Menu:
Tomato War-Tomatina, Spain
A veritable orgy of tomato-throwing that is energetic, fast paced and thrilling; not to mention messy, is what La Tomatina is. This Spanish festival of throwing these red fruit/vegetable balls has its own charm. While the Running of the Bulls, the other famous Spanish festival, is one exciting way of getting the adrenaline flowing, the less dangerous is the wine battle in Haro (La Rioja) that marks the grape harvest; La Tomatina works on primitive instincts to resolve a fight, using overripe tomatoes as ammunition in Buñol, near Valencia.
Timing the La Tomatina: Battle at Buñol
The Tomato War is usually scheduled for the last Wednesday of August and takes place in Buñol, to the east of Valencia. This tiny town, Buñol, converts into a hub akin to a theme park that works only on the principle of a food-fight and is a sure shot way of relieving pent up emotions for many and a primitive form of energetic revelry through fun for others. It is almost like revisiting childhood and doing the impolite thing –throwing food-, which was considered almost a sin. The Tomato War rids one of all such guilt as it comes with a cultural license and so has many takers. Truckloads of overripe tomatoes are dumped in the middle of town for participants to throw at each other. An hour-long battle that leaves the streets awash with a river of tomato pulp and exhausted participants exhausted is what you witness later.
Historical insight into the Tomato War
La Tomatina was born during the town's annual fiestas in 1944. The story is that when two rival groups of youths fought with each other using ammunition filched from an overturned vegetable stall, it gave birth to this mirth. The civic authorities tried in vain to suppress it for many years but later sensibly realized that it could develop into a major crowd-pulling event, which it did- in fact, the Tomato War is now the focus of international media attention, bringing into Spain thousands of truckloads of tourism generated revenue!
It is so famous that the 9000 inhabitants of the tiny village of Buñol find tourists by the thousands, almost overnight, before the Tomato War is to begin- enthusiastically scouting spots in the streets to witness the opportunity of a lifetime – The Tomato War!
The Tomato War: squash’em poddner!
By mid-day, there is close to 30,000-strong participants in the Tomato War, well-fed and nourished by the locally made pancetta, chorizo and lots of rosé, waiting to face the action offered by copious soakings. The crowds group to witness this absolutely messy celebration of frenzied flinging, slinging and squashing of tomatoes against all-with no discrimination of sex as men and women both get their fair share of fun and tomato pulp. The rules of the Tomato War are simple: squish your tomato before sending it into the red blur of the crowd. The use of other projectiles in this game is prohibited. Try to recognize your friend after this! Such is the spirit of La Tomatina.