned. However, all Buñol residents claimed in their favour, which made the authorities set them free. Due to the popular clamour, the festival was eventually allowed. Moreover, since then, the celebration had more and more participants every year and started to be better known outside Buñol. It was such fun that its participants not only threw tomatoes at each other, but also threw water, threw their friends into the square fountain and they even "attacked" the people who did not take part and were only looking, among them, relevant town personalities. Once again, this caused the banning of the festival, under the threat of serious sanctions and even imprisonment for those who took part in it.
The celebration had taken root so deeply that in 1957, as the "tomatina" couldn't be held, some youths suggested celebrating "the tomato's funeral"; a large popular display with comic parodies, and groups of musicians and singers, among which, the parade of some young people carrying a coffin with a big tomato inside, followed by a band playing funeral marches. From 1959, in response to the people's demands, the Town Hall allowed once again the celebration of the "tomatina" but under certain restrictions such as announcing the start and end of the festival with a banger and prohibiting the throwing of a single tomato before or after it. From that moment on, the festival was institutionalised although, throughout the years, it suffered some changes, which have to do with the start of the celebration. Some of these changes were climbing the greased pole, sack races, hot chocolate party, sport events of all kinds, fanfares... although what actually takes place nowadays is the traditional "soap pole"; a tall pole with soap which is climbed so as to obtain the trophy at the top: a ham.
Another important date in the history of "la tomatina" is 1975; from this date on, the festival was organised by "Los Clavarios de San Luis Bertrán" (San Luis Bertrán is the patron of the town of Buñol ) who provided the tomatoes, which until then were brought by the locals from their homes. After 1980 it became the Town Hall who is in charge of organising and promoting the festival, so every year the quantity of tons of tomatoes rises as well as the number of participants from all over the world. Despite the great number of people, every year to date" la tomatina" is a success without any incidents.
The Tomato Fight:
To get things started there's a monumental 110 ton arsenal of ripe fruit dropped in the town centre. This is delivered by large trucks that stop at strategic points along the narrow street to dump the tomatoes into the waiting hands of the crowd. The local farmers sit on top of the trucks and fire tomatoes (including green ones) at the defenseless crowd. Participants then have one hour in which to hurl tomatoes at each other. Several times throughout the hour trucks come through to re-stock the street with more and more loads of tomatoes.
Whilst there are very few rules at La Tomatina it is important to follow the following rules outlined by the city council so the event runs smoothly without incident, as it has done to date.
- It is compulsory to squash the tomatoes before throwing them.
- This is a tomato lover's festival so strictly no other projectiles are allowed
- Be careful of the lorries going through the village
- You must not rip t-shirts
- Tomatoes must stop being thrown once the second incendiary device is fired.
After the tomato fight has concluded, the town is transformed back to its former self. Shopkeepers take down their tarpaulins and everyone chips in to hose down the town and each other. Fire Trucks are also used to spray down the streets, with water provided by a Roman aqueduct. It is best to look for locals with hoses to wash up after the fight. The river is also a popular spot to go after the fight but the water is of questionable cleanliness and there are loads of people queuing up for a chance to wash.
>>7 Day Barcelona Combo Flight Tour: 23rd - 29th Aug - £495
Monday 23rd August:
Our tour group meets at Airport early today where you will be greeted by your tour leader and the rest of your travelling companions. Our flight to Barcelona is direct and on arrival in Barcelona we will make our way directly to the central train station where we will board the fast train to Valencia. During the 3 hour train journey your tour leader will run through all of the details for the week ahead. Upon arrival in Valencia we will make our way directly to our excellent hostel where we will be accommodated throughout our stay. After check-in the group is invited to get together for a festival briefing before we head out to sample the famous Valencia nightlife.
Tuesday 24th August:
Today you have the entire day free to get out and explore the fabulous city of Valencia whether it is in the old town or out at the fabulous beaches. In the evening we offer an optional excursion where you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia's surrounding villages and partake in an all night wine and water festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 8pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina. Sounds like a long night but all our passengers of the past have absolutely loved it and even rated it above the experience of La Tomatina!
Wednesday 25th August:
La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. After the tomato fight has concluded we spend some time in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hostel in Valencia. After a long shower we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.
Thursday 26th August:
A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves! We will check out of the hostel before lunch and then make the return train journey to Barcelona. Upon arrival in Barcelona we will make our way to our great, city centre hostel accommodation. This evening we will head out into the city and soak up the amazing atmosphere.
Friday 27th August:
Today is yours to head out and explore the fantastic city of Barcelona. History, culture, architecture, beaches, fantastic food and shopping - this city really has it all! Your tour leader will be on hand to help you plan your free days.
Saturday 28th August:
Another chance to do some sightseeing or perhaps head to one of Barcelona's beaches for a day in the sun! In the evening we will join together for a final party night out on the town!
Sunday 29th August:
This morning we will check out of our hostel and store our luggage until our departure to the airport this afternoon. Upon arrival in London it is time to bid farewell to our travelling companions as our tour concludes.
