Spanish tomato frenzy pulls in the crowds

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

BUNOL, Spain (AFP) — Some 40,000 Spaniards gathered in this eastern town on Wednesday to hurl 115,000 kilogrammes (240,000 pounds) of tomatoes at each other in the annual Tomatina festival.

Bare-chested participants also included hundreds of mainly British, French and German tourists who were drenched in red juice in a riotous display of self-indulgence during one of the world's messiest festivals.

The festival, since 2002 officially classed as part of Spain's national heritage, goes back to 1945, when two participants in a carnival allegedly began hurling tomatoes at each other during a heated argument.

Locals found they had hit upon a great idea for a party and ever since, on the final Wednesday in August, they have donned waterproof capes to protect...