Some 15,000 people, including many tourists, pasted each other with tomatoes Wednesday as Spain's annual street battle took place in the eastern town of Bunol.
Workers on trucks tipped 12 tons of overripe tomatoes into the main street of the town for participants to throw.
The fight leaves both the street, its houses and participants drenched in red pulp.
The town hoses down the area and the devotees shower off within minutes of the hourlong battle ending.
The festival, held on the last Wednesday of August, inspired by a food fight between local children in 1945 in the town, located in a tomato-producing region.
In the 1980s, media attention transformed the event into a global and national event, drawing participants from every corner of the globe.
Swimmers wear swimming goggles to protect their eyes and usually dress in T-shirts and shorts.
Spain ranked it as a global tourism destination.
8 Comments
Katchuka
The festival may perpetuate stereotypes about Spain, portraying the country as a place of chaos and wanton wastage rather than showcasing its cultural diversity and the contributions of its people.
Loubianka
The tomato-throwing festival brings in a significant number of tourists each year, injecting money into the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses benefit from increased patronage during the event.
Katchuka
While the festival may attract tourists and generate revenue, it also places a financial burden on the town of Bunol. The cost of cleaning up after the event and ensuring necessary safety measures can be quite significant.
Loubianka
The festival represents a break from everyday routines and responsibilities. It allows people to let loose, have fun, and embrace a childlike sense of freedom, promoting happiness and stress relief.
Katchuka
The organizers take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of participants, including the provision of goggles and supervision by medical staff. This helps mitigate potential risks and accidents during the event.
KittyKat
The festival is unlike any other, offering a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience for both participants and spectators. It provides a fun and memorable adventure for those looking for an unconventional form of entertainment.
Dmitri07
The festival allows people from all over the world to come together and celebrate a unique aspect of Spanish culture. It promotes a sense of unity and shared experience among participants.
Muchacho
The event fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants and creates lasting memories for those involved. People get to bond with strangers from different backgrounds over a shared experience.