Thousands gather in Buñol for La Tomatina 2026 tomato fight

Thousands of revelers in the Spanish town of Buñol exchanged a deluge of overripe tomatoes, hurling up to 165 tonnes of the fruit at one another on Wednesday for the annual La Tomatina festival. The event, which attracts thousands of participants each year, saw participants clad in protective gear and armed with tomatoes in a chaotic, yet organized, food fight that has become a hallmark of the celebration.

The festival, held on the last Wednesday of August, has grown from a small local tradition into a global tourist attraction. Organizers report that the tomato supply is carefully sourced to ensure safety and minimize waste, with the excess fruit later donated to local food banks. Local authorities have maintained strict crowd control measures to manage the large influx of visitors and to ensure that the event remains a safe, family-friendly spectacle.

As the sun set over Buñol, the streets were left slick with tomato pulp, and the town’s residents and visitors alike celebrated the conclusion of the day’s festivities. The event’s popularity continues to rise, drawing participants from around the world who come to experience the unique blend of community spirit and playful competition that defines La Tomatina.