La Tomatina Festival of Spain 2025 – How to Plan from Dubai

You must have heard of the famous festivals of Europe, but the one that gives you the adrenaline rush is the La Tomatina Festival of Spain.  It is the world’s biggest food fight. 

Diving into a sea of squishy tomatoes while laughing with thousands of people in a quaint Spanish town sounds super exciting. 

For adventurous UAE residents looking to spice up their travel plans this holiday season, consider planning for this super fun festival. We will help you plan everything from a visa to booking a ticket and getting into the place. 

Follow this detailed guide if you are ready to join the madness of La Tomatina from Dubai to Spain.

La Tomatina is a food-fighting festival where millions of ripe tomatoes are being squeezed and thrown by thousands of people at each other. 

This famous festival in Spain is an iconic, world-famous tomato-throwing event that takes place every year in the small town of Buñol, located in eastern Spain near Valencia. 

During the festival, thousands of people gather in the town square and turn the streets into a sea of red pulp of tomatoes and laughter.

The origins of the La Tomatina festival trace back to 1945. It started as a spontaneous food fight among residents. Over the years, it evolved into a full-blown, officially sanctioned festival with historical charm and international fame. People from all over the world visit Spain to participate in the festival.

It is held every year on the last Wednesday of the month of August. The festival is celebrated as part of Buñol’s town festivities, honoring its patron saint, Luis Bertrán. It’s less about tradition and more about fun, unity, and pure, uninhibited joy.

Buñol is a small town located in the province of Valencia, Spain. The La Tomatina festival location is the picturesque town and situated about 40 kilometers west of Valencia, Spain. 

While it’s a small town, it becomes the epicenter of global attention each August, attracting fun-seekers from around the world, including many travelers from the UAE.

In 2025, La Tomatina will be held on Wednesday, August 27th. The event always takes place on the last Wednesday of August.

The tomato fight officially begins at 11:00 AM and lasts for one hour. It’s recommended to arrive in Buñol as early as 7:00 AM to beat the crowds and secure a good spot.

Visit the official site to book the tickets and secure your place.

Flights

• Fly from Dubai to Valencia (via Madrid or Barcelona with a short domestic flight or train).
• Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Iberia offer routes with short domestic connections.
• Book flights in advance ( May to June) to avoid price hikes.
  

Where to Stay

• Stay in Valencia City, where accommodation is plentiful and access to Buñol is convenient.
• Choose hotels near Valencia Nord Station for quick train connections.
• Book early as hotels fill up quickly during the La Tomatina Festival in Spain.

Transportation to Buñol

• Take a train from Valencia to Buñol, about a 45-minute ride.
• On festival day, extra trains and shuttle buses are often arranged.
• Purchase train tickets in advance from Renfe’s official website or a travel agent.
  

Visa Requirements

• UAE residents with a Schengen visa can enter Spain.
• Apply with Travnook’s assistance in Dubai at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Prepare flight tickets, accommodation proof, travel insurance, and bank statements.

Must Read: How to Apply for Spain Visa from Dubai

Understanding the La Tomatina rules ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are the most important guidelines:

1. Do not throw anything except tomatoes.
2. Squash the tomatoes before throwing to prevent injuries.
3. Keep a safe distance from trucks and organizers.
4. No ripping clothes or throwing hard objects.
5. Follow the official start and end times strictly—11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
6. Obey local police and security staff.

Get Your Ticket

• Entry to La Tomatina is usually ticketed at around €12–€15.
• Purchase through official websites or authorized travel partners.
• Some packages include entry, t-shirts, goggles, and transport from Valencia.
  

What to Wear

• Old clothes you’re okay ruining.
• Waterproof goggles to protect your eyes.
• Closed shoes with a good grip (flip-flops are a no-go).
• Bring a change of clothes and a towel (showers are set up afterward).
  

Tips for UAE Travelers

• No tomato throwing before or after the official start/end time.
• Squash tomatoes before throwing them to avoid injuries.
• Cameras/phones should be waterproof or in zip-locks.
• Respect the locals and the town, La Tomatina is fun, not a free-for-all.

Bring cash; ATMs in Buñol are limited and might run out.

For travelers from Dubai looking for something radically different, La Tomatina is more than just a tomato fight, it’s a cultural explosion. You’ll mingle with thousands of people from all over the globe, experience the vibrant Spanish lifestyle, and enjoy an unforgettable summer adventure.

Why stop the adventure after this tomato fight? Continue your trip and explore the beautiful places in Spain. Some important ones are:

• Barcelona’s beaches and Gaudí architecture
• Madrid’s museums and tapas
• Ibiza’s world-famous parties
• Andalusia’s Moorish castles and flamenco charm
  

The La Tomatina Festival of Spain is not just a tomato fight, but it’s a wild celebration of life, laughter, and global unity. This festival is popular all over the world. People across the world wait for this ad venture.

For UAE travelers who want an offbeat summer adventure, this is the perfect escape. Whether it’s your first time in Spain or your tenth, the La Tomatina Festival in Spain will give you memories you’ll never forget.

Travnook helps you in planning your trip from visas to hotel booking. Leave all your travel worries with us and pack your bag to attend this festival.