Tomato Fight Turns Spanish Town Red Bunol hosts its annual messy tradition By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Aug 29, 2012 2:14 PM CDT 5 comments Comments The fight can be romantic, too, apparently. (Alberto Saiz) View 9 more images (Newser) – Tens of thousands of people splatted each other with 120 tons of tomatoes during the annual `Tomatina' battle, leaving the eastern Spanish town of Bunol in a sea of red mush. Town hall estimates some 40,000 people, including many tourists, took part in yesterday's hour-long street bombardment, which has its roots in a food fight among kids back in 1945. The town's streets and walls have to be hosed down once the battle ends, and portable showers help participants get clean. Revelers play with tomato pulp during the annual "tomatina" tomato fight in the village of Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday. (Alberto Saiz) A participant wipes tomato pulp from his face. (Alberto Saiz) Participants throw tomatoes during the annual "tomatina" tomato fight fiesta in the village of Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday. (Alberto Saiz) The annual tradition is a big tourist draw for Bunol. (Alberto Saiz) Revelers throw tomatoes during the annual tomato fight in the village of Bunol, Spain. (Alberto Saiz) Participants wallow in tomato goop. (Alberto Saiz) Things get messy in Bunol, Spain. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz) Ready, aim, fire. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz) Two victims get walloped by tomato pulp. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz) My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 23% Annoying 28% Hilarious 4% Intriguing 6% Depressing 36% Brilliant 2% Scary