La Tomatina is one of the world’s more unusual festivals: Taking place in Buñol, Spain, this is the day when, for one hour, participants can throw tomatoes at each other in the street. It’s a giant food fight! The tradition began in 1945. There are several theories as to what sparked the first tomato fight… it may have been a childish prank, a friendly food fight among friends, or citizens expressing their displeasure with a local politician. It’s unclear which story is correct, but what is clear is that the people of Buñol apparently enjoyed the show, and eventually, La Tomatina became an annual event. In the week leading up to the food fight, there are fireworks, parades, and contests. The day of the food fight begins with a ham placed atop a greased pole. Contestants must strain and struggle to reach the top of the pole and claim the ham. Once that event is complete, the tomato free-for-all begins.
La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday of August every year. If traveling to Spain for a food fight is not on your agenda, but you’d like to participate in a tomato brawl, there are several US cities that have instituted their own versions of La Tomatina. Here are a few.
-
Pittston, Pennsylvania Tomato Festival. Held at the end of August, the city of Pittston holds a four-day-long tomato festival with live entertainment, parades, games and rides, food, arts and crafts, and more. Topping it off are the Tomato Fights. The cost for participation is $5 per person, and participants are given the use of safety goggles. Proceeds from the fight go to charity, so you can fling your tomatoes for a good cause.
-
Reno, Nevada, La Tomatina. Modeled after the original Spanish festival, organizers of the Reno, Nevada tomato fight credit the original La Tomatina for their festival, and named it accordingly. Since 2009, this event has taken place on the last Sunday of August. Just like the Buñol version, this is an hour-long free-for-all.
-
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Tomato Romp. Milwaukee’s annual Tomato Romp is two events in one: the Best Bloody Mary Contest and the Rotten Tomato Fight! This event takes place on September 22nd. The cost is $20 per ballot for the Bloody Mary contest, and $10 to get a spot in the cage for the Rotten Tomato Fight. Plan to get there and register early, because only 300 people are allowed in the cage, and tickets will sell out fast. The proceeds benefit organizations that work to reduce hunger in the local community.
You may be able to find a tomato fight at a similar festival near you. If not, though, why not take a trip to one of the existing festivals and participate? If you’ve always wanted to toss a few tomatoes at people, now’s your chance.
