Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, a large crowd gathers in Buñol, a small town with a population of around 9,000 near Valencia, Spain.
As the festivities begin, nearby buildings and houses cover their properties, and the street transforms into a massive pool of tomato purée.
The origins of La Tomatina date back to 1945, when a food fight accidentally broke out during a local parade.
Over the years, this spontaneous event evolved into an annual tradition, drawing visitors from all around the world.
So, let’s uncover what La Tomatina actually means, what to expect when taking part in the world’s biggest food fight, and how to apply for a Spain visa from the UAE.
Read the entire blog so you don’t miss a single piece of useful information.
Shall we explore? Let’s go!
What Is La Tomatina Festival?
La Tomatina is a fun and exciting festival in Spain where people throw tomatoes at each other. It happens in the streets, and everyone joins in for a huge food fight. People laugh, dance, and enjoy getting messy with tomato juice all over them.
The festival is not about winning or losing—it’s all about having fun, letting go, and enjoying the moment.
Locals and tourists wear old clothes, swim goggles, and shoes that won’t slip. They jump, run, and play while throwing tons of ripe tomatoes.
The tomatoes are soft, so it’s safe and playful. After just a few minutes, everyone is covered in red! The streets turn into a river of tomato juice, and the atmosphere is full of joy and energy.
When and Where Does La Tomatina Happen?
📍 Location: Buñol, near Valencia.
📅 Date: August 27, 2025 ( Every year on the last Wednesday of August )
La Tomatina happens every year on the last Wednesday of August in a small town called Buñol, in the province of Valencia, Spain. It is located about 38 kilometers west of the city of Valencia. The tomato fight begins around 11 a.m. in the main town square, called Plaza del Pueblo.
Before the fight, large trucks bring in tons of ripe tomatoes—usually more than 100 tons! At the signal, people start throwing them at each other for one full hour.
After the fight ends, fire trucks spray water to clean the streets. People wash themselves in public showers near the train station and bus parking areas. Some also go to the Buñol River, which runs close to the town. The river is shallow and helps people wash off quickly. Locals even help visitors by spraying water from their garden hoses.
What to Expect at Tomato Fight
The La Tomatina festival is all about fun and happiness. It has no political or religious meaning. It simply reminds us that it’s okay to enjoy life in a messy, playful way.
The tomato fight gives people a break from their daily routines and brings them together to laugh, have fun, and enjoy a tradition that spreads joy and excitement to everyone.
Joining the tomato-throwing festival doesn’t cost much. Tickets usually cost between €10 and €20, depending on the package you choose. The ticket price is low, but you might also spend money on travel, places to stay, and extra festival options.
The festival organizers have limited the number of people who can join the La Tomatina tomato fight to 20,000.
Before this limit, almost 50,000 people were coming, and the small streets of the village couldn’t handle such big crowds safely.
So now, if you want to join the festival, you must buy a ticket from an official seller. Planning your budget early will help you enjoy the event without any worries.
La Tomatina Festival: The Day in a Nutshell
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Arriving in Buñol
People start arriving early, mostly from Valencia by bus or train. The streets get crowded. Vendors sell food, drinks, goggles, T-shirts, and waterproof pouches.
If you forget to bring one, you can buy it on the spot. But it’s better to carry it with you to avoid the rush.
Everyone dances, sings, and enjoys the lively mood.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Music and Street Fun
Street parties begin with live music and dancing. Locals and visitors enjoy snacks, drinks, and a cheerful atmosphere. Many have beer or sangria (a Spanish alcoholic drink) to boost the party spirit.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Palo Jabón – The Greased Pole
People try to climb a tall, greasy pole to grab a ham tied at the top. It’s slippery and hard, so they slip and fall while others cheer and laugh. This is just for fun, you don’t need to join — you can just watch and have a good laugh.
