Latest news Tens of thousands fight a tomato battle in Spain

Around 22,000 people had a crazy tomato fight in Spain. For an hour, the participants in Buñol in the Valencia region threw the overripe and mushy fruits at each other.

A total of 120 tons of tomatoes were used as ammunition, which the organizers claimed were no longer fit for consumption. According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the biggest food fight in the world.

The 77th edition of "La Tomatina", as the traditional event is called, was once again attended by many of the approximately 9,500 residents of Buñol, but above all by thousands of tourists who had traveled to the town from home and abroad. The Spanish state TV station RTVE spoke to enthusiastic Japanese, Russians, British and US-Americans, among others. Other media also reported on participants from Australia and China.

The number of participants was limited in 2013

Some of the "warriors" were equipped with swimming goggles. Shortly after the "battle" began at 11.00 a.m., the main square and streets of Buñol, around 40 kilometers west of the Valencia metropolis, were drenched in a muddy red broth.

"La Tomatina" has always been held on the last Wednesday in August since 1945. Over the last 20 years, the festival has become so popular, especially with foreigners, that the number of participants - which had risen to over 50,000 at times - was limited to 22,000 for the first time in 2013. Since 2013, everyone who is not registered in the municipality has also had to pay admission. The cheapest ticket now costs 15 euros. This does not detract from its popularity. Hollywood star Blake Lively took part in the festival for the 2015 film "All I See Is You".