In a village called Buñol, near Valencia, there is a crazy festival that takes place every year on the last Wednesday of August. It is called La Tomatina and it is the biggest tomato fight in the world!

Thousands of people flock to the village to join in the tomato-throwing event.

In the morning, lorries arrive, loaded with around 125,000 kilos of tomatoes that have been specially grown for the festival. The special tomatoes are extra ripe so that they are soft. They do not have a good taste.

The day begins at around 10 a.m. with the 'greased pole.' In Spanish it is called el palo jabón. People try to climb up the slippery pole where there is a leg of ham attached to the top.

When a lucky person manages to fetch the ham (el jamón) the tomato fight can begin! The tomato fight (la batalla) usually starts at around 11 a.m. and it lasts for one hour. The sound of a firework means that the tomato-throwing can begin.

One hour later, another firework means that the tomato-throwing must stop. Everybody is in a terrible state because they are covered in tomato juice, seeds and bits!

Before the battle begins, shops and windows are boarded up so that they are protected. Afterwards, the messy streets are hosed down with water.

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Can you now come up with some rules for people involved in La Tomatina?

The Rules 1. Throw tomatoes during the official hour only. Do not continue after the hour is up.

The Rules 2. Squash the tomatoes before you throw them. This makes them softer and less dangerous.

The Rules 3. Do not throw any other objects. Only tomatoes.

The Rules 4. Do not rip or throw T-shirts.

The Rules 5. Be careful not to go too close to the lorries that carry and offload the tomatoes.

The Rules 6. You should wear goggles to protect your eyes because the tomato juice stings.

The Rules 7. Do not wear flip flops or open sandals as you will probably lose them during the fight. It is better to wear trainers.

The Rules 8. If you want to watch without being hit by a flying tomato, then the only safe place for you is in a helicopter.

The Rules 9. Do not stand on a balcony. You will become an excellent target for the tomato- throwers.

Quiz