La Tomatina Festival: A Complete Travel Guide To Spain’s Iconic Tomato Celebration

People covered in tomato stains throwing tomatoes and a banner of the Tomatina festival
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Each year, in late August, thousands gather in Buñol, a town near Valencia, for something completely out of the ordinary. The streets become the stage for a one-hour tomato fight where over 100 tonnes of fruit are thrown. The event, known worldwide as the La Tomatina Festival, dates back to a street dispute during a local parade. It ended with people throwing tomatoes from a nearby stall. The people of Buñol turned a spontaneous act into a joyful tradition. Over the decades, a local food fight evolved into a global event with strict entry limits, ticketing and thousands of visitors.

Quick Details About La Tomatina Festival 2025

Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Country: Spain
Town: Buñol, in the province of Valencia
Time: 11 AM – 12 PM
Entry: Requires valid ticket and wristband
Attendance Limit: Approx. 20,000 participants

How To Reach Buñol

Trains on the railway track reaching the station and a bridge above with a car passing

Photo: Falk2 / Wikimedia Commons

By Rail: Take the C-3 line on the Cercanías commuter service from Estación del Norte to Buñol from Valencia. It takes about 45 minutes. On festival day, extra trains run early. Try to catch one between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM before the station gets packed.

By Road: Buses leave from Valencia’s main bus station. They take a bit longer, about an hour or more and don’t run as often. If you’re going by bus, book your seat ahead of time. You can also drive along the A-3 motorway heading west from Valencia. Exit at Buñol. On the day of the event, roads into the town close early. Parking is only allowed outside the centre, and you’ll need to walk 20 to 30 minutes to reach the main area.

Week-Long Celebration Of La Tomatina Festival

People throwing tomatoes at each other from a big red structure at the people standing below

Photo: flydime / Wikimedia Commons

The energy in Buñol starts building days before the tomato fight, La Tomatina main attraction. If you arrive early, here’s what la Tomatina activities you can be part of:

  • Local groups walk through the streets playing music. Some wear old-style Spanish outfits, others get creative. You’ll find food carts, kids in costumes, and neighbours gathering outside their homes.
  • Early morning on fight day, a ham is tied to the top of a slippery pole in the town square. People try to climb up while the crowd cheers them on. It’s loud, messy, and good fun. When someone gets the ham, the fight’s about to start.
  • The evening before the fight, people cook paella in huge pans right on the street. Locals bring chairs, music plays, and visitors can watch or try a plate. It’s one of the friendliest parts of the whole week.
  • There’s live music every night with bands, DJs and dancing in the square. After the fight, fireworks go off as a final send-off.
  • Once the fight ends and people clean up, many head back to Valencia for the official after-parties. These are held at clubs or outdoor venues and go on till late.

    Tomatina For Kids: A Festival Just For Children

    Young children have fun during this festival by throwing squashed tomatos all over.

    Photo: flydime / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

    While the main tomato fight is for adults, Buñol also hosts a smaller version designed for children aged 4 to 14. This event usually takes place on the Saturday before La Tomatina, in the town’s central square. It lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, with safety staff and plenty of space for parents to watch. Kids are given soft tomatoes, and many wear goggles or waterproof gear. Entry is free, but supervision is required. It’s a great option if you’re travelling as a family and want everyone to be part of the celebration.

    Tickets And Registration

    A person wearing a blue checked shirt holding a wallet with money and cards in it.

    Photo: Lukas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

    The streets are closed off, and security checks wristbands at every entrance. To enter, you’ll need a digital or printed ticket plus a photo ID. At the entrance points in Buñol, you collect your wristband. No ticket means no entry. The basic ticket costs around €15 – €25 / ₹1,450 – ₹2,420. It gives you access to the fight zone, so, book early, as tickets usually sell out. If you’re wondering where to buy La Tomatina tickets, use the official festival website or trusted travel platforms.

