Spain’s tomato food fight leaves thousands covered in pulp | Newsfeed
Thousands Join Spain’s La Tomatina Festival in Mass Tomato Fight
Published on August 26, 2026
BUÑOL, Spain — The annual La Tomatina festival kicked off today in Buñol, attracting thousands of participants eager to engage in one of the world’s most famous food fights. For an hour, the streets of this small town were transformed into a vibrant spectacle as attendees hurled approximately 150,000 kilograms of ripe tomatoes at each other.
Originating in 1945, La Tomatina has become a celebrated tradition that draws visitors from around the globe. Participants typically don old clothing and protective goggles to fend off the splattering fruit. Local officials estimated that this year’s event attracted a record number of visitors, eager to partake in the unique celebration.
As the event began, the air filled with laughter, shouts, and the distinctive sounds of squishing fruit. Attendees left the festival covered in pulp and vibrant tomato juice, marking another successful year of this cherished Spanish custom.
The festival not only serves as a source of entertainment but also significantly contributes to the local economy, boosting tourism in the region.
