Okay, so last year I finally did it – I went to La Tomatina in Spain! It was absolutely nuts, and something I’d been wanting to do forever. Here’s how I made it happen, and maybe it’ll help you get there too.
Planning is Key (Seriously!)
First, I had to figure out the dates. La Tomatina is always on the last Wednesday of August, in Buñol, near Valencia. I booked my flights and accommodation way in advance, like, months before. Buñol is tiny, so places to stay get booked up super fast. I ended up staying in Valencia and taking a bus to Buñol on the day of the festival.
Getting There and Getting Ready
- Booked a flight to Valencia. Found a decent deal by being flexible with my dates.
- Reserved a room in Valencia. As I mentiond before. It’s a good choice.
- Bought a bus ticket to Buñol. I did this online a few weeks before, just to be safe.
- Packed old clothes! This is crucial. You’re going to be covered in tomato, so don’t wear anything you care about. I also brought a waterproof bag for my phone and some goggles.
The Day Of: Pure Tomato Chaos
I woke up super early, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed to the bus station. The bus ride was packed with other excited (and slightly nervous) people. When we got to Buñol, the streets were already buzzing. I followed the crowds towards the town center, where the tomato fight happens.
It’s hard to describe the feeling when the trucks started rolling in, loaded with tons of tomatoes. Everyone was cheering and chanting. Then, the water cannons went off, signaling the start of the fight. And boom – tomatoes everywhere! It was a total free-for-all, people throwing tomatoes at each other, slipping and sliding in the tomato pulp. It was messy, hilarious, and totally exhilarating.
After the Battle
After about an hour, another cannon went off, signaling the end. I was completely covered in tomato, from head to toe. I found some public showers (basically just hoses) to rinse off most of the gunk. Then, I changed into some (slightly less tomato-y) clothes and joined the crowds heading back to the buses.
Back in Valencia, I took a proper shower, had a huge meal, and just crashed. It was one of the most fun and unique experiences of my life. Totally worth the mess!
So, that’s my La Tomatina story. If you’re thinking of going, just do it! But remember to plan ahead, wear old clothes, and be prepared for a truly wild time.
