by Veronica Shine

Created on: August 10, 2007   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

Want to participate in the worlds greatest food fight? Bunol, Spain is seeing red again in The Tomatina (the throwing of the tomatoes).

Every year on the last Wednesday in August, the small Valencia pueblo of Bunol goes off to battle. Over 40,000 warriors from all over the world participate in this small sleepy village and broke the record in 2008 for the number of participants. Can the 2009 festival increase the number?

The day before this red letter event, shopkeepers whose stores line along the Plaza begin covering the facades of buildings in preparation for the noisiest and wildest day of their year.

It may one of the strangest festivals in the world but it is also one of the most fun to take part in.

Rumor has it that this festival began 63 years ago. A few friends who had too much of a good time that evening, stumbled upon a crate of over ripened tomatoes. While they were walking in the village on a main street, they began to throw the tomatoes at each other. Soon other bystanders were quickly drawn into the battle in which must have seemed like a classical pie throwing scene from a slapstick silent movie. From this one silly incident, it quickly became a hit and a new Spanish festival was born. Ever since, this festival has been drawing more crowds each year.

This year in 2011, the battle begins at 11AM on the 31st of August. It starts off on the hour by a launching of a rocket from the local cannon. Trucks filled to the hilt with tomatoes enter into the square as organizers on top of them begin the messy onslaught. Those below retaliate back towards those aboard the trucks and at other participants.

The rules are simple, squash a ripen tomato in your hand (as one could get hurt without doing so) and throw at the crowds. It is a courtesy to make sure the tomato is squished so that this festival can continue on for years to come. These rules need to be taken seriously. Those who partake in this event are strongly encouraged to wear protective safety goggles and gloves as well as a coverering that can be disposed of.

With the buildings protected with plastic throws and the rest is history with all those involved begin to become bright red like a tomato itself. After the one hour of combat, the town is washed down and returns back to its quaint and quiet village until next year. The celebrants' retreat to back home, whether it be to Valencia, other parts if Europe, the US or even Japan.

Be forewarned if you want to experience this madcap adventure; your hotel reservations need to be made long in advance, perhaps by a year, since the festival is becoming the most popular one at a rapid pace.

Location: Bunol Town Hall. Bunol, Spain
Entrance Fee: Free
How to get there: Bunyol is located 30 miles from Valencia.

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