La Tomatina 2026: Your complete guide to Spain's iconic “Tomato Festival”

Welcome to the world’s biggest tomato fight

Every summer, the quiet town of Bunol turns into a sea of red. Thousands of people from different corners of the world come together with one goal - throw tomatoes, dance their hearts out, laugh freely, and become a part of one of Spain's most iconic traditions. What began as an impromptu fight decades ago became an ongoing tradition filled with chaotic fun and messy celebrations.

If you are planning to attend La Tomatina in 2026, this is a complete guide to its fascinating history, key insights and most importantly, how to reach Bunol. Let’s get you ready for Spain's most happening time of the year.

What is La Tomatina?

La Tomatina’s history goes back to 1945, when a playful battle during a local celebration resulted in a fight using tomatoes picked up from a nearby vegetable stall. The event left such a lasting impression that locals recreated it the following year, and over time, it became the world-famous “Tomato Festival” that we know today.

When and where is La Tomatina 2026?

La Tomatina will take place on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026, continuing the tradition of being held on the last Wednesday of August every year. Although the tomato fight lasts for just one hour, the festivities begin much earlier with music, parades, and joyful chaos filling the streets of Bunol.

The festival is held in Bunol, a charming town in Spain’s Valencia province. Surrounded by hills and known for its medieval streets, Bunol turns from a peaceful town into the centre of one of the world’s biggest food festivals of the year.

Since the very first tomato fight took place here, the town has remained the official home of La Tomatina. The town has a small population yet it welcomes thousands of participants every year, with local authorities carefully organizing the event to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable.

Located about 40 km west of Valencia, Bunol is easily accessible by road, bus, or rail, making Valencia a preferred stay for many travelers. Now that you know when and where the festival takes place, here’s what you can expect once the festivities begin.

What happens during La Tomatina?

La Tomatina is much more than just a 60-minute food battle. From lively pre-festive traditions to the final clean-up, everything adds to the experience and excitement of the day.

The morning build up

The streets of Bunol start filling up with participants well before long. Music, street celebrations, and a lively atmosphere take over the town as everyone gathers for the main event. It’s the perfect time to soak in the energy and get ready for what’s to come.

The Palo Jabon tradition

When the clock strikes 11:00 am, festivities begin with La Tomatina’s most happening tradition - Palo Jabon. A cured ham is tied on top of a tall, greased wooden pole, and participants try to climb it while the crowd cheers them on. Reaching the ham is not compulsory; however, the challenge has become one of the most interesting things of the celebration and adds to the excitement before the actual tomato fight begins.

The arrival of the tomato trucks

By noon, large trucks enter the streets of Bunol, dumping around 120 to 150 tons of soft, overripe tomatoes to the ground. A signal is given to begin the fight, which is either when the ham is knocked off the pole or when a loud cannon is fired. The crowd quickly rushes in, picks up the tomatoes and turns the street into a battlefield in just a few minutes.

One hour of the tomato-filled fun

For the next hour, Bunol’s street turns into a sea of red as thousands of people throw tomatoes at each other in a friendly manner and stop immediately when the second cannon is fired, signalling the end of the event. To keep the event safe and enjoyable the participants are expected to squash the tomatoes before throwing them, no other objects are to be thrown other than tomatoes.

The clean-up

Around 1:00 pm, a second cannon is fired, which means the tomato fight is over. The crowd immediately stops throwing tomatoes, and the clean-up is started right after. Fire trucks come in to wash the streets while many people head to showers or changing areas nearby before continuing their day. In just a short time, Bunol returns to its normal self, leaving behind the memory of one of Spain's most happening times of the year.

How to get La Tomatina tickets?

La Tomatina may look like an impromptu street celebration, but joining the tomato fight is not quite as simple as showing up in Bunol on the day. Entry is limited, and you will need a ticket to take part in the main event.

If you are planning to attend La Tomatina festival this year, securing your place should be the first thing on your checklist.

