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THE WORLD’S LARGEST FOOD FIGHT
Since 1944, the town of Buñol, about 20 miles from Valencia in Spain, has been the location of an annual tomato festival. This year, on August 28, La Tomatina will take place for just one hour.
Photos courtesy of latomatinatours.com @LaTomatinaInfo
In which country is La Tomatina held? Then answer the questions below! Read the article on this page.
In past years, thousands of people from all over the world have taken part in what is now billed as “The World’s Biggest Food Fight.” Buñol’s population of around 9,000 people has been known to swell to over 60,000 for this event. At around 12 p.m., trucks hauling overripe tomatoes drive into the center of the town and dump the produce. The firing of water cannons signals the start and then it’s every man for himself in the total pandemonium that follows. One of the rules states, “Squash tomatoes before throwing to avoid hurting others.” The festival organizers recommend old t-shirts, closed-toed shoes, and goggles. After an hour, a siren sounds and all tomato
What do organizers recommend wearing besides old t-shirts and closed-toed shoes?
throwing must cease. The participants disperse and fire trucks spray down the streets. Town residents sometimes provide hoses to help people wash off residue. The good news after all the mayhem is that once the tomato pulp is washed away, the citric acidity in the tomatoes has thoroughly cleaned the ground. Because of the popularity of the event, and in an effort to control the numbers, visitors must buy a ticket to take part.
How are the streets cleaned after the event?
© Vicki Whiting August 2024
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