Spain’s La Tomatina festival sends defiant message to terrorists

The eastern Spanish town of Bunol hosted its annual La Tomatina festival, the world’s biggest food fight, on Wednesday. In all, around 180,000 tomatoes are thrown during the chaotic hour-long event.

Organizers said they hope it sends a message of defiance to terrorists, following the recent attacks in Catalonia.

Spain’s La Tomatina festival

Just before 11 am, the trucks arrive in the main square, goggles are adjusted, and the fun truly begins. The throwing lasts for an hour. It’s estimated some 180,000 tomatoes are used in the process.

As a rule, participants must squash the tomatoes before throwing them to prevent injuries.

This year, the festival has extra significance, taking place just a couple of weeks after the terrorist attacks in Catalonia. A heavy police presence is noticeable, but the message is clear.

“Terrorism tries to plant fear in everybody,” says Juncal Carrascosa, the mayor of Bunol. “And if the reaction of the people on the streets is to be frightened, they have achieved their objectives."

(CGTN)