Buy an official La Tomatina ticket

The simplest option is to buy an official festival ticket through the authorised ticketing channel - Tomatina.es. Your ticket gives you access to the main tomato fight and should be kept safely until the day of the event. International travelers must book their tickets in advance because once tickets are sold out, you cannot simply turn up and expect to join the fight.

Consider a La Tomatina tour package

If you are a first-time visitor to Spain or would want to have someone take care of your logistics such as a travel company or a tour guide, tour packages can be a convenient option. Packages include a festival entry ticket with transportation from cities such as Valencia, Barcelona, or Madrid and a few other facilities as an option. However, always compare your options for a better deal overall.

When do La Tomatina tickets sell out?

Although the number of participants is limited for La Tomatina, it still attracts a huge international crowd. As a result, tickets can sell out well in advance, especially by August when last-minute travelers begin finalising their Spain itineraries. If you are planning to visit Spain and La Tomatina is one of the main reasons for your trip, do not wait until the last minute to book the tickets. Once you have confirmed your travel dates, book your tickets as soon as possible.

What to wear (and what not to bring)

La Tomatina is not the day to dress up picture-perfect. In just the blink of an eye, you will be covered in pulp, water, and everything that comes with thousands of people celebrating. So, you don't need much of a plan; just be comfortable and practical.

Wear clothes you don't mind ruining

Considering you probably would want to capture lots of photos and videos during the festival, it is an appealing idea to wear an outfit you would look good in. But La Tomatina is not the place for your favourite clothes. Tomato stains can be difficult to remove even after multiple washes, so choose old clothes or the ones you do not mind throwing afterwards. Save your good outfits for the rest of your Spain trip.

Pack a new set of clothes

This is something you will be thankful for. Once the fight is over, you would want to wash away tomato pulp and change into something clean and dry. Packing a set of new clothes, a clean towel, toiletries, etc. will make your post-festival adventure more comfortable.

Choose comfortable shoes

Leave your flip-flops or sandals at your hotel. Once the tomatoes are crushed under thousands of feet and mixed with water, the streets can become slippery. And you would not want to fall and risk getting injured. Also, just like your clothes, your shoes are also likely to get ruined, so keep a pair of old sneakers/trainers or light-weight shoes with a decent grip that will give you better stability, protect your feet in the crowd, and if ruined, you won't mind disposing of them.

Keep your eyes & phone protected

Carrying a pair of swimming goggles will be helpful in keeping your eyes safe. When the fight gets intense, tomatoes can hit your eyes or the pulp can go inside, causing damage. Even your phone needs protection. You can keep it in a waterproof pouch/case if you want to take photos during the event. However, it is best to keep expensive electronics (GoPro, power bank, camera, etc.) at your hotel unless you really need them.

What to leave behind

This is very simple; anything you don’t need or is expensive should be left behind. For example, don’t bring your:

• Expensive electronics
• Jewellery and watches
• Large backpacks
• Anything fragile
• Clothing or shoes you do not want stained

Tips to elevate your experience

• Don't stand too close to the trucks

  The tomato trucks are part of the festival, meaning they also need room to move through the narrow streets just as the crowd. So, you should be very careful of their movement and follow instructions from festival staff rather than trying to get as close as possible.

• Decide how you want to capture the experience

  You will probably want photos, but pulling out your phone in the middle of a tomato battle is not something we would suggest. A waterproof pouch can help, but consider taking a few photos before and after the fight and simply enjoying the hour without worrying about your camera.

• Pick a meeting point before the fight

  This is one tip you should definitely consider. Once the celebration has begun, finding your friends or partner can become surprisingly difficult. To ease this, decide on a meeting point outside the busiest area before the fight begins, especially if you are traveling as a group.

• Don't make La Tomatina your entire Spain trip

  If you are traveling all the way to Spain for the festival, consider planning a few days more to explore the country. Valencia itself is worth exploring, while destinations along the coast or further inland can turn the festival into part of a larger Spanish road trip.