>> Tour Package Includes:
Scheduled return flights from London to Barcelona 3 nights quality hostel accommodation in Barcelona city centre 3 nights quality hostel accommodation in Valencia city centre World famous 'La Tomatina' festival Return train transport from Barcelona to Valencia Transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina' Souvenir 'La Tomatina' tour t-shirt Services of First Festival Travel tour leaders
>>Upgrade Options
>> Tour Package Excludes:
Personal expenses Meals unless otherwise stated Drinks
>>2 Night Accommodation Package [Hotel] : 24th - 26th Aug - £155
Tuesday 24th August:
After making your way to Valencia please head to your allocated hotel any time from 4pm onwards where you will be able to check into your allocated rooms. The group is invited to get together this evening for a festival briefing followed by a drink in the hotel before we head out to sample the famous Valencian nightlife. Or we offer an optional excursion where you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia 's surrounding villages and partake in an all night wine and water festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 8pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina. Sounds like a long night but all our passengers of the past have absolutely loved it and even rated it above the experience of La Tomatina!
Wednesday 25th August:
La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. After the tomato fight has concluded we spend some time in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hotel in Valencia . After a long shower we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.
Thursday 26th August:
A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves! Today you have free time to explore more of Valencia or perhaps head out to the beach. Check-out of the hotel is 11am which ends our accommodation package. Happy travelling!
>> Tour Package Includes:
2 nights quality hotel accommodation in Valencia city centre (based on twin share) World famous 'La Tomatina' festival Charter coach transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina' Souvenir 'La Tomatina' t-shirt Services of First Festival Travel tour leaders
>>Upgrade Options
>> Tour Package Excludes:
Personal expenses Breakfast & other meals unless otherwise stated Drinks
>> 3 Night Accommodation Package Hostel: 23rd - 26th Aug - £135
**Upgrade to a Hostel with Air-conditioned rooms & breakfast included for an extra £20 per person! **Upgrade to a private twin or double room for an extra £30 per person
Please mention your upgrade requests to us when you book your tour! Limited spots available
Monday 23rd August:
After making your way to Valencia please head to your allocated city centre hostel any time from 3pm onwards where you will be able to check into your allocated rooms. Our Hostels are right in the centre of the historic old town making it the perfect place to base yourselves for the weekl. You are invited to get together tonight with the rest of the tour group for a drink at a local bar before we head out to sample the famous Valencian nightlife.
Tuesday 24th August:
Today you have the entire day free to get out and explore the fabulous city of Valencia whether it is in the old town, the world-class aquarium and city of Arts and Sciences, or out at the fabulous beaches. Your tour leaders will be on hand this morning to help plan your exciting day!
In the evening we offer an optional excursion where you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia 's surrounding villages and partake in an all night wine and water festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 8pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina. Sounds like a long night but all our passengers of the past have absolutely loved it and even rated it above the experience of La Tomatina!
Wednesday 25th August:
La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. After the tomato fight has concluded we spend some time in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hostel in Valencia . After a long shower we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.
Thursday 26th August:
A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves! Today you have free time to explore more of Valencia or perhaps head out to the beach. Check-out of the hostel is 10am which ends our accommodation package. Happy travelling!
>> Tour Package Includes:
3 nights hostel accommodation in Valencia city centre (multi-bedded dorms) World famous 'La Tomatina' festival Charter coach transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina' Souvenir 'La Tomatina' t-shirt Services of First Festival Travel tour leaders
>>Upgrade Options
>> Tour Package Excludes:
Personal expenses Breakfast & other meals unless otherwise stated Drinks
>> 3 Night Accommodation Package Hotel: 23rd - 27th Aug - £185
Monday 24th August:
After making your way to Valencia please head to your Hotel any time from 4pm onwards where you will be able to check into your allocated rooms. The hotel we utilise is a fantastic hotel in the centre of the city making it the perfect place to base yourselves for the week. The group is invited to get together tonight for a festival briefing and a welcome drink in the hotel before we head out to sample the famous Valencian nightlife.
Tuesday 25th August:
Today you have the entire day free to get out and explore the fabulous city of Valencia whether it is in the old town, the world-class aquarium and city of Arts and Sciences, or out at the fabulous beaches. Your tour leaders will be on hand this morning to help plan your exciting day!
In the evening we offer an optional excursion where you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia's surrounding villages and partake in an all night wine and water festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 8pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina. Sounds like a long night but all our passengers of the past have absolutely loved it and even rated it above the experience of La Tomatina!
Wednesday 26th August:
La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. After the tomato fight has concluded we spend some time in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hotel in Valencia. After a long shower and a swim in the rooftop swimming pool, we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.
Thursday 27th August:
A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves! Today you have free time to explore more of Valencia or perhaps head out to the beach. Check-out of the hotel is midday which ends our accommodation package. Happy travelling!
>> Tour Package Includes:
3 nights quality hotel accommodation in Valencia city centre with rooftop pool (based on twin share) World famous 'La Tomatina' festival Charter coach transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina' Souvenir 'La Tomatina' t-shirt Services of First Festival Travel tour leaders
>>Upgrade Options:
>> Tour Package Excludes:
Personal expenses Breakfast & other meals unless otherwise stated Drinks
>> Upgrade Opportunities Available[these should be pre-booked and are dependant on availability]
>>Wine & Water: excursion to a nearby village: Tuesday 25th August - £15 per person
>>Valencia city tour by bike: Tuesday 25th August: – £20 per person
>>Valencia city walking tour: Tuesday 25th August : –£10 per person [incls: drink & tapa on completion]
>>Sunset Booze Cruise around the Valencian harbour 2 hours around the Valencian harbour: Wednesday 26th August – £35 per person [includes: beer, wine & soft drinks]
Scheduled return flights from London to Barcelona 
Personal expenses
