Why the La Tomatina Festival Should Be on Your Bucket List

Let me tell you, if you ever get the chance to hurl a ripe tomato at a complete stranger and have them laugh and hurl one right back at you, take it.

Trust me, La Tomatina is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you didn’t know you needed until you’re ankle-deep in pulp, grinning like an idiot, wondering how on earth your life led to this glorious chaos.

I went to the village of Buñol, near Valencia, a few summers ago, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Nestled about 40 minutes outside of the City of Valencia, this sleepy little town transforms once a year into a battleground of tomatoes, good vibes, and laughter.

And yes, it absolutely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list — let me explain why.

The History of La Tomatina

You might think that a festival where thousands of people throw tomatoes at each other must have some deep historical meaning — but honestly, La Tomatina started in the most brilliantly random way imaginable.

The story goes that in 1945, during a local parade in Buñol, a few young lads decided to join in with the festivities in a slightly mischievous way.

One of them knocked a participant off a float, and in the chaos that followed, a nearby vegetable stall became an impromptu arsenal.

Before anyone could say "qué pasa?", tomatoes were flying through the air and a full-blown food fight had erupted in the town square.

The next year, the young people of Buñol decided to recreate the tomato battle — bringing their own tomatoes from home — and it soon became an annual event.

Despite a few attempts by local authorities to ban it (because, let’s be honest, it does sound a bit mad), the people of Buñol fought to keep their beloved tradition alive.

After a few ups and downs (and even arrests!), La Tomatina was finally officially recognised in the 1950s.

Today, it’s a symbol of pure, joyous fun — a festival that draws visitors from all over the world to this tiny Spanish town every August. It’s gone from a cheeky food fight among friends to a massive, internationally famous celebration, but somehow it’s managed to keep that same carefree spirit it started with all those years ago.

And honestly, I love that. Because sometimes, the best traditions don’t come from grand ceremonies — they come from spontaneous moments of laughter, chaos, and community... plus a whole lot of tomatoes!

The Festival Atmosphere is Like No Other

You don’t just turn up and start chucking tomatoes. Oh no, La Tomatina is a full-blown party.

From the early morning, the streets of Buñol are buzzing with energy.

Locals hang banners, the smell of paella drifts through the air, and people from all corners of the world gather, dressed in their oldest clothes (trust me, you'll want to bin them afterwards).

The actual tomato fight lasts just about an hour, but the memories last forever. It's pure, unfiltered joy — a massive, messy, hilarious bonding experience. One minute you're pelting tomatoes at a group of Australians; the next, you're being pelted by an Italian family — and everyone's just absolutely loving it.

Pro tip: stay at the edge of the main street if you want to ease into it gently... or dive straight into the thick of it if you’re feeling brave (I did the latter and regretted nothing except not bringing swimming goggles).

Buñol: More Than Just Tomatoes

While most people only visit for the festival, I’d urge you to linger in Buñol for a day or two. It’s a charming little place with narrow, winding streets and some surprisingly good tapas bars.

One spot I loved was La Boheme, a cosy little restaurant tucked away from the main square. After the madness of La Tomatina, I sat here with a plate of grilled octopus and a cold caña (small beer), feeling very smug about my life choices.

Don't miss Castillo de Buñol, the town’s medieval castle perched high on a hill. It's wonderfully low-key, and the views across the surrounding countryside are spectacular, especially at sunset.

Nearby Valencia: The Perfect Home Base

I based myself in Valencia, and honestly, it’s the best way to do La Tomatina properly. Valencia is a dream city — not too big, not too touristy, and full of amazing food, beautiful parks, and golden beaches.

While you’re in town, definitely visit the Mercado Central. I could spend hours there, wandering the aisles of fresh produce, sniffing spices, and picking up outrageously juicy Valencian oranges. There’s a little bar inside called Central Bar (run by Michelin-starred chef Ricard Camarena) where you can grab a bocadillo de jamón and a beer — pure bliss.

Another gem is the Turia Gardens, a sunken park running through the city. It’s perfect for cycling, jogging, or just lying under a tree with a gelato from Gelateria La Romana (seriously, best pistachio ice cream I've ever had).

Oh, and make time for the City of Arts and Sciences — even if futuristic architecture isn’t usually your thing, walking through this otherworldly landscape is an experience in itself.

Make a Day Trip of It: Albufera National Park

If you have an extra day to spare, hop on a short bus ride to Albufera National Park. It’s a peaceful contrast to the chaos of La Tomatina. Here, you can take a traditional boat ride across the lagoon, spot flamingos, and eat the most authentic paella in tiny villages like El Palmar.

I had an incredible lunch at Restaurante Mateu — their paella de marisco (seafood paella) was so good I nearly wept into my sangria.

Essential Tips for Surviving La Tomatina

A few things you absolutely need to know if you’re planning to tackle La Tomatina:

• Wear old clothes: Whatever you wear will be destroyed. I mean it.

• Bring goggles: Getting tomato juice in your eyes is less fun than it sounds.

• Book official tickets: The festival now requires entry tickets to control the crowds. Get yours early.

• Stay hydrated: It’s August in Spain — that sun is no joke.

• Plan transport in advance: Buses and trains fill up quickly, so sort your return journey to Valencia ahead of time.

• Leave valuables behind: Just bring some cash, your phone in a waterproof pouch, and maybe a change of clothes.

Why La Tomatina is More Than Just a Food Fight

At its core, La Tomatina is about letting go. It’s about being ridiculous, making new friends, laughing till your ribs hurt, and embracing pure, unadulterated joy.

In a world where we’re often so serious and stressed, there’s something incredibly freeing about throwing tomatoes at strangers and getting absolutely soaked in red mush.

Plus, you’ll come away with some epic stories — and probably some even better photos (trust me, a post-La Tomatina selfie is something else).

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a travel experience that's vibrant, crazy, and heart-warmingly fun, La Tomatina should 100% be on your bucket list.

Pair it with a few days exploring Valencia and the surrounding areas, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Spanish adventure.

So go on — grab your goggles, practice your tomato-throwing arm, and get ready for one of the most unforgettable days of your life.

And when you’re nursing a cold beer in a little backstreet bar afterwards, covered in tomato pulp but grinning like a maniac, you’ll thank me.