Local sources from Spain: EL PAÍS, Diario AS.
UK coverage: BBC.
The town of Buñol in Valencia, Spain, became a vibrant canvas of red as the 80th La Tomatina festival unfolded with an explosion of color, laughter, and thousands of flying tomatoes. This unique event, deeply entrenched in local tradition and attracting global attention, saw participants from around the world engaging in the world’s most famous tomato throwing festival. On the last Wednesday of August, as per tradition, the streets of Buñol were thronged with 22,000 people, all eager to partake in the revelry that has made La Tomatina a significant cultural phenomenon since its inception from a spontaneous food fight among local teenagers in 1945. This year, the attendees were expected to hurl 120 tonnes of tomatoes at each other, continuing the legacy of this extraordinary event. The tomatoes, specifically grown for this purpose and deemed unsuitable for consumption, were supplied by a company from Extremadura, ensuring the festival’s commitment to sustainability and respect for food resources. The event kicked off at noon, with trucks laboriously distributing the tomatoes among the participants, setting the stage for a frenzied yet joyous battle of red. A highlight of the festival was the traditional challenge where a young man from India deftly descended a greased pole to win a ham, marking the official start of the festivities. La Tomatina has always been more than just a tomato fight; it’s a global gathering that draws people from as far as Australia and India, partly owing to its depiction in a 2011 Bollywood movie. This year, amidst the fun and chaos, there were moments of political expression as banners and flags protesting against Israeli military actions in Gaza were displayed, adding a layer of solemnity to the otherwise lighthearted event. The local government took extra precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of the participants, especially in the aftermath of a storm that had previously battered the Valencia province, demonstrating the resilience of the community and the festival itself. Dubbed ‘Tomaterapia,’ this year’s La Tomatina was not just a celebration but a testament to the healing power of community and tradition. As the festival concluded at 12:30, the streets of Buñol were left awash in red, with participants and onlookers alike covered in tomato pulp, a vivid reminder of the joy and unity that La Tomatina brings to people from all walks of life. The 2025 edition was captured in all its gory and glory through the lenses of photographers from around the world, including a notable image from Associated Press/LaPresse / APN, showcasing the sheer scale and infectious spirit of the event. As the tomato-stained streets of Buñol return to normal, the memories of the 80th La Tomatina will undoubtedly linger, a reminder of the day when the world came together to celebrate in a uniquely Spanish way.
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