Make the most of your trip beyond La Tomatina

La Tomatina may be the reason for your arrival in this part of Spain, but it does not have to be the only highlight of your trip. With beaches, historic towns, natural landscapes, and lively cities within reach, you can easily turn your festival visit into a longer Spanish adventure. Here are popular cities worth exploring after La Tomatina:

Valencia

You can begin exploring Valencia (close to Bunol), where futuristic architecture meets historic streets and Mediterranean beaches. Spend a day exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, wander through the old town, and make time for a paella by the coast.

Albufera

A short drive from Valencia takes you to Albufera, where rice fields, lagoons, and traditional fishing villages offer a quieter side of the region. It is perfect for travelers who want to trade city streets for open landscapes.

Costa Blanca

If you head south, you will reach Costa Blanca, a stretch of Mediterranean coastline dotted with beaches, coves, and resort towns. With several places worth stopping at along the coast, traveling by road gives you the flexibility to stop by wherever the scenery catches your eye.

Alicante

Next, you can head towards Alicante for a blend of beaches, historic sights, and relaxed Mediterranean evenings. Climb up to Santa Barbara Castle, stroll along the Explanada de Espana, or simply find a spot by the sea and slow down for a while.

Madrid

If you are extending the trip inland, Madrid offers a completely different rhythm. The drive from the Valencia region takes you away from the coast and into the heart of Spain, where world-class museums, grand boulevards, historic neighbourhoods, and late-night dining await.

Barcelona

Last but not least comes Barcelona, where Gaudi's architecture, Gothic streets, Mediterranean beaches, and lively neighbourhoods make for a fitting finale. It is the kind of city where you can leave the road behind and spend the final few days exploring on foot.

What's the best way to reach La Tomatina?

Getting to Bunol is relatively straightforward, especially if you are staying in Valencia. The best option depends on how much flexibility you want, where you are staying, and whether La Tomatina is the only stop you have planned. Here's how you can reach the festival depending on your needs.

By bus

Buses can be a practical choice if you are traveling on a budget or prefer not to drive. Services from Valencia connect with Bunol, although the crowd on the festival day can make public transport considerably busier than usual. If you plan to travel by bus, check the schedule in advance.

By train

For many visitors staying in Valencia, the train is another convenient way to reach Bunol. The journey lets you sit back and avoid the stress of the traffic and parking on the day of the festival. However, services can become busy around La Tomatina, so it is worth checking the timetable and planning your return journey well in advance.

By rental car

If La Tomatina is part of a wider Spain itinerary, traveling by car gives you considerably more freedom. You can leave Valencia when it suits you, explore places along the way, and continue towards another destination once the festival is over rather than being dependent on public transport.

It is useful if you are traveling with family or a group, carrying luggage, or planning to explore Albufera, Alicante, Costa Blanca, Madrid, or Barcelona before or after the festival. That said, driving directly into Bunol on festival day requires some planning so make sure you are prepared well.

Expect temporary road restrictions, heavy traffic, and limited parking; therefore, check local traffic arrangements and be prepared to park outside the busiest areas and continue on foot. You can browse through available car rental deals online and choose the vehicle that fits best with your needs.

Travelers also want to know

• How much do La Tomatina tickets cost?

  The official entry-only ticket for La Tomatina starts from 15 euros per person, which only allows entry to the main festival. This does not include optionals i.e., locker, Paella & Sangria, and party access.

• Can I drive to La Tomatina in a rental car?

  No, you cannot drive directly into Bunol in your vehicle. You will have to park the car at the designated area and continue on foot to the main street. Vehicle access is closed from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm by local authorities.

• Where should I stay for La Tomatina?

  Most travelers stay in Valencia which is about 1 hour from Bunol. There are wide choices of hotels that you can choose from. Booking your stay in advance is highly recommended as prices increase and good options sell fast due to the festival.

• What happens after the tomato fight?

  After the tomato fight, fire trucks wash down the streets while people clean themselves in rivers or with hoses, or take showers. The town is cleaned up and is back to normal within a few hours.