Thousands of revellers pelt each other with tomatoes at annual Tomatina festival in Colombia
Last updated: June 9, 2026 | 13:54
People throwing tomatoes during the 16th Tomato Fight Festival known as "Tomatina". AFP
Alyaziya Al Suwaidi
Thousands of revellers dress in colorful attires took part in the annual Tomato Fight Festival known as "Tomatina" in Colombia on June 7. Pictures show people passionately throwing ripe tomatoes at each other and wallow in tomatoes that were 15cm deep. Additionally, a man was seen lifting up a child who has fallen in that deep end.
A man grabs a child during the Festival known. AFP
La Tomatina is one of the most unique and exciting festivals in the world. The festival is celebrated in the town of Buñol, located in the province of Valencia in eastern Spain. The famous festival always takes place on the last Wednesday of August every year. Thousands of people from different countries gather to participate in a massive tomato fight that lasts about one hour.
People gather and throw tomatoes during the Festival. AFP
Started in 1945, La Tomatina was created accidentally from a food fight that occurred during a traditional parade in the town square of Buñol. Over time, the festival became a popular tradition and attracted people from all around the world. During this festival, 6-7 trucks are loaded with 150,000kgs of tomatoes, and participants throw them at each other for fun.
La Tomatina is not just about entertainment but also about gathering people together from all around the world and celebrating the Spanish culture. After the event, the streets are cleaned by fire trucks and the town of Buñol returns to how it was. Today, La Tomatina remains one of Spain’s most famous and colorful festivals.
Alyaziya is an intern at Gulf Today. She covers culture, lifestyle, and fashion.