If you love experiencing the thrill of popular festivals, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate a stag or hen do at one of the world’s international festivals: La Tomatina, which has not only put the town of Buñol on the map but also on the list of cities synonymous with partying. Let’s talk about this popular celebration and how it’s a fantastic idea for hen and stag dos.
When and how did La Tomatina start?
The story goes that it all started back in the 1940s, during a traditional parade of giants and big-heads. Those who couldn’t participate in the parade began to fight with those who were, ending up throwing tomatoes at each other. The following year they did the same, and after being banned and permitted several times, it eventually became a popular festival, celebrated on the last Wednesday of August.
At first, it was just a small party, but then it was shown on TV and everyone found out that in Buñol they had a great time throwing tomatoes at each other. People started to come to see it and it quickly became one of the best-known festivals in Spain. And then, worldwide. Such is its importance that the name of La Tomatina de Buñol is a trademark owned by the local council, who pay for the tomatoes thrown by the participants.
An hour, thousands of kilos of tomatoes, and a lot of fun!
Although the actual tomato throwing only lasts an hour, the party begins the night before. Music, food, and drink help to keep everyone awake that night, during which the tomato-laden trucks for the next day are loaded.
A community breakfast in the main square brings the time of the festival closer. A rocket is fired and everyone in the city streets begins to give and receive tomato hits from all sides. It’s estimated that around one hundred thousand kilos of tomatoes are used, which are thrown over and over again. First from the trucks and then picked up from the ground to continue throwing.
A second rocket signals the end, with everyone stained red and the ground full of tomato juice. During the entire hour, tomatoes have been flying from one side to the other non-stop. There are some rules, like not being allowed to throw anything other than tomatoes, not continuing to throw after the second rocket, and some safety tips.
La Tomatina, a unique way to celebrate hen and stag dos
Hen and stag dos are festive occasions. As such, proposals like celebrating them at La Tomatina are ways to add a twist to the fun. If you get the chance to organise a hen or stag do there, you’re sure to come back with a ton of memories.
And the feeling of having been in a giant plate of pasta with tomato sauce. Who’s up for such an experience? Now you know, celebrate your hen and stag dos at La Tomatina in Buñol and remember this day forever.
- CEO of Events Marketing Group, an events agency based in Barcelona
- Event organiser since 2011
- Entrepreneur, SEO specialist and web designer since 2003