La Tomatina in Buñol is already gearing up for its 79th edition on 26 August 2026. What began as a confrontation between local residents in 1945 has become a huge event that attracts people from all over the world and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. Here is our guide to enjoying our favourite all-out battle.

Yes, you need to buy a ticket to take part in La Tomatina 2026. This has been the case since 2013, when the Town Council limited capacity to around 22,000 people to ensure everyone’s safety (the previous year, Buñol, which had a population of around 9,000, welcomed 50,000 visitors).

A standard ticket costs €15, which corresponds to the fee charged to manage capacity and includes access to the tomato fight. However, packages starting from €40 are also available, with prices and included services increasing accordingly. In addition to admission, they may include a T-shirt, cloakroom service, paella, two drinks and access to the after-party. Important: buy your ticket through the official channels of Buñol Town Council and the local Traders’ Association.

Tradition says you should wear white (although, in reality, you will see clothing in every colour), while common sense says you should choose the oldest clothes in your wardrobe. When it comes to footwear, forget flip-flops: you should wear closed, securely fastened trainers. We would also add that they should be comfortable. The perfect accessory? Swimming goggles to stop tomato getting into your eyes.

Bear in mind that you will not be allowed into the La Tomatina 2026 event area with a backpack, camera, or any glass or metal objects. The most practical option is therefore to carry as little as possible and use waterproof pouches for your phone and personal documents. You can also plan ahead and choose a package that includes cloakroom service when purchasing your ticket. This will allow you to leave behind anything you do not need and bring a change of clothes for afterwards (there are public showers next to the River Buñol).

The tomato fight itself takes place from 12 noon, when the first signal sounds and the lorries carrying tonnes of tomatoes begin to arrive, until 1 pm, when a second signal marks the end of the event.

By the time the first signal sounds, you should already be inside the La Tomatina event area, which is located in the town centre. You will need to collect your entry wristband the day before or from 7 am on the morning of the event at one of the designated collection points (you will need to show your ticket confirmation, receive your wristband and enter the event area via Calle San Luis, 52 or Calle Diputación, 2).

This is a celebration designed to create a fun moment of collective release. Not to hurt anyone. So, crush the tomatoes before throwing them. The 120,000 kilos of tomatoes used during La Tomatina are a specific, particularly acidic variety (they are not sold for consumption) and have very soft skins. Even so, a tomato thrown at you is still a tomato thrown at you, and crushing it first is a courteous gesture towards your opponent.

For a day trip to Buñol from Valencia, we recommend that you use public transport. The C3 Cercanías commuter train line departs from Valencia Nord station every hour. There are also private companies that organise transfers between the two locations.

Should you ultimately decide to travel by car, simply take the A-3 towards Madrid and leave at exit 322. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Leave plenty of time, as there is no dedicated car park and you will need to find a space on the outskirts of Buñol.

You are going to need some rest, and taking care of your comfort is something our Sercotel hotels in Valencia know a thing or two about. At all of them, you can enjoy thoughtful touches that may make you feel even more comfortable than at home: a pillow menu and buffet breakfast so you do not have to choose between sweet and savoury options, a swimming pool where you can cool off when the heat intensifies, and the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds: the celebration that brought you here and the city that is winning you over.