Noon: The Tomato Fight Begins
At 12 sharp, a cannon fires and trucks dump tons of tomatoes into the streets. People grab tomatoes and throw them at everyone. In minutes, the streets turn red and everyone gets soaked in tomato juice. It’s wild, funny, and full of laughter! The tomato fight only lasts for an hour.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Cleaning Up and More Fun
Locals spray people with hoses from balconies and shops. Some head to the Buñol River to wash off. Many keep their messy clothes as a fun memory.
After cleaning up, street parties continue with music, dancing, and tasty food.
2:00 PM – Late Night: After-Parties in Valencia
Many people go back to Valencia for more parties, food, and fun that lasts all night.
What to Pack: A Quick Checklist
If you’re planning to visit the La Tomatina Festival in Spain from Dubai, here’s a more detailed checklist to make sure you’re well-prepared for the event:
- ✅ Old Clothes: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting ruined because the tomato fight is messy! After the festival, you’ll likely throw them away, so don’t bring anything you want to keep clean.
- ✅ Waterproof Pouch for Phone: You’ll want to take pictures and videos, but you don’t want your phone to get drenched in tomato juice. A waterproof pouch will keep your phone safe and dry.
- ✅ Swim Goggles: Tomatoes can squirt in your eyes, and goggles will protect them. They’ll also make it easier to see during the chaotic tomato fight!
- ✅ Extra Clothes: After the tomato fight, you’ll need fresh clothes to change into. Pack an extra set of comfortable clothes and shoes to feel clean and comfortable afterward.
- ✅ Comfortable Shoes: Choose shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or ruined. The streets can be slippery, so pick something with a good grip, and avoid wearing your best pair of shoes!
- ✅ Towel: Bring a towel to wipe off some of the tomato juice and water before you change into your extra clothes. It’s also helpful if you need to dry off after washing yourself.
- ✅ Copy of Your ID and Some Cash: It’s always a good idea to carry a copy of your ID in case you need it. Also, carry some cash for snacks, transportation, or any emergencies. Don’t forget to keep it safe.
- ✅ Snacks: Pack a few light snacks for the day, as you might get hungry while waiting for the festival to begin or after the fight. Things like energy bars or fruit are perfect!
- ✅ Sanitizer: It’s good to have hand sanitizer with you, especially after touching tomatoes and before eating or drinking. It’ll keep your hands clean and fresh throughout the day.
- ✅ Medicines: If you take any regular medications or need something for headaches or allergies, bring them with you. You might not be able to find what you need during the festival.
- ✅ Personal Cleanup Kit: Bring some wipes or a small towel to clean yourself a bit before you leave the festival area. It will help you feel fresher after the tomato fight.
- ✅ Sunblock: If you’re going to be outdoors for a long time, make sure to pack some sunblock to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if it’s hot.
- ✅ Plastic Bag: You’ll want a plastic bag to store your messy clothes after the fight. It’s better than carrying around your tomato-covered clothes!
- ✅ Small Backpack: A small backpack will help you carry all these items comfortably. Keep it light and easy to carry, and you’ll be ready for the festival!
This checklist will help ensure you’re well-prepared to enjoy La Tomatina and have fun without any worries.
Common Mistakes To Avoid ❌ : La Tomatina Festival
Ruby Dhal from Vocal shared her experience of joining La Tomatina, the tomato festival. After three days of scrubbing and bathing, her friend found bits of tomato still stuck in her ear! Joking aside, if you’re planning to visit La Tomatina, here are some things you should avoid.
Here are some mistakes to avoid if you want to have the best experience at La Tomatina:
- Wearing new or expensive clothes/shoes: The tomato fight is messy, and your clothes and shoes will get ruined. Wear old clothes you’re willing to throw away afterward.
- Not buying your entry ticket early: Tickets sell out fast, so make sure to buy yours in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Bringing large bags or valuables: Keep things simple! Large bags or valuables can get lost or damaged in the crowd. Stick to essentials only.
- Not arriving early: The gates close by mid-morning, so arrive early to make sure you’re ready for the fun!
