Tips for Enjoying La Tomatina Festival in Spain

Held every year on the last Wednesday of August, this iconic event where participants throw tomatoes at each other has become a global draw. In 2025, La Tomatina will take place on 27 August (https://tomatina.es/en).

While Buñol is also known for the celebrated “Las Fallas” festival, a fiery tribute to Saint Joseph and the arrival of spring, it is La Tomatina that has captivated visitors from across the world for over 80 years. This spirited tomato-throwing spectacle has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the town’s cultural heritage.

Get Ready for the Tomato-Throwing Frenzy

This is no casual event. The mayhem begins promptly after the official opening ceremony, typically around 10:00 a.m. While the festival is known for its joyful chaos, there are several rules enforced by the local authorities. Only tomatoes are allowed to be thrown, and participants must crush them before hurling them to minimize injury. Bottles, hard objects, and other projectiles are strictly prohibited. For safety, always maintain a safe distance from the tomato trucks, and refrain from throwing tomatoes at buildings or tearing others’ clothing.

In preparation, it is highly recommended to wear old, disposable clothes, as well as closed-toe shoes that provide traction. To safeguard your eyes from the flying pulp, consider wearing swimming goggles or eye protection. Lastly, remember to secure your tickets and book your accommodation well in advance.

Listen for the Signal to Begin the Madness

Once the opening sound rings through the air, the frenzy begins. The heart of La Tomatina is, of course, the relentless tomato-throwing, which lasts for about an hour. When the second sound is heard, signaling the end of the event, Buñol will be blanketed in the aftermath of 140 tons of tomato debris, soon to be washed away by fire trucks, bringing the “battle” to a close.

Did You Know?

• La Tomatina was once free for all visitors, but by 2013, the influx of nearly 50,000 people overwhelmed the town. Since then, a cap of 20,000 participants has been implemented to ensure safety, with Buñol residents still enjoying complimentary access.
• The tomatoes used in the festival are purposely overripe or deemed unfit for sale, sourced from the region of Extremadura, where tomatoes are often inexpensive and lack the quality required for commercial markets.

Thai Airways, in cooperation with Star Alliance partner provide daily flight from Bangkok to Madrid via Istanbul.