La Tomatina Festival 2025: Spain’s Iconic Tomato Fight Explained

What Is La Tomatina? 🍅

La Tomatina is a world-renowned annual tomato-throwing festival held in Buñol, Spain. Every August, tens of thousands of revelers from across the globe gather to participate in this vibrant and messy event, where the only rule is to have fun while getting soaked in tomato pulp.

This epic food fight, celebrated since 1945, has evolved into a global bucket-list festival—combining cultural tradition, pure joy, and a splash of tomato chaos.

La Tomatina 2025 Date & Schedule

• Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (main tomato fight)

• Location: Buñol, Valencia, Spain

• Main Event Duration: ~1 hour

Entry to the tomato fight zone requires a paid ticket (more below).

The Origins: Why Do People Throw Tomatoes in Buñol?

La Tomatina began in 1945, inspired by a spontaneous food fight during a local parade. No one knows exactly why tomatoes were the weapon of choice, but the act struck a chord with locals. After being banned and reinstated multiple times, it was officially recognized as a festival by the Spanish government in 1957.

Today, it's more than just a tomato fight—it's a symbol of joyous rebellion, community bonding, and global celebration.

How Does La Tomatina Work?

Pre-Fight Festivities

• Before the fight starts, participants gather in the town square, often dressed in white and wearing protective goggles. The crowd sings, dances, and enjoys food and drinks.

The Palo Jabón Challenge (Greasy Pole)

• A jamón (Spanish ham) is placed atop a greased wooden pole. If someone climbs up and grabs it, it signals the start of the fight—though often the fight begins regardless at 11:00 AM.

The Fight Itself

• Trucks filled with over 150,000 tomatoes (~40 metric tons) roll in.

• For one hour, people hurl squashed tomatoes at each other.

• At 12:00 PM sharp, water cannons signal the end, and cleanup begins.

How to Attend La Tomatina 2025: Tickets, Travel & Tips

Tickets

Since 2013, La Tomatina is no longer free due to safety concerns and crowd control.

• General Admission Ticket: €12–€20

• Packages with transport, t-shirts, goggles: Available from €50+

• Official Website for Tickets: latomatina.info

How to Get to Buñol

• Fly into Valencia Airport (VLC)

• Take a train or bus to Buñol (~40 mins)

What to Bring

• Old clothes (preferably white)

• Goggles or swim mask

• Waterproof pouch for valuables

• Change of clothes and towel

• Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops!)

Post-Fight Clean-Up

• The town provides public showers, and locals often help hose participants off.

Safety Rules for La Tomatina

• Squash tomatoes before throwing (to avoid injury)

• No hard objects or bottles

• Respect boundaries and other participants

• Stop throwing when the water cannon fires

• Wear proper shoes to avoid slipping

Why La Tomatina Is Famous Worldwide

• Declared a "Festival of International Tourist Interest" in 2002

• Featured in movies and travel documentaries

• Attracts over 20,000 tourists annually

• Part of Spain’s rich cultural mosaic, showcasing its passion for life and celebration

FAQs

❓When is La Tomatina 2025?

• August 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Buñol, Spain.

❓ How much do La Tomatina tickets cost?

• Basic entry ranges from €12 to €20, with packages going higher based on inclusions.

❓ Do I need to bring tomatoes?

• No, tomatoes are provided by the organizers.

❓Is La Tomatina safe?

• Yes, it’s well-managed with safety protocols, police presence, and first aid teams on standby.

❓Can kids attend La Tomatina?

• It’s not recommended for young children due to the crowded and intense nature of the fight.

Interesting & fun facts

It All Started with a Random Street Fight

• The first La Tomatina in 1945 began unintentionally when a scuffle broke out during a parade. People started throwing vegetables from a nearby market—and tomatoes stuck (literally and figuratively)!

Over 20,000 People Join Every Year

• Despite Buñol having a population of around 9,000, the festival attracts over 20,000 international participants annually—more than double the town's size.

More Than 150,000 Tomatoes Are Used

• Every year, over 40 metric tons (about 150,000 tomatoes) are brought in by trucks for the event—all grown specifically for industrial use and not suitable for eating.

Tomatoes Clean the Streets Naturally

• Believe it or not, the acidity in the tomatoes acts as a natural disinfectant, and the streets of Buñol are often cleaner after the festival than before!

There’s a Strict One-Hour Limit

• The fight begins at exactly 11:00 AM and ends at 12:00 PM—with a water cannon signal marking the start and finish.

Officially Declared a Festivity of International Tourist Interest

• In 2002, La Tomatina was declared a “Fiesta of International Tourist Interest” by Spain’s tourism ministry, cementing its place on the global cultural map.

The Greased Pole Tradition (Palo Jabón)

• Before the tomato fight, participants try to climb a tall, greased pole to retrieve a Spanish ham at the top—an age-old tradition that stirs up laughter and cheers.

Tomatina Was Once Banned

• In the 1950s, the festival was banned by authorities under Franco’s regime for lacking religious significance. Locals protested by holding “tomato burials,” eventually leading to its reinstatement.

Goggles Are a Lifesaver

• Veterans of La Tomatina always recommend wearing swim goggles—because tomato juice in your eyes is not fun.

There Are Tomato-Inspired Spin-Offs Worldwide

• Countries like Colombia, India, and the U.S. have hosted their own versions of tomato fights inspired by La Tomatina, though none match the scale and energy of Buñol’s original.

La Tomatina is more than just a tomato fight—it's a colorful, joyous celebration of Spanish culture and human connection. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking traveler or a cultural explorer, experiencing La Tomatina 2025 will be a story to remember for life.

So pack your goggles, embrace the chaos, and get ready to turn red—Spain awaits!

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️