Spain’s ‘Tomatina’ battle returns after pandemic hiatus

Spain’s well-known ‘Tomatina’ avenue tomato battle befell as soon as once more following a two-year suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Revellers throw tomatoes at one another through the annual “Tomatina”, tomato battle fiesta within the village of Bunol close to Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. The tomato battle befell as soon as once more following a two-year suspension owing to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTSSpain’s well-known ‘Tomatina’ avenue tomato battle befell as soon as once more WednesdayIt was suspended for 2 years as a result of Covid-19The occasion was impressed by a meals battle between native kids in 1945

People from world wide pasted one another with tomatoes Wednesday as Spain’s well-known “Tomatina” avenue tomato battle befell as soon as once more Wednesday following a two-year suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Workers on vehicles unloaded 130 tons of over-ripe tomatoes alongside the primary avenue of the japanese city of Bunol for individuals to throw, leaving the world drenched in pink pulp.

Up to twenty,000 individuals have been to participate within the pageant, paying 12 euros ($12) a ticket for the privilege. The city’s streets are hosed down and the revelers showered off inside minutes of the hour-long midday battle ending.

The occasion, held on the final Wednesday of August, was impressed by a meals battle between native kids in 1945 within the city, situated in a tomato-producing area.

Media consideration within the Eighties turned it right into a nationwide and worldwide occasion, drawing individuals from each nook of the world.

Local officers stated they anticipated fewer international guests this yr primarily due to persevering with fears over COVID-19 in Asian nations.

Participants don swimming goggles to guard their eyes whereas their garments, usually T-shirts and shorts, are left coated in pulp.

Besides being the primary battle since earlier than the pandemic began in 2020 in Spain, this yr’s celebration had the added incentive of being the occasion’s seventy fifth anniversary and 20 years because the pageant was declared by Spain as a world tourism attraction.

— ENDS —