On Wednesday, a large crowd flocked to Buñol for the traditional La Tomatina tomato fight, transforming the small Spanish town into a vibrant red landscape with approximately 165 tonnes of overly ripe tomatoes.
The chaotic event unfolded for over an hour in the area near València, where local buildings were shielded with tarps in anticipation of the festivities.
Participants eagerly await the start of the event.
(Alberto Saiz/The Associated Press)
One resident prepares a house by covering it with a tarp to shield it from the onslaught of flying tomatoes, a tradition that dates back to a food fight that began in 1945.
(Thomas Peter/Reuters)
This year, more than 20,000 participants are anticipated, with the Spanish EFE news agency reporting that 40 percent of the attendees over the last three years have been international tourists.
(Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images)
(Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images)
Visitors from abroad are required to purchase tickets for 15 euros. The sole rule of the event is to crush tomatoes before tossing them, ensuring safety. Nevertheless, many participants opt to wear swimming goggles and earplugs for added protection.
(Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images)
(Alberto Saiz/The Associated Press)
(Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images)
(Alberto Saiz/The Associated Press)