La Tomatina

Resources & Information:

• Informational Site:  La Tomatina
• What is it?:  Billed as the "World's Biggest Food Fight," it's an annual event where thousands of participants have fun throwing & hitting each other with over 100 metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes (grown specifically for the event).
• When is it?:  August 
• Location:  Buñol, Spain (Valencia)
• Event:  It starts at 11am after the firing of a water cannon and it's every man for himself for the next hour.  Afterwards, firetrucks come in to hose down all the streets.

Accommodations & Getting Around:

• Planning -- You should start planning your trip about 4-5 months in advance (March / April timeframe).
• All Options -- Look at all options including budget hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals, and family & friends.  We suggest trying AirBnB.
• Arriving -- If you're taking the train, get to the station early - before 6am to avoid the big crowds.

Rules:

• Tomatoes have to be squashed before thrown to avoid injuries
• No other projectiles other than tomatoes are allowed
• Participants have to make way for trucks and lorries
• After the 2nd shot indicating the end, no more tomatoes can be thrown

Tips & Advice:

• Clothing -- Suffice to say, whatever you wear will be covered in tomato juice.  Wear old clothes that you don't care about, or get a souvenir shirt and keep the tomato stains.  A lot of people wear white if you're feeling bold.
• Shoes -- Flip flops are not recommended since they're too slippery.  Either wear an old pair of sneakers that you can ditch, or pick up a cheap pair of water shoes.
• What to Bring -- The clothes on your back, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and a rag to wipe your eyes.  Don't bring anything else that you don't want ruined.  If you want photos, you can either bring a water-proof camera or use a water-proof case for your mobile phone.
• Watch for shirt rippers -- Some people in the crowd will try to rip the shirt right off your back.  
• Palojabon --  Try to check out this greased pole with a Spanish ham at the top. Whoever can climb the pole and get the ham can keep it!