When Tomatoes Fly: La Tomatina unleashes a red frenzy in Spain

Spain’s iconic La Tomatina festival brings together thousands of revellers for a messy celebration of tomatoes, music and mayhem.

Revelers throw tomatoes at each other during the annual "Tomatina" tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.  Photo | AP

People celebrating "Tomatina" tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol near Valencia, Spain

Tomato toss: Participants hurl tomatoes at one another as the festival erupts into a colourful frenzy.

A messy celebration: Revellers embrace the chaos as tonnes of tomatoes flood the streets of Buñol.

A man throws himself over a pool of tomatoes during the annual "Tomatina" tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol near Valencia,, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.

Tomato rain: Tomatoes fly through the air as participants join the world-famous food fight.

Smiles amid the mess: Participants pose for a photograph after being drenched in tomato pulp.

Red from head to toe: A festival-goer stands covered in tomato pulp after the street battle.