La Tomatina 2023 – A Guide To The World’s Biggest Tomato Fight

La Tomatina 2023 looks like it’s going to be another dozy. With over 40,000 people descending on the tiny town of Buñol in Valencia, the actual tomato fight is going to be a street battle unlike any other. With 150,000 tomatoes as ammunition, the 20,000 ticket holders are in for a splattering treat. The streets will be once again red with tomato pulp once the fight is over. As you’re near Valencia, why not check out some of the spectacular sights?

Everything You Need to Know About La Tomatina 2023

Experience the exhilaration of participating in La Tomatina, the world’s largest food fight festival, held in the charming town of Buñol, Spain. Every year, during the last week of August, this small town situated 39 km west of Valencia attracts tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants. According to online gambling news, La Tomatina is not only Europe’s most bonkers food fight but also a global phenomenon.

Setting the Scene

Imagine waking up to the warm Spanish sun on an August morning, knowing that you are about to embark on an unforgettable adventure. After savouring a delicious tostada accompanied by a strong cup of coffee, you join the throngs of people making their way towards Buñol. The roads leading to the town are closed off in preparation for the event, but the lively atmosphere is already palpable.

Dressed in white attire, individuals from all walks of life eagerly march towards the town square, fueled by the energetic ambience created by street vendors selling drinks and music echoing throughout.

Getting Ready for La Tomatina 2023

Equipped with your ticket, you find yourself amidst the vibrant crowd, ready to dive into the mosh pit of the tomato fight. Grabbing handfuls of tomatoes, you unleash your vegetable ammunition upon your fellow participants, with no distinction between friend or stranger. The excitement builds as truckloads of tomatoes continuously replenish the supply, ensuring that no one runs out during the hour-long frenzy. In total, a staggering 150,000 tomatoes are hurled through the air, transforming the town into a chaotic playground of red.

When the Battle Ceases

Once the exhilarating battle concludes, the aftermath becomes apparent. The unmistakable scent of wet tomatoes permeates the air, and everyone seeks respite from the mess. Locals offer their hoses to cleanse participants of the tomato residue, for a small fee of 2 Euros. A refreshing rinse is desperately needed, and soon laughter and relief fill the streets as people wash away the remnants of the epic food fight.

La Tomatina – Making Friends

As you emerge from the tomato-soaked adventure, you can’t help but marvel at the sheer joy and camaraderie that this unique festival fosters.

While the lingering aroma of tomatoes may dissuade you from indulging in pasta with tomato sauce or tostadas for a few days, the memories of La Tomatina will remain etched in your mind forever—a testament to the unrivalled spectacle of this undisputed king among food fight festivals.

Best Views of La Tomatina

To fully enjoy the best views at La Tomatina, head towards Buñol’s town square where the food fight takes place. Simply follow the crowd downhill, and you’ll reach the entrance without any hassle. Don’t be concerned about ticket vendors along the way; many tourists mistakenly believe they must queue there, unaware that tickets are available near the square’s entrance from the organizers themselves. Keep in mind that reaching the entrance might be a bit of a trek due to road closures, so it’s advisable to arrive in Buñol early to ensure you don’t miss the fight. Remember to dress in white for the tomato food fight.

Proper Attire for La Tomatina

When attending La Tomatina, it’s crucial to dress appropriately, considering the warm weather in Spain during this time of year. Although mornings may be chilly, the temperature will rise throughout the day. Opt for white clothing that you won’t mind discarding afterwards, as it is likely to get stained. Alternatively, have some bleach on hand to remove tomato stains later.

Additionally, don’t forget to wear goggles to protect your eyes, as tomatoes can cause discomfort. Choose closed and flat shoes like sneakers or Crocs to avoid injuries, as thousands of people will be jumping around in tomatoes. It’s best to avoid flip-flops since the tomato-covered ground can become extremely slippery. If you’ve brought your mobile to call friends back home or even gamble online at Marathonbet Casino, we suggest you leave it at home for the day. 

Essential Items to Pack

Ensure that you include the following items in your packing list for La Tomatina:

• Sneakers or Crocs: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to prevent any injuries amidst the lively tomato-filled atmosphere.
• White clothes: Don attire that you no longer need or want to wear, as everyone participating in the event dresses in white.
• Goggles: It is recommended to bring eye protection such as goggles to shield your eyes from potential tomato splatters.

La Tomatina 2023 Ticket Information

In order to prevent overcrowding, the town has implemented a ticketing system for the 2023 event, limiting the number of visitors to 20,000. Please be aware that ticket prices increase each year, with an approximate cost of 12 Euros per person.