- Skipping goggles: Don’t forget goggles to protect your eyes from the tomato juice. It can sting and make it harder to see.
- Expecting clean washrooms: Washrooms are limited and may not be the cleanest. Be prepared for a less-than-ideal situation.
- Wearing flip-flops or open shoes: Flip-flops are not a good idea. The streets will be slippery, and your feet might get hurt. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip.
- Not protecting your phone/camera: Keep your phone or camera safe in a waterproof pouch. Tomato juice can easily damage electronics.
- Forgetting water and snacks: You’ll need to stay hydrated and energized. Don’t forget to bring some water and snacks for the day.
- Not learning basic Spanish phrases: Knowing a few simple phrases in Spanish can help you communicate with locals and fellow festival-goers.
- Not planning for cleanup: After the festival, you’ll need to clean up. Bring a small towel or wipes to freshen up before heading out.
- Ignoring safety rules: Make sure you follow the festival’s safety guidelines, like only throwing soft tomatoes and not bringing dangerous items.
Tips for Families & Kids
Planning to visit La Tomatina with your family and kids? Here are some tips to help you enjoy the festival safely:
- Not ideal for kids under 12: The festival gets rough and slippery, so it’s better to avoid bringing younger kids.
- Watch from nearby cafés or balconies: If you’re with kids, consider watching the fight from a safe spot, like a café or balcony.
- Pack sanitizer, snacks, sunscreen, and wipes: Keep your little ones clean and comfortable with sanitizer, snacks, sunscreen, and wipes.
- Stay in family-friendly accommodation in Valencia: Instead of staying in Buñol, book accommodation in Valencia for a more family-friendly environment.
- Prepare kids mentally: Talk to your kids beforehand about the big crowds, loud noises, and mess, so they know what to expect.
- Consider skipping the tomato fight: If the fight seems too intense, enjoy nearby family events in Valencia like the beach, parks, or markets.
- Pack family essentials: Don’t forget the basics like extra clothes, medications, and comfort items for your kids.
- Carry ID and health insurance cards: Always have a copy of your ID and health insurance card for emergencies.
- Use a child carrier, not strollers: Avoid strollers in the crowded, slippery areas. A child carrier is safer.
- Plan your meals: Know where to find family-friendly restaurants or pack meals for your kids.
- Avoid entering the central fight zone: Stay away from the main tomato fight area for your children’s safety.
- Dress your child in bright colors: Bright colors will make it easier to spot your child in the crowd. Also, make sure they know the address and how to get back to where you’re staying.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable La Tomatina experience for your family!
How to Travel to La Tomatina from the UAE
Planning your trip to La Tomatina from the UAE? Here’s a helpful guide to make your travel easy and stress-free:
The distance between Dubai and Spain is about 5,600 kilometers. The flight duration from Dubai to Madrid or Valencia is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Once you land in Spain, you can enjoy your time exploring before heading to Buñol for the festival.
After landing in Valencia, it’s just a 40-minute journey by taxi or train to Buñol, where the festival takes place. Trains run frequently, so it’s an easy and scenic way to get there. Taxis are also available for a more direct and comfortable ride.
Flights and hotels fill up quickly during La Tomatina, so it’s best to book early. Don’t wait too long to secure your tickets and accommodation!
If you’re an Emirati citizen, you’re in luck! You don’t need a visa to visit Spain for up to 90 days, so you can simply plan your trip and go.
If you’re an expat, you’ll need a Schengen Tourist Visa to travel to Spain. The process involves submitting documents like your passport, UAE residence visa, bank statements, and more.
Want help with your visa? Check out The Visa Guy for all your visa needs and make your journey stress-free.
Always remember, La Tomatina is a wild and fun festival, but a little planning goes a long way, especially when traveling with family. Plan your trip early, book your flights and accommodations in advance, and get ready to dive into the messiest celebration in the world!
Plan smart, pack well, and enjoy the festival with The Visa Guy.
