Each August, the normally quiet town of Buñol in Spain is transformed into the world's most colorful battlefield. That's when tens of thousands of partygoers from all over the world converge on its narrow streets to participate in one of the world's most famous and happily disorganised festivals: La Tomatina Festival.
If you're going to be part of La Tomatina 2025 craziness, or even just wondering what on earth happens when 100 tonnes of tomatoes are showered down on thousands of revellers, this guide's got you sorted. Consider it a word-of-mouth welcome from someone who went, got splattered, and survived to tell the story.
Let's get started.
When Is La Tomatina 2025?
Date it down: Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
That's when Buñol gets painted red (literally). The festival takes place annually on the last Wednesday of August, with events commencing in the early morning and the actual tomato fight starting at 11:00 AM sharp, concluding at noon.
Locals will be out prepping early, and the whole town has this electric buzz that builds from sunrise. You’ll feel it as soon as you step off the train.
Travel to Buñol from Valencia (or Beyond)
If you're not overnighting in Buñol (and odds are, you won't be, see below), then your accommodation will most probably be in Valencia.
Getting from Valencia to Buñol:
- Train: RENFE Cercanías trains from Estació del Nord get you to Buñol in about 1 hour. On festival day, they fill up fast—go early.
- Bus or Shuttle: Handy if you want someone else to sort the logistics. Most include La Tomatina tickets, round-trip rides, and sometimes even a T-shirt.
Arriving from Madrid or Barcelona?
Take a high-speed AVE train to Valencia first. Then transfer to Buñol by train or tour shuttle.
Local tip: The train ride back after the fight is sticky and crowded. Bring something dry to sit on. Wet tomato jeans are no fun at all.
La Tomatina 2025 Tickets: What You Need to Know
Yes, you must have a ticket to partake in the tomato frenzy. The city has made it a ticketed event since 2013 to guarantee safety and manage the crowds.
Ticket Options:
- General Entry: €15–€25
- Packages: €50–€90 (round-trip bus, T-shirt, drink, and occasionally showers)
Order ahead from the official La Tomatina website or reliable third-party retailers. These sell out fast, especially in the days leading up to the festival in August.
Book as early as you can. Use the official La Tomatina site or a verified partner. They sell out fast.
What to Wear to La Tomatina (And What Not To Wear)
For the dress code, keep it functional rather than fancy. Here's what you will want:
- Old clothes you won't care about.
- Goggle-Eye protection is a total game-changer.
- Closed-toe shoes with a good grip-Streets get slippery.
What not to bring:
- Flip-flops or sandals-You'll lose them right away
- Precious belongings or exposed phones
- Backpacks, you probably won't be permitted in with those
- Pack a plastic bag for your damp clothes, and if possible, take a spare set of clothes to leave on your bus or in a locker. You'll need to change before getting onto any type of transport.
Insider Tip from a Veteran Attendee: Tie your goggles with a string or wear a headband; they can get knocked off during the fight. Also, smear a bit of Vaseline around your nostrils; it helps mask the strong tomato smell if you’re sensitive to scents.
Where to Stay During La Tomatina 2025
Why staying in Valencia makes sense
- Buñol has extremely limited accommodation, primarily guesthouses or rural hotels such as La Traviata, which are quaint but in short supply when Buñol is busy.
- Valencia offers numerous serviced apartments throughout neighbourhoods such as Ruzafa, Ciutat Vella, and El Carmen, all of which provide convenient access to Buñol by train.
- Flexible check-in and more spacious living quarters in Valencia facilitate easier recovery after the festival and touring the area.
- Remaining in Valencia provides you with convenience for the event and the option to take in more of Spain prior to or following the tomato fight.
Travel arrangements from Valencia to Buñol
- RENFE Cercanías train from Valencia's Estació del Nord, ~1 hour trip
- A few package buses are operating on La Tomatina day
Best Places to Stay in Valencia:
- Ruzafa: Trendy, artsy, full of cafes and awesome nightlife
- El Carmen: Historic with a trendy local atmosphere
- Ciutat Vella: Easy to walk, great for sightseeing and families
Check serviced apartments in Valencia
Why a serviced apartment? After being coated in tomato pulp, you’ll appreciate your own space, laundry access, and a clean, quiet place to recover. Plus, they’re great for groups.