La Tomatina 2023 Event Schedule

Mark your calendars for the wildest food fight of the year! La Tomatina will take place on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, as it does every last Wednesday of August. Get ready for an hour-long extravaganza!

• 11:00 AM: Numerous trucks arrive in the city centre of Buñol, carrying thousands of over-ripe tomatoes. However, the event doesn’t start until a daring individual successfully climbs a two-story greased-up wooden pole to retrieve a giant slab of ham. This process can take some time! Once it’s done, chaos erupts with water cannons firing, signalling the start of the Palojabon!
• 12:00 PM: As the tomato supply dwindles, the fighting begins to calm down. Participants then head to the Buñol River to wash up, and kind residents even offer hoses to help passers-by clean up.

La Tomatina Top Tips

Tomatoes provided: You don’t need to bring any tomatoes from home, as the town supplies them in abundance. Remember to smash them before throwing them to avoid injuries. Once the festival time is over, no more tomato throwing is allowed.

• Protect your belongings: Use a waterproof bag to safeguard your valuables, and consider bringing a waterproof cover for your phone or camera.
• Wear goggles: Goggles not only enhance your photos but also shield your eyes. If you forget to bring goggles, don’t worry, as you can purchase them from street vendors in Buñol.

La Tomatina History

Since 1945, La Tomatina has been a yearly tradition in Buñol. The exact origins of the event remain unclear, but various theories suggest that it may have started as a local food fight among friends, a playful rivalry among young people, an incident where tomatoes were thrown at a carnival parade by bystanders or the chaotic aftermath of an accidental spillage from a lorry. In the early fifties, when the event was initially banned, the people of Valencia protested by marching in solidarity.

This led to the festivity gaining recognition throughout Spain, eventually becoming an official celebration known as the La Tomatina Festival. Regardless of its origins, the tradition quickly gained popularity, first locally, then nationally, and now internationally. The festival has achieved the status of being an event of international tourist interest.

Things to Do in Buñol

Aside from the exhilarating food fight and enjoying a walk along the river, Buñol doesn’t offer many additional attractions. Consider extending your stay and exploring Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, which offers a delightful blend of urban attractions, sunny beaches, and a wide range of exciting activities.

What to Eat in Buñol

One cannot miss the opportunity to taste paella, Spain’s most famous dish, while in Buñol. Every ingredient used in this delectable rice dish is fresh and locally sourced, from the rice cultivated around Valencia to the saffron that imparts its distinctive flavour.

Numerous street vendors and cafes near the event offer paella and other local delicacies.

Getting Around

Buñol is a compact town that lends itself well to walking. The roads around the event area are closed off, so be prepared to explore on foot.

How to Get to Buñol

• Car: Reaching Buñol by car is straightforward. It takes a little over half an hour from Valencia. Simply follow the E-901/A-3 road until you see signs for Buñol (exit 322). Once you arrive, be prepared to park your car and proceed on foot to the town square.
• Bus: Frequent bus services operate from Valencia Bus station to Buñol, with a travel time of just under an hour.
• Train: Trains (C3 and RE) to Buñol are also available at regular intervals. These trains depart from Estacio Del Nord and take slightly over an hour.
• Plane: For those arriving by plane, the nearest airport to Buñol is Valencia (VLC). From there, you can take the metro (lines 3 and 5) to Valencia’s main station (Estacio Del Nord), and then catch a bus or train to Buñol.

Where to Stay in Buñol for La Tomatina

Buñol offers a few Airbnb options within the town and its surrounding villages. However, if you prefer more choices, you can find numerous accommodations within a 30-minute drive to Valencia. Hotels, apartments, guest houses, and Airbnb listings are available. To find the best accommodation deals during the event, check out the provided map. Since there are no hotels in the town itself, we have listed some affordable options from the surrounding area.

Hotel La Carreta

Address: A-3 Madrid-Valencia Km. 334, 46370 Chiva, Spain

Situated just 1 km from the Ricardo Tormo Circuit and a 20-minute drive from Valencia’s city centre, and only 9 km to Buñol for La Tomatina, Hotel La Carreta offers various amenities. These include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and an on-site restaurant. The modern, air-conditioned rooms at Hotel La Carreta feature a flat-screen TV and a private terrace.

The contemporary bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers. Each room also includes a complimentary parking space located adjacent to the rooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves Spanish cuisine, specializing in rice dishes and roast meats. Guests with special dietary requirements can request customized meals. Additionally, the hotel provides a bar, a terrace, sports facilities, a children’s play area, and meeting/event rooms. There is even a discotheque with its own DJ for entertainment.

