Thinking of experiencing La Tomatina for yourself? You're in luck! Let Renfe tell you everything you need to know and why you should experience these unique festivities for yourself. Ready to go? Then read on!
La Tomatina is a festival held on each last Wednesday of August in Buñol. This festivity consists of a big tomato battle, where participants throw ripe tomatoes at one another non-stop for an hour. Yes, you read that correctly! A full hour of throwing tomatoes at one another!
But, what brought about this peculiar tradition? As legend would have it, it all began in 1945, when a number of young people fought in the town square during a procession of gigantes and cabezudos. Since they had nothing that they could throw at one another, they picked tomatoes up from a nearby stall and threw them at one another. The following year, they repeated the fight, but this time, they brought their own tomatoes. Gradually, this tradition gained in popularity and became one of the most famous festivals in Spain.
First of all, you will need to get to the town early to get a good place in the square. Its streets get very crowded and a lot of partying goes on before the first tomato is thrown. Enjoy the music, the bars, the food and drink. The atmosphere is incredible! Also, make sure to wear clothes that you don't mind getting stained as well as protective goggles, as tomatoes can be pretty aggressive.
When the battle commences, get ready to start throwing tomatoes non stop! This once-in-a-lifetime experience cannot be missed. Let your creativity fly! Throw tomatoes at your friends, strangers, even at the lorries delivering the tomatoes. Having said that, make sure to take care with older people and young children. It is also important to remember that you are only allowed to throw tomatoes for one hour.
Once the battle has come to an end,, you can shower in the town's fountains, which are filled with people washing and removing the tomato residues from their bodies. Then, enjoy a good meal, such as a traditional paella, at one of Buñol's restaurants. And if you want keep partying, enjoy the music and celebrations in the town square.
La Tomatina is a party where fun is guaranteed, although you should bear a few tips in mind so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Remember to wear old clothes, preferably shorts, and footwear that can be tied snugly. Protecting your eyes with sunglasses or goggles to avoid irritation caused by the acids in the tomatoes is also recommended.
To keep an ever-lasting memento of the occasion, take an aquatic or disposable camera with you, as it may get damaged. Tomatoes should be ripe and soft before they are thrown and mustn't throw them viciously. Also, when the second gunshot is fired, the battle must end.
Dangerous objects are prohibited and other participants must be respected. And for more adventurous visitors, make sure not to miss the palojabón, a post smeared in soap from which a ham is hung. Whoever manages to reach it gets to keep it. Sounds fun, right?
Valencia has two main train stations: Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station, for high-speed routes (AVE and Avlo) to Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante; and Valencia Nord station for other long-distance, medium-distance and Cercanias (Commuter) routes.
If you are considering a visit to Valencia during La Tomatina, then think no more. Enjoy a fast, comfortable and sustainable trip with Renfe that takes you to the centre to enjoy the experience of one of Spain's most popular festivities in full. Discover our main routes to Valencia and hop aboard with us. What are you waiting for? What are you waiting for?