Tomato-filled streets turn Spain red as La Tomatina festival returns

Thousands of ecstatic revellers dived into tomato pulp as ‘La Tomatina’ food fight festival kicked off on Wednesday (August 26) in Spain’s Buñol.

During the annual event in Buñol, attendees throw tomatoes at each other for one hour. 

"“It was amazing, it was amazing. We came all the way from the UK for this day and it was amazing," said reveller Sam after the tomato fight.

Organizers expect 22,000 participants from around the world this year and say 150,000 kilograms (330,693 pounds) of tomatoes will be used.

The Tomatina fight originated from a spontaneous bust-up amongst villagers in 1945.

“To see everyone come to the town where we were born is the best," said local reveller Blanca after enjoying her hometown festival.

The event, banned for a time during the 1950s at the height of General Francisco Franco's dictatorship, has drawn a huge international following in recent years.

Camera: Michael Gore, Nina Lopez, Production and Edition: Nina Lopez/Reuters