THE LEGEND OF LA TOMATINA

THE LEGEND OF LA TOMATINA
:Pilot Guide.com
The first Tomatina took place in 1945, but no-one seems to know exactly howit all started. Some say it began as a fracas between a group of friends, others claim the tradition was started at an anti-Franco rally. One of the most likely accounts is that brawling bystanders at a carnival parade seized the contents of a nearby vegetable stall, and began throwing tomatoes at their opponents. Initially the authorities did their best to ban what quickly became an annual battle, but in 1959 they eventually entered into the spirit of the event and it became an institution.Whatever the real reason for the first tomato war, one things for sure: these days participants need no excuse to pelt each other with squished tomatoes, they do it just for the heck of it!
Be Prepared
Visitors from within the European Community don't need a visa to travel to Spain. Americans and Australians can stay in Spain for up to three months without a visa. If you're planning to stay longer or are in any doubt contact the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your home country before you leave.
Getting There
The nearest airport to Buñol is 30 miles away in Valencia. To get to the festival you'll need to take a local bus or hire a car to drive there. It is also possible to get to Buñol by train, either from Valencia or from Madrid.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Buñol is limited. There are places to stay to suit all budgets in nearby Valencia, but it¹s still advisable to book ahead. For information on places to stay contact the tourist information at Valencia


Other Expenses
La Tomatina is the ultimate free for all. You don¹t need to a ticket to take part, just turn up and muck in. Because most people who take part in the Tomatina come to Buñol on a day trip from Valencia, all you'll need is money for your train or bus fare and perhaps for a bite to eat after the battle. As you'd expect, many of the participants are alcohol fuelled, even in the morning so you might want to bring some beer (or rose wine) money with you too. A return ticket from Valencia by train costs around US$3, or US$2 by bus one way (there are no return bus tickets). See below for contact details for train and bus timetables.
Once You're There
Don't wear your holiday best and beware that anything white wont stay clean and bright for very long. It¹s usually boys versus girls, and it rapidly becomes something of a wet t-short contest. People wearing baseball caps or carrying cameras are considered prime targets for everyone, so if you¹re determined to take pictures bring a see-though waterproof bag.
There aren't many rules to tomato warfare, but those that so exist are in the interests of safety and public decency:
l) You can throw tomatoes and tomatoes only.
2) They must be squashed before you throw them, otherwise they can cause a nasty bruise.
3) Although the locals tend to rip each others clothing, it is officially forbidden and as a visitor, you will be expected to behave.
Local Attractions
Apart from La Tomatina, there isn't much in Buñol to keep the visitor out of mischief. It is worth spending time in nearby Valencia, which is renowned for its lively nightlife and as the birthplace of paella.The fantastic Las Fallas festival is held in Valencia in March, when the people parade through the streets with 50ft high papier-mâché sculptures (known as fallas) which are constructed by local artisans and made to look like politicians or celebrities. These grotesque structures are set alight on the last night of the festival, amid much jollity and celebration.
Other highlights of the province of Valencia include a visit to the medieval fortress town of Morello, the Roman ruins at Sagunto and the historic palm gardens at Elx.
Similar Events
Food is an integral part of many festivals around the world, but people are usually more interested in eating it, rather than throwing it at each other. There is another famous food fight which takes place three days before the beginning of lent in the town of Ivrea, in the Piedmont area of Italy - but here oranges are used as ammo.
The Spanish seem to have more festivals than any other country - certainly in Europe - and Tomatina is by no means the most bizarre. Each village will have at least one fiesta during the year. Becasue of the position of el toro (the bull) is Spanish culture, many of them will have some degree of tormenting dumb animals. Contact the Spanish Tourist Office for more details.