La Tomatina, the world’s largest food fight festival, returns in 2026 to the town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. Held annually on the last Wednesday of August, the iconic event sees thousands of participants take part in a one-hour tomato-throwing frenzy that has become one of Europe’s most unusual and popular summer festivals.
More than 100 metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are hurled through the streets, transforming the town into a sea of red and attracting visitors from across the globe.
When Is La Tomatina 2026?
- La Tomatina 2026: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
- La Tomatina 2027: Wednesday, 25 August 2027
Tickets and Attendance Limits
Until 2012, attendance regularly exceeded 40,000–50,000 people, far beyond Buñol’s normal population of around 9,000. Since 2013, official ticketing has been mandatory, with participation limited to 20,000 people to improve safety and crowd control.
Tickets are required to enter the tomato fight itself and are strongly recommended to be booked well in advance.
What Happens at La Tomatina?
The festival officially begins around 12 noon in the Plaza del Pueblo.
- Trucks loaded with tomatoes roll into the town centre
- The tomatoes are sourced from Extremadura, where they are cheaper and unsuitable for sale
- The start signal is traditionally linked to the Palojabón—a greased wooden pole topped with a Spanish ham
- In practice, the event begins with the firing of water cannons, even if the ham is not retrieved
For one hour, participants throw tomatoes freely in a chaotic, city-wide food fight. Once the second signal sounds, the throwing must stop immediately.
Cleaning After the Festival
Following the event:
- Fire trucks wash down the streets using water supplied from a Roman aqueduct
- Some participants head to the Buñol River to clean off
- The acidity of tomatoes leaves the streets surprisingly clean once washed
Local residents often help by hosing down passers-by.
La Tomatina 2026 Packages
Official and partner tour operators offer La Tomatina packages that include entry tickets, accommodation, and access to pre- and after-parties.
Indicative 2026 prices:
- 3-day package (3★ hotel): from £225
- 3-day package (4★ hotel): from £265
- 5-day package: from £669
- Day trip package: from £149
Where to Stay for La Tomatina
Accommodation in Buñol itself is extremely limited. Most visitors choose to stay in Valencia, located 38 km away, with easy access by train or bus.
Valencia offers:
- A wide range of hotels and hostels
- Frequent festival transport links
- Better availability during peak dates
Booking accommodation early is strongly advised.
Rules of La Tomatina
To ensure safety, participants must follow these rules:
- Do not bring bottles or hard objects
- Do not tear other people’s clothing
- Always squash tomatoes before throwing
- Keep a safe distance from trucks
- Stop throwing tomatoes immediately at the second signal
Useful Advice for Participants
- Wear old clothes you are prepared to discard
- Use closed shoes—flip-flops are unsafe
- Goggles can help protect your eyes
- Bring a waterproof camera if taking photos
- Secure accommodation well in advance
History of La Tomatina
La Tomatina dates back to 1944 or 1945, though its exact origin remains unclear. Popular theories include:
- A spontaneous food fight among youths
- Tomatoes thrown during a carnival parade
- A protest against local officials
- An accidental tomato lorry spill
The festival was temporarily banned during the Franco era for lacking religious significance but returned in the 1970s and has since grown into a globally recognised event. It honours Buñol’s patron saints Luis Bertran and Mare de Déu dels Desemparats.
Where Is Buñol?
Buñol is located in the province of Valencia, approximately 38 km west of Valencia city. Valencia is well connected internationally, with regular flights from major European cities, making it the primary gateway for La Tomatina visitors.
Official Links
- Official La Tomatina tours & accommodation: https://www.latomatinatours.com/
- Getting to Buñol & official after party: https://www.latomatinatours.com/get-to-bunol-la-tomatina-accommodation.asp
La Tomatina 2026 promises another unforgettable edition of one of the world’s most extraordinary festivals—messy, iconic, and completely unique.
