Thousands of individuals flocked to Buñol on Wednesday for the annual La Tomatina festival, transforming the quaint Spanish town into a sea of red with around 165 tonnes of ripe tomatoes. The chaotic tomato battle lasted over an hour in the town near València, where precautions were taken to shield buildings with tarps prior to the event.
Preparations included covering houses with tarps to shield them from flying tomatoes before the festival, which dates back to a food clash in 1945. This year, over 20,000 participants are anticipated, with 40% of attendees in the last three years being international tourists, as reported by the Spanish EFE news agency.
Non-local visitors pay a 15 euro fee to participate, with the primary safety rule being to crush the tomatoes before throwing them to prevent injuries. Despite this, many attendees opt to wear swim goggles and ear protection for added safety during the tomato mayhem.
Images captured from the event showcase people engaged in the tomato fight, some throwing tomatoes from a truck above, while others are seen covered in tomatoes on the streets. The vibrant and messy La Tomatina festival continues to attract a diverse crowd year after year, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all involved.