What is the origin of Tomatina? Discover the fascinating story behind this centuries-old and colourful tradition that has captivated people from all over the world.
Tomatina, a unique event of its kind, has its origins in the small town of Buñol, in the province of Valencia, Spain. Its history dates back to a hot summer day in the 1940s, when a group of young people decided to take part in a festive parade.
In the midst of the celebration, a series of chance circumstances led to a quarrel between the young men, who found only tomatoes at hand, as they were near a vegetable stall. What started as a spontaneous dispute soon turned into an impromptu tomato battle between friends and neighbours.
Although that first encounter was brief and spontaneous, the energy and fun it provided was contagious. In successive years, the young people of the village decided to recreate the tomato fight unofficially. However, the popularity of the event continued to grow among the local inhabitants and, despite being unofficial, every year more and more people flocked to Buñol to join in the exciting contest.
It was in 1950 that Tomatina was officially established, and since then it has grown exponentially, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, it has become an international phenomenon, with thousands of participants arriving every year to immerse themselves in the chaos and joy of throwing tons of ripe tomatoes.
Tomatina has not only left a mark on the history of Buñol and Spain, but it has also transcended borders, becoming a celebration that unites people of different cultures and nationalities in a unique and exciting experience.
Since that hot, casual day when the first tomato battle was unleashed, Tomatina has evolved into a tradition that combines fun and camaraderie with a dash of rebellion and an explosion of colour. It is a celebration that represents the essence of joy and spontaneity, becoming a symbol of the passion and energy that the local community shares with the world.
On our website, we invite you to discover more about the fascinating history of Tomatina and how a simple brawl between friends became a global phenomenon that transcends generations. Dive into the roots of this centuries-old tradition and join the Tomatina celebration to create unforgettable memories in a one-of-a-kind event.