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Friday, September 6, 2013

Take splat! 20,000 people throw 130 tons of tomatoes in world's biggest food fight

Almost 2,000 Brits and 20,000 people in total threw 130 tons at the annual Tomatina festival held at the town of Bunol near Valencia.



Six trucks carrying vegetables were brought to the town for the hour long event and portable showers were set up for revelers to wash in afterwards.

The town's streets and walls also had to be washed with hoses after the food fight finished.

The rules of the festivals state that tomatoes have to be squashed before being thrown to avoid injuries.

The town's folklore claims the annual vegetable battle was inspired by a food fight that took place amongst children in 1945 in the town square.

Last year the event attracted 40,000 people, but to restrict number participants were charged £8.60 to enter by the local council for the first time.

The entry fee will also help boost public funds for the recession hit town.

However, some 5,000 residents will allowed to take part in the mass food fight free of charge.

The event attracted revelers from 60 countries including India, France and Australia.

The food fight has inspired similar events across the world including festivals in Colombia, Costa Rica and China.

(Additional reporting by Gerard Couzens - Tag News Media)