La Tomatina

Every last Wednesday of August, La Tomatina (Tomatoes fight) starts in Buñol, Valencia, Spain. It is a tradition where thousands of participants come from all over the world to fight in a brutal battle on the streets. The battle is supposed to start when the first person climbs up a greased wooden pole; however if it takes too much time to get to the top, people get impatient and start the tomato fight right away. The pleasure of the fight is pelting and being pelted by tomatoes. Approximately 35,000 tourists come to the tomato fight to enjoy also the paella cooking contest, music festival, parades, dancing and fireworks. There is always limited accommodation for people who want to participate in La Tomatina, so usually they have to stay in Valencia, and travel by bus or train to Buñol about 38 km. Shopkeepers prepare with anticipation by using huge plastic covers on their storefronts, so their stores will be protected from the carnage.