Thousands of individuals flocked to Buñol on Wednesday for the annual La Tomatina festival, transforming the quaint Spanish town into a sea of red as they engaged in a massive food fight using around 165 tonnes of overripe tomatoes. The chaotic event lasted for over an hour in the vicinity of València, with structures shielded by tarps in anticipation of the revelry.
The tradition, which dates back to 1945, saw participants eagerly awaiting the commencement of the festivities. This year, over 20,000 people were projected to join in, with reports from the Spanish EFE news agency revealing that 40% of attendees in the past three years hailed from foreign countries.
Non-local visitors paid 15 euros for entry, with the primary rule being to crush the tomatoes before throwing them to prevent injuries. Despite this guideline, many attendees opted to wear protective gear like swimming goggles and earplugs.
Photographs from the event captured the spirited atmosphere, showcasing individuals immersed in the tomato warfare on the streets, some perched on trucks hurling tomatoes below, and others adorned in goggles amidst a backdrop of tomato-covered streets.
