Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara clocked 13 years ago recently. Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol, the actors in the film, took to Instagram to share their favourite memories from the film. For obvious reasons, the Tomatina Festival held in the city of Bunol formed a core memory for the cast and crew. Even after over a decade, many share the same ideas of a holiday in Spain as the one depicted in the film. Other than the road trip along the Spanish coast, there is the desire to flock to this little town at the peak of a European summer to experience the Tomatina festival. For the unversed, the Tomatina Festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August every year where everyone throng the streets to throw crushed tomatoes at each other. Imagine, Holi but with tomatoes (and minus the skin damage). This year, the Tomatina Festival will be held on 28th August 2024 and if you are planning a trip to Spain, now is the perfect time to do it to be ahead of the game.
La Tomantina is held every year in the town of Bunol near Valencia. Thousands of people from every corner of the world participate in the “World's Biggest Food Fight where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets” and at each other.
According to the official website, there were reportedly 50,000 people who participated in the festival in 2012, crossing Bunol's average 9,000 population. Now, only 20,000 lucky individuals are allowed to indulge in the tomato-throwing activity.
Trucks carrying dozens of tomatoes are parked at Plaza del Pueblo. The firing of water cannons signals the beginning of the fun fruit fight. Tomatoes are thrown without mercy. This continues for one hour before the celebration ends after which trucks spray down the streets with an ample supply of water. Participants either wash themselves clean at the Bunol River or nearby residents hose the passers-by down
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How To Get There
Bunol is a comfortable drive away from the city of Valencia. Even though Bunol has many quaint hotels, you can make your way to the Tomatina Festival and back once the merriment is over. However, if you do choose to stay in Bunol, opt to stay a day before and after the festival to avoid the to-and-fro travel in the crowded streets because of other festival goers. Be sure to book your tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and lack of availability.
Rules
Tomatoes must be squashed before throwing to reduce impact
Hard or sharp objects are not allowed inside the premises
As soon as the one-hour mark is hit, participants should stop throwing tomatoes at each other.
Participants must not tear each other's clothes off.
Things To Remember
Wear old but comfortable clothes and footwear that you won't mind throwing away after.
This festival contrary to popular belief is not considered a waste of food because these tomatoes are deemed unfit for consumption.
Only ticket holders are allowed into the festival so book on time.
You can waterproof your phones and cameras with a plastic cover or purchase disposable cameras from the location.
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