La Tomatina: The one where they throw tomatoes

Where: Buñol, Spain

When: In 2011, La Tomatina is on Wednesday, 31 August 31.

Then: Rumor has it La Tomatina started over a ‘you say tomah-to, I say tomay-to’ dispute, but more reliable sources tell us that the tomato throwing is in honor of the patron saints of the town, and that it started in the 1940s. Though its exact origins remain a mystery the tradition caught on and – excepting a ban during the Franco period – it has grown bigger every year.

Now: These days the town of 9000 swells to up to 40,000 during the La Tomatina week. The main event aside, other activities include parades, dances, music, fireworks and a paella making competition.

The tomato fight takes place on the Wednesday, starting at around 10am. In theory, the proceedings will officially begun when one person has scaled a tall greasy pole and reached the ham that has been placed on top. In reality, the combined unlikelihood of achieving this task and the eagerness of the punters means the tomatoes get thrown anyway.

For exactly one hour the city is a pulpy, tomato flavoured battleground and it’s every person for themselves. The key is to wear clothes you won’t miss as even if you manage to escape the river of red (which you won’t), shirt ripping is also not unheard of.

After the appointed time, the water cannons are switched on and the cleanup process begins. As luck has it, the town in sat on a river so most throwers will head there for a wash. Tomato soup for lunch?

Also see: Fighting tips for La Tomatina

Get there: The nearest airport to Buñol is at the sunny seaside city of Valencia, which is well serviced by Easyjet, Ryanair, Clickair and Iberia. Many choose to arrive by coach also, see below for options.

Stay there: Because of the limited accommodation options, many festival goers choose to stay in the nearby seaside city of Valencia and bus or train it in for the day.

Buñol is about 38km from Valencia. Naturally, the region gets packed out so plan ahead or opt for one of the package tours.

Packages:

Company: PP Travel
Dates: August 30 – September 1
Price: £145, twin share
Inclusions: 2 nights Valencia hotel, breakfast, welcome party, coach travel to Buñol, t-shirt, PR Rep
Site: pptravel.com

Company: Topdeck
Dates: 29 Aug – 1 Sept
Price: From £189
Inclusions: 3 nights Valencia hotel, welcome party, Valencia city tour, coach to Buñol, tour rep.
Site: Topdeck.travel/la-tomatina-2011

Company: Pillow
Dates: 30 Aug – 1 Sept
Price: £149, twin share
Inclusions: 2 night Valencia hotel, coach to Buñol, transfer to Requena for the Wine and Water party.
Site: Pillow.co.uk/events/la-tomatina

Company: Door 2 Door:
Dates: August 29 – September 2
Price: £499
Inclusions: Airport transfers, 4 nights hotel in Valencia, transport to Buñol, guided tour of Valencia, daily breakfast, tour manager
Site: door2tour.com

Company: Traveholics
Dates: August 29 – September 2
Price: £299 (£169 accomodation only)
Inclusions: Return coach travel from the UK, 2 nights hotel Valenica, transport to Buñol, Rep
Site: travelholics.co.uk

Company: Stoke
They offer three Tomatina trips:
1) 3 day Beach & Tomatoes trip (from Valencia) for 150€
2) 3 day Beach & Tomatoes trip (from Barcelona) for 225€
3) Day Trip, Barcelona to Tomatina for 75€
Site: Stoketravel.com/tomatina.htm

Get messy at more festivals:

Pamplona: The one where the bulls run

Oktoberfest: The one where everyone is drunk on beer

Las Fallas and Queen’s Day: Plan now for 2012

In sound: Music festivals to travel for