Hotel Muralleta 

Address: 31-33 Cisterna, 46190 Riba-Roja De Turia, Spain

Nestled along the enchanting River Turia in the historic city of Riba-roja de Turia, the Hotel Muralleta offers an authentic experience for your rural Valencia getaway. This early 19th-century townhouse is situated in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the Turia Nature Park, a protected natural habitat.

Meticulously restored and expanded while preserving its original charm and tranquillity, this hotel, along with its neighbouring buildings, provides a serene retreat. Step within its centuries-old walls and discover a delightful restaurant where you can savour delectable Mediterranean cuisine. The town is approximately 31 km from the La Tomatina festival.

Hotel Hospedarte 

Address: SL 1 Mistral Street, Apt. A, 46394 Riba-Roja De Turia, Spain

Situated just 17 km from Bioparc Valencia, Hotel Hospedarte offers comfortable 2-star accommodations in Riba-Roja De Turia. The hotel features a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, providing guests with a pleasant stay. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and offer free WiFi access. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of a shared kitchen, concierge service, and tour organization.

Each room at Hotel Hospedarte, SL includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms offer garden views and feature a patio. Bed linen and towels are provided in every room. The hotel offers a choice of à la carte or continental breakfast options.

Hotel Torrijos 

Address: Castilla Industrial Estate, Service Area, 46380 Cheste, Spain

Conveniently located in Cheste, just 20 km from the vibrant city of Valencia and 4 km from the Ricardo Tormo Grand Prix race track, Hotel Torrijos is a budget-friendly hotel offering great value. The hotel is a modern building with easy access to the A-3 motorway.

Nearby amenities include a supermarket, restaurant, and petrol station. Cheste itself is situated along several tourist routes, allowing guests to explore the picturesque countryside. In fact, it’s just 14 km from Buñol and La Tomatina. The hotel provides Wi-Fi internet access, ensuring you can stay connected with your laptop. The rooms are modest and contemporary, designed to provide a comfortable night’s sleep with all the necessary amenities.

Things to do in Valencia After La Tomatina

With Buñol’s close proximity to the city, it’s a great idea to dedicate some time to exploring the enchanting Valencia. Here are a few activities and must-see sites you shouldn’t miss.

Discover the Charms of Casino Valencia

When La Tomatina is over, it’s time to head to Spain’s third-largest city. If you’re a gambling man, then head to the Casino Valencia in Avda. de las Cortes Velencianas, 5946015 Valencia, Spain. Here you’ll find Valencia Casino presents a range of traditional table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Punto Banco/Baccarat, and Poker Table Games.

Poker enthusiasts can engage in thrilling cash games, including popular variations like Texas Hold’em Poker. Additionally, the casino provides round-the-clock access to an array of slot machines, ensuring visitors can enjoy their favourite games any time, day or night, throughout the week. If you just want to chill and gamble online on the beach, then point your mobile browser to Marathonbet Casino. They have a massive selection of all types of games including ones with live dealers.

Experience the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

On your first day, a visit to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a must. The name, meaning “City of Arts and Sciences,” doesn’t quite capture the true essence of this place. It feels like an open-air museum, filled with futuristic buildings and captivating attractions.

Walking through this area creates a sense of being in another world, with ethereal reflections from the surrounding pools. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias features an aquarium, opera house, IMAX theatre, science museum, art gallery, and a versatile plaza.

Immerse Yourself in Europe’s Largest Aquarium

Oceanogràfic is the star attraction of Valencia’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the largest aquarium in Europe. Whether you’re travelling with kids or a group of adults, it promises an unforgettable experience. Explore Europe’s longest underwater tunnel and encounter the only family of beluga whales on the continent. For a truly unique adventure, consider participating in one of their shark sleepovers.

Embark on an African Journey at the Bioparc

A day spent at Bioparc is among the most enjoyable activities in Valencia. This expansive wildlife park showcases over 150 African animal species in habitats that authentically replicate their natural environments. From Nile hippos and Savannah lions to Congolese gorillas and Madagascan lemurs, you’ll encounter a wide array of non-native creatures. The barriers between visitors and animals are nearly invisible, providing an immersive experience without leaving Europe.

Stroll through Casco Histórico

If you enjoy leisurely walks without a fixed itinerary, make your way to Casco Histórico. As Valencia’s historical centre, stepping into this area feels like a journey back in time. Within easy walking distance, you’ll find numerous landmarks and attractions to explore in a single day. From the majestic cathedral and regal palace to the bustling market and contemporary art gallery, there’s always something to capture your interest. The narrow, winding streets of Casco Histórico are lined with charming cafes, exceptional eateries, and artisan boutiques, adding to its irresistible charm.

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