Loretta_Diary_Entry_5

Today we went to La Tomatina tomato fight in bunel near Valencia. It happens every year in August, and the partying goes on throughout the week. The tomato fight took place between 11am and 1pm. Luckily we found out early that there is rarely any accomodation available in Bunol at this time of year, so we were able to stay in a hotel in Valencia, which was about 40 km away and travel to Bunol by bus. It was interesting to participate in the tomato fight that has become one of the most popular and worldwide recognised Spanish festivals. We took part in the fight along with the locals as well as other tourists, throwing tomatoes at one another.

There are a few different interpretations eon the origin of this popular festival. Some say it started as a practical joke, while others say that it started when a crowd of young people started a fight in the town square, with people throwing tomatos from a nearby fruit crate at each other. We had the best time taking part in this festival. I think all the locals enjoyed having us there and taking part in their famous festival. The town was busy, and after the event, very messy, so it was hard to get around the town and do anything else, but it was definately an exciting and interesting event to be part of. http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/la-tomatina-tomato-battle-bunyol.htm