La Tomatina (The Tomato Fight) 2027

La Tomatina (The Tomato Fight)

La Tomatina in Buñol, near Valencia in eastern Spain, is the world’s best-known tomato fight, in which thousands of people from around the globe spend an hour throwing ripe tomatoes at each other in the town’s narrow streets. The tradition began in 1945, when a street scuffle during a local parade spilled over onto a vegetable stall, and it has grown into an international event with an official limit on participants.

Held on the last Wednesday of August as part of Buñol’s week-long summer fiestas, the tomato fight takes place in a small town surrounded by hills, with fire trucks hosing down the red-stained streets afterward.

What Awaits You at La Tomatina:

• The Palo Jabón: The morning begins with the greased pole climb, in which participants try to reach a ham at the top, and tradition says the tomato fight cannot start until someone gets it.
• The Tomato Trucks: After the starting shot, trucks loaded with ripe tomatoes roll slowly through the streets and the crowd pelts one another with red pulp until the second shot ends the fight.
• The Clean-Up: Once the fight is over, locals and fire crews hose down the streets, and participants rinse off in the water the town provides.
• The Fiesta Week: The tomato fight is only one part of Buñol’s summer festivities, which also include parades of giants and big-heads, paella contests, music and fireworks.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Tickets: Entry to the fight area is by ticket only, with numbers capped to keep Buñol’s streets safe. Buy only through the official Tomatina de Buñol ticketing site, as resale tickets from unofficial sellers are a common risk.
• Rules: Squash tomatoes before throwing them, do not bring bottles or hard objects, do not tear anyone’s T-shirt, and stop throwing when the second shot sounds.
• Getting There: Buñol is roughly 40 km west of Valencia, and a direct train runs from Valencia Nord station. Many visitors also come on organized day trips from Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid.
• What to Wear: Wear old clothes and closed shoes you are happy to throw away. Swimming goggles protect your eyes, and a waterproof pouch or case keeps your phone safe.
• Accommodation: Buñol is a small town with limited rooms and most visitors stay in Valencia, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Buñol: Beyond the fight, the area has waterfalls and swimming spots, wineries, horseback riding and the Turche Cave, plus guided La Tomatina day trips — browse top Buñol tours and activities here.

The official rules, ticket information and fiesta program are published on the official Tomatina de Buñol site. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.