Suggested Stay Strategy for La Tomatina 2025
- Book a serviced apartment in Valencia (e.g., Ruzafa, El Carmen, or Ciutat Vella), clean, spacious, and convenient.
- Travel by train west to Buñol early on August 27, have the tomato fight, and come back to Valencia to unwind.
What It’s Actually Like at La Tomatina
- Make Valencia base camp for refuelling, visit local attractions, or simply unwind at your own pace in a comfortable, well-equipped accommodation.
- It begins with individuals ascending a greased pole to ring down a ham. (Yes, seriously.) After that's accomplished, or when too much time has elapsed, a water cannon is discharged and the tomato toss starts.
- There is music, individuals dancing on balconies, locals participating, tourists laughing (or yelling), and a pervasive aroma of. tomato sauce. It's like nothing else on the planet.
- You'll be dripping wet, grinning, and wondering why tomatoes pack such a punch.
Tip from a Previous Attendee: Attempt to be close to the boundary of the central square if you don't enjoy the most extreme action. That way, you can toss, dodge, and still enjoy yourself without being completely submerged in tomato paste.
Fun Facts about La Tomatina to Amaze Your Friends
- Started in 1945 accidentally at a parade
- More than 100 tonnes of tomatoes are hurled
- The tomatoes are cultivated for the event specifically and are not edible
- The streets are swept clean within hours of the brawl
- It's all part of an ongoing week-long celebration of Buñol's patron saint
What Comes Next After La Tomatina?
- After you wash off (or are rinsed down by residents, yep, it's a thing), the fun doesn't stop. Look forward to:
- La Tomatina after-parties in Valencia
- Street food stands with paella and sangria
- Rooftop clubs, bars, or a cosy night out with new friends
Local Tip: Go to the beach bars along Malvarrosa at night, festival-goers and locals mingle there for casual post-festival hangouts with a sea view.
Valencia becomes a kind of post-war hangout area where all gather to exchange tomato bruises and advice on recovery.
Top Things to Do in Valencia After La Tomatina
Why not get the most out of your holiday? Valencia is full of treasures:
1. City of Arts and Sciences
Futuristic buildings, museums, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater. Instagram-friendly and informative.
2. Turia Gardens
A former riverbed turned green vein through the city. Perfect for strolls, picnics, or cycling.
️3. Eat Authentic Paella
It was born there. Avoid the tourist restaurants and get a local one in Albufera or Ruzafa.
4. Malvarrosa Beach
Clean, spacious, and within the city. Ideal for a laid-back day after the festival.
5. Explore El Carmen
Cobblestone streets, street art with imagination, and some of the city's top tapas bars.
Explore long-term stays in Valencia here
La Tomatina Festival 2025: Your Questions, Answered
1. When is La Tomatina 2025?
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
2. Do I need a ticket for La Tomatina?
Yes. Entry is controlled.
3. Where is La Tomatina celebrated?
Buñol, approximately 40km west of Valencia.
4. Why do participants throw tomatoes?
Originally, it was a food fight for fun, and it turned into a cherished tradition.
5. Are the tomatoes wasted?
No, they are grown especially for the event and wouldn't otherwise be consumed.
6. What about the La Tomatina after-party?
It exists and is worthwhile to attend, most activity is in Valencia that evening.
Final Thoughts: Is La Tomatina Worth It?
If you love happy mayhem, being involved in something silly and one-of-a-kind, and don't object to being head-to-toe in squished tomatoes, yes, absolutely. Secure your stay in Valencia early—clean clothes, cold water, and a quiet place to collapse never felt so good after 100 tonnes of tomatoes.
👉 Explore apartments near La Tomatina with thesquare
Pack goggles. Book early. See you in the tomato storm!
