Spain's annual tomato fight festival is utter mayhem

Published : Aug 31, 2017, 11:20 am IST

Updated : Jul 6, 2019, 3:32 pm IST

At the annual "Tomatina" battle, that has become a major tourist attraction, trucks dumped 160 tons of tomatoes for some 20,000 participants, many from abroad, to throw during the hour-long Wednesday morning festivities. (Photo: AP)

At the annual "Tomatina" battle, that has become a major tourist attraction, trucks dumped 160 tons of tomatoes for some 20,000 participants, many from abroad, to throw during the hour-long Wednesday morning festivities. (Photo: AP)

Revellers take pictures as they enjoy throwing tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. It is a big food fight where the weapons are fat juicy tomatoes. (Photo: AP)

Revellers take pictures as they enjoy throwing tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. It is a big food fight where the weapons are fat juicy tomatoes. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol. On this day, A ham is placed on a greasy pole in the town square. Only when someone is able to grab the meat can the tomato fight begin. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol. On this day, A ham is placed on a greasy pole in the town square. Only when someone is able to grab the meat can the tomato fight begin. (Photo: AP)

Revellers bask in the fun and enjoy throwing tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol. The tradition began in 1944. (Photo: AP)

Revellers bask in the fun and enjoy throwing tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol. The tradition began in 1944. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Why this festival began is not known. However, there are many theories. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Why this festival began is not known. However, there are many theories. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Some believe the festival originated after a group of friends had a food fight. (Photo: AP)

Revellers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometres outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Some believe the tradition started as a result of an accidental lorry spillage. (Photo: AP)

Revelers enjoy as they throw tomatoes at each other, during the annual "Tomatina", tomato fight fiesta, in the village of Bunol, 50 kilometers outside Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. If you plan to attend the event next year, don't forget to carry a change of clothes and waterproof bag. (Photo: AP)