La Tomatina is Spain’s famous tomato-throwing festival, held every year in Buñol, around 40 km from Valencia. The festival takes place on the last Wednesday of August and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
The next La Tomatina is expected to take place on Wednesday, August 25, 2027. Official confirmation is still pending. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the date, start time, tickets, transport from Valencia, what to wear and the rules of the tomato fight.
La Tomatina 2027: Quick Facts
| Date | Wednesday, August 25, 2027 (expected; official confirmation pending) |
|---|---|
| Location | Buñol, Valencia, Spain |
| Distance from Valencia | Around 40 km |
| Festival | Last Wednesday of August |
| Tomato fight | Around one hour (traditional format; 2027 schedule to be confirmed) |
| Tickets | Required; 2027 sale details to be confirmed |
| Recommended arrival | Early morning; official 2027 access details to be confirmed |
History of La Tomatina – How it all began

The exact origins of the festival are unclear, but it likely began in August 1945 during a Buñol procession. A scuffle broke out when young people tried to join, leading to a spontaneous vegetable fight. Though police shut it down, locals repeated it for fun the next year. Initially, authorities tried to ban it, but over time, the event gained recognition and eventually became the world-famous La Tomatina we know today.
La Tomatina festival – What you need to know
Location and annual date
La Tomatina is held in the town of Buñol, in the province of Valencia, Spain, around 40 km from Valencia city. The Buñol tomato festival traditionally takes place on the last Wednesday of August. For 2027, that falls on August 25, but visitors should wait for official confirmation before finalising travel plans.
La Tomatina tickets for 2027
A ticket is required to enter the official tomato fight. Ticket prices, sale dates and availability for La Tomatina 2027 are to be confirmed. Use only official or authorised sales channels when details are published.
Getting to La Tomatina from Valencia
Common options include public transport or organised transport from Valencia to Buñol. Routes, capacity and departure times can change, so check the official 2027 travel information before you go. You can also visit Tour Me Out for current transport and festival options when available.
What to wear to La Tomatina
Traditionally, people wear white, though it will not stay that way for long. Wear clothes you do not mind ruining, closed shoes with good grip and protective goggles. Avoid flip-flops and anything loose that could be lost in the crowd.
What to take
Valuables are easily damaged, lost or stolen during an event like this, so leave passports and unnecessary items in a safe place. Carry only what you need in a secure pouch. Keep your phone waterproof and attached securely to your body.
What happens at La Tomatina? The tomato fight
Before the tomato throwing, participants traditionally attempt to climb a greased pole to reach a ham at the top. The 2027 programme and La Tomatina start time are to be confirmed officially. In recent editions, the tomato fight has traditionally begun around 11:00 a.m. and lasted about one hour.
Participants are instructed to crush tomatoes before throwing them and to follow the directions of organisers and security staff. Do not bring hard objects or bottles into the fight. Check the official 2027 rules before attending, as event procedures may change.
By the end of the tomato throwing, the streets are covered in tomato pulp and the clean-up begins. Many people then wash off at designated areas or use water offered by local residents.
La Tomatina brings friends and strangers together for one of the best-known festival experiences in Spain. Plan ahead, protect your belongings and confirm all 2027 details through official sources before travelling.
La Tomatina 2027 FAQs
When is La Tomatina 2027?
La Tomatina 2027 is expected on Wednesday, August 25, because the festival is traditionally held on the last Wednesday of August. Official confirmation is still pending.
Where is La Tomatina held?
It is held in Buñol, in the province of Valencia, Spain, around 40 km from Valencia city.
What time does La Tomatina start?
The official 2027 start time is to be confirmed. The tomato fight has traditionally started around 11:00 a.m.
Do you need tickets for La Tomatina?
Yes. A ticket is required for the official tomato fight. Prices, release dates and availability for 2027 are to be confirmed.
How long does La Tomatina last?
The tomato fight traditionally lasts around one hour. The complete 2027 programme is to be confirmed.
How do you get from Valencia to La Tomatina?
You can travel from Valencia to Buñol by public transport or organised transport. Check official 2027 routes, schedules and capacity before travelling.
What should you wear to La Tomatina?
Wear old clothes, closed shoes with good grip and protective goggles. Choose items you do not mind staining or discarding.
Can you take your phone to La Tomatina?
Yes, but keep it in a waterproof, impact-resistant case and attach it securely. Leave other valuables in a safe place.
Created by Rebecca Jenkins