The famous LaTomatina tomato battle takes place annually, on the last Wednesday of August, in the small Spanish town of Buñole, which is located near Valencia. This fun and slightly crazy event attracts many thousands of people from all over the world. Many come here every year just to feel like a child whom no one will scold if he is a little hooligan.
The history of the LaTomatina festival or "tomato battle" began in 1944 with a quarrel between several friends. The strife took place next to the vegetable store and ended with the opposing sides, in a fit of feelings, throwing tomatoes at each other. Friends, of course, immediately reconciled, but the cheerful show, which attracted half of the town to the square, was decided to be repeated next year.
So the tomato battle became a fun tradition and a reason for tourists to come to Buñol at the end of August, although at first the police and residents of the houses located in the central square were against the festival. And they can be understood. Nevertheless, every year, on the last Wednesday in August, at 11 o'clock in the morning, a loud shot from a water cannon is heard, from which the battle of tomatoes begins. On the second shot, exactly an hour later, the battle ends and everyone goes to wash and drink the local wine, Sangria.
If you want to take part in the LaTomatina tomato battle and, together with another 40 thousand people, scatter about 120 tons of tomatoes, which are brought to the square by several trucks, take care of a visa in advance. Then buy a plane ticket to the nearest airports located in Valencia, Malaga or Alicante. In the event that you arrive just before the festival, you will hardly be able to leave for Buñol by a regular bus. Take a taxi to the town, the round trip will cost 100 euros.
You can also get to the festival by train, this is the most popular and cheapest transfer. Coming from Valencia, the train station can be reached by metro. This is the Sant Isidre stop. It is better to buy a train ticket in advance, otherwise you will have to queue for about an hour. Leave early to reach Buñol by 11 o'clock. By the way, on this day the city is closed for private cars, so if you arrive by it, you will have to leave the car in its vicinity.
Festival participants are prohibited from bringing sharp and heavy objects and glass bottles with them. It is better to put on old clothes on yourself, which then you will not mind throwing away and take a spare one with you. On your feet - sneakers or sneakers, any shoes that will not fall off. And don't forget to buy swimming goggles, they are essential to protect your eyes from tomato juice, especially if you wear contact lenses.
