La Tomatina returns to dye Buñol red with 150,000 kilos of tomatoes and a pepper spray incident

Some 22,000 participants from different parts of Spain and countries such as Australia, the United States, Japan, China, and India have taken to the streets of the municipality to participate in one of the most internationally known popular festivals.

The tomatoes were transported in seven trucks and thrown along the route, while residents and visitors protected themselves with goggles, wigs, and other accessories to face the peculiar battle.

This year's edition represents an increase of 30,000 kilos of tomatoes compared to 2025, when 120,000 kilos were used. The fruits used are of the pear variety and are grown expressly for the celebration on farms in Badajoz. They are not suitable for human consumption and are harvested at a ripening point that allows them to be easily crushed and thrown.

The day was also marked by a pepper spray incident. Four people had to be attended to by medical personnel after being affected by the spray as one of the trucks passed. All were treated and discharged on site, after only needing an eye wash, according to organization sources.

The episode occurs a year after a similar incident during the 2025 Tomatina, when several people were affected by pepper spray being thrown.

Before the battle began, water also played a leading role. Residents sprayed participants from balconies and homes with hoses and buckets, while attendees on the platforms also used water to cool down those participating in the festival.

The celebration also maintains its significant economic impact in Buñol and its surroundings, with shops, hospitality establishments, and accommodations dedicated during these days to receiving the thousands of visitors who come to the municipality.

After almost eight decades, La Tomatina continues to be one of Buñol's main hallmarks and an event capable of bringing together participants from dozens of nationalities each year.