    Where To Stay During La Tomatina

    Building of the Hotel Neptuno behind the tall palm trees at a distance in Valencia

    Photo: Brateevsky / Wikimedia Commons

    Most people stay in Valencia and travel to Buñol on the morning of the fight. There are very few hotels in Buñol itself, and they get booked months in advance, mainly by tour operators.

    The River Hostel, Red Nest Hostel and Purple Nest Hostel are some great affordable options to stay which are very popular with festival travellers. They also help guests book group rides to Buñol. Mid-range options include Hotel Dimar, Venecia Plaza Centro and Hotel Mediterráneo Valencia. Premium options include Caro Hotel, SH Valencia Palace and Hospes Palau de la Mar.

    Rules Of La Tomatina Festival

    People wearing goggles sitting on the tomato covered street with red stains all over them

    Photo: flydime / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

    These are official rules set by the organisers and enforced during the event. Breaking any of these rules can result in being escorted out of the event. Everyone in the tomato fight area is expected to follow these:

    • You must squash tomatoes in your hand before throwing them. Whole tomatoes can hurt and are not allowed.
    • Do not carry bottles, hard objects, or anything that could injure someone. Security will check for these at all entry points.
    • You are not allowed to tear or pull anyone’s clothing. This behaviour is banned and can lead to removal from the area.
    • Stop throwing tomatoes immediately after the second cannon is fired. The fight lasts one hour and must end on time.
    • Respect the town’s buildings and shopfronts, which are covered in protective plastic. Damaging local property during the event is strictly forbidden.
    • Large bags, backpacks, or any bulky items are not permitted inside the fight zone. They block movement and create safety risks.

    Tips For Travellers

    A heap of tomatoes on the street of Buñol with people getting ready to enjoy themselves.

    Photo: Revolution_Ferg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

    A bit of planning can make the day easier. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy the festival fully:

    • Get to Buñol early in the morning. Trains and streets get packed after sunrise, and delays are common.
    • Don’t wear open shoes or flip-flops. The ground stays wet, slippery, and covered in tomato skins.
    • Wear a decent pair of goggles. Once tomato juice hits your eyes, it’s hard to stay focused.
    • Keep your phone in something waterproof. Pockets don’t help when everything you’re wearing is soaked.
    • Bring clean clothes and a small towel. You’ll want to change after the fight or at least dry off.
    • Know how you’re getting back from Buñol. Some buses leave earlier than expected and trains fill fast.
    • Don’t skip breakfast before the event. Standing in the sun and crowds with nothing in your stomach can catch up with you.

    La Tomatina Festival isn’t just about throwing tomatoes; it’s about joining something loud, joyful and completely out of the ordinary. For one day, a small town in Spain becomes the centre of the wildest celebration you’ll ever see. It’s not polished or staged but messy, crowded, and unforgettable in the best way. Getting there, finding the right place to stay, and knowing what to expect can change how your day goes. Plan with TripXL who help you sort it all; transport, passes, places to stay and everything in between.

    Cover Photo: flydime / Wikimedia Commons

    Frequently Asked Questions

    La Tomatina is always held on the last Wednesday of August. The date changes every year, depending on the calendar. In 2025, it will take place on 27 August. The tomato fight starts at 11 AM and lasts exactly one hour.
    The festival is celebrated in Spain, in the town of Buñol, which is located in the province of Valencia. It’s the only place where the official La Tomatina takes place.
    The La Tomatina festival of Spain is best known for the tomato fight. Although, what makes it famous is the way it turns strangers into a crowd of laughing, slipping, red-stained people.
    Yes, you do. Entry to the main event area is ticketed, whether you plan to throw tomatoes or not. The local council controls the number of people for safety. So even if you're only there to watch, you’ll still need a ticket. Areas outside the barrier are free, but you won’t see much from there.
    It stayed a small-town tradition for decades. It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that it started making international headlines.
    La Tomatina is celebrated in Buñol only. But over the years, tomato fights inspired by it have popped up in places like Nevada, Colombia, and parts of India. Buñol’s version remains the real one, organised, timed and tied to tradition.

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