La Tomatina in Bunol, Spain

Goggles On!

Goggles On!

Goggles? Check!
White Clothes? Check!
Duct Tape? Check!

We were ready for La Tomatina – The World’s Largest Tomato Fight!
Before the tomatoes – the ham must be brought down. Shout of “To The Ham!” drew brave climbers in cow costumes, wedding dresses, Superman capes and giant bananas up the thickly greased pole to try to claim the prize.

Banana "To The Ham"

Banana "To The Ham"

When “The Ham” came down, the water cannons went off, signaling the start to another year of tossing and squishing tomatoes in Bunol, Spain.

I took the first shot to the chest and stared in horror as the red stain spread down my shirt. It took a second, but I realized I wasn’t shot – La Tomatina had begun! A riot of frenzied tomato tossing, squashing, slipping and sliding ensued as trucks dumped tons of ripe tomatoes at our feet.

After the first truck!

After the first truck!

For an hour, the streets of this tiny town become thick with a gazpacho of tomatoes, t-shirts, and flip-flops  (those NOT duct taped to the feet).  The festival hosts a crowd of 39,000 people, 140 tons of ripe, squishy tomatoes, and locals who cover everything in sight with large sheets of plastic to protect it from the onslaught.

Two years ago we were there! Do it again? Are you crazy??

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER!

AFTER!

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