Thousands of individuals gathered in Buñol on Wednesday for the annual La Tomatina festival, transforming the small Spanish town into a sea of red by tossing around 165 tonnes of overripe tomatoes. The chaotic tomato battle lasted for over an hour in the town near València, with buildings shielded by tarps in anticipation of the event.
The tradition of La Tomatina dates back to a food fight in 1945. This year, over 20,000 participants are expected to join in, with approximately 40% of attendees in recent years being international tourists. Non-local visitors pay a fee of 15 euros to partake in the festivities, with the primary rule being to crush the tomatoes before throwing them to prevent injuries. Many attendees opt to wear goggles and earplugs for added protection during the tomato mayhem.
Images captured during the event showcase the lively and messy affair, with people gleefully engaging in the tomato fight on the streets of Buñol. The festival continues to attract a diverse crowd, creating a vibrant and unique experience for both locals and visitors alike.