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La Tomatina

Get ready to get messy! La Tomatina is the ultimate food fight festival where thousands gather to throw tomatoes at each other. Viva la fiesta!

Monday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 31

OBSERVED INSpain

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to get messy and have a blast at La Tomatina on August 31! This unique Spanish festival has been celebrated since the mid-20th century and involves thousands of people coming together to throw tomatoes at each other in the streets. It all started with a food fight between friends that eventually turned into an annual tradition. Today, it's become a popular tourist attraction and a great way to let loose and have some fun while celebrating the abundance of tomatoes during harvest season. So grab your goggles and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

TIMELINE

La Tomatina Timeline

Origins of La Tomatina

La Tomatina started as a spontaneous food fight among friends in the town of Buñol, Spain.

Becomes an Official Event

Buñol town declared La Tomatina as an official festival due to its growing popularity.

Local Government Takes Over

Due to the event's massive scale, the local government began organizing the La Tomatina festival.

Recognized as a Cultural Event

Spain's Secretary of Tourism declared La Tomatina a Festivity of International Tourist Interest, acknowledging its global appeal.

Introduction of Ticketing System

Due to the extreme popularity and to control the crowd size, a ticketing system was introduced for the event.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate La Tomatina

Join the tomato fight

Get into the spirit of La Tomatina by participating in the iconic tomato fight. Grab some friends and head to Buñol, Spain, where the festival takes place, and let loose with thousands of others in a massive tomato battle.

ATTEND

Attend a cooking class

Learn how to make delicious Spanish dishes featuring tomatoes by signing up for a cooking class. You'll not only get to enjoy the tasty results, but also gain some new skills to impress your friends with.

HOST

Host a Spanish-themed dinner party

Invite some friends over for a Spanish-inspired dinner party featuring dishes with tomatoes as the star ingredient. Decorate with red and yellow accents to mimic the colors of La Tomatina and create a festive atmosphere.

WATCH

Watch a documentary or movie about La Tomatina

Learn more about the history and traditions of La Tomatina by watching a documentary or movie about the festival. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate without having to get covered in tomatoes.

CREATE

Create tomato-themed crafts

Get creative and make some tomato-themed crafts to celebrate La Tomatina. You could paint rocks to look like tomatoes, make tomato-shaped piñatas, or create a tomato costume to wear during the festival.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love La Tomatina

It promotes community and unity

La Tomatina brings people from all walks of life together, creating moments of joy and camaraderie through shared experiences. It also supports local businesses and stimulates the economy of the town, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

It's a unique cultural event

La Tomatina is a traditional festival held in the town of Buñol, Spain where participants engage in a massive tomato fight. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the rich culture and history of the region, making it a must-visit event for travelers and locals alike!

It's a fun and exciting activity

Who wouldn't want to throw tomatoes at their friends and strangers? La Tomatina is all about having fun and letting loose - perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush or just wanting to let go of their inhibitions for a day.

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