What is La Tomatina?
The tradition is said to have begun in 1945, when a scuffle broke out during a parade in the town square and young people grabbed tomatoes from a vegetable stall to throw. They came back the next year with their own tomatoes, and despite several bans the fight became the town's festival.
Since 2013 the number of participants has been limited and entry needs a ticket, to keep the event safe in Buñol's narrow streets.
When is La Tomatina? Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
- Wednesday 26 August 2026La Tomatina
2027
- Wednesday 25 August 2027La Tomatina (last Wednesday of August)
La Tomatina is always on the last Wednesday of August, during Buñol's week of festivities. The official site announces each year's date and opens ticket sales; the 2027 date above follows the rule.
How people celebrate
- The fight starts after someone climbs a greased pole (the palo jabón) to reach a ham at the top, and the start is signalled with a water cannon.
- Lorries bring tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes into the town.
- After exactly one hour the fighting stops, and the streets and the people are hosed down.
Good to know
- Squash each tomato before you throw it, as the rules ask, so it doesn't hurt.
- Wear closed shoes and old clothes, and bring goggles; don't tear other people's T-shirts.
- Don't bring bottles or anything else that could hurt someone.