The annual Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain, brought together thousands of people from around the world for a messy hour of tossing overripe tomatoes. Revellers squished and hurled an astonishing one hundred and twenty tons of the fruit, transforming the central streets into a vibrant scene of laughter and chaos. The event, which drew an estimated twenty thousand participants, was marked by screams of joy as everyone joined in the fun, despite the chaotic and messy nature of the fight.

This year’s event was particularly special, celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the Tomatina, which originated in nineteen forty-five as a local children’s activity. Following recent floods that devastated the area, this year’s slogan, ‘Tomaterapia’ or ‘Tomato Therapy’, aimed to promote recovery and unity within the community. Music and laughter filled the air as participants, donned in white shirts that rapidly turned pink, enjoyed the festival atmosphere.

Organisers made sure to bring in trucks loaded with tomatoes, while participants were reminded to squash each tomato before throwing it to minimise the impact. Some participants opted for goggles and earplugs for protection, while the tomatillo fun continued unabated. The tomatoes used are grown specifically for this festival and are not meant for consumption, reducing concerns about waste.

In addition to the fun, some participants displayed solidarity with various causes, as a left-wing political party supported the flying of Palestinian flags during the event. The festival concluded with a cannon shot, signalling the end of the chaos, as workers began the task of cleaning the streets while partiers used communal showers to wash off the tomato pulp.