Goggles
Everyone wears ‘em but goggles are actually pretty useless because they fog up and are easily dislodged by high speed tomatoes. Tight-fitting dive masks work well if you want to lash out on decent eye wear
Shoes
Forget going barefoot, while flip flops will last about 30 seconds before you have a blow-out. Buy a cheap pair of Dunlops and throw them out afterwards, because the tomato juice stinks when it dries.
Shirt
Blokes, don’t even bother. It’s hot as hell in the packed streets and your shirt will get ripped off in no time in the frenzy. Girls who fancy maintaining their modesty should wear a singlet or two (or three!).
Bra
Two or even three isn’t a bad idea. For many Spanish and foreign punters, La Tomatina is just as much about ripping tops off as it is about throwing tomatoes.
Shorts
Make sure they’re tight — any hint of a plumber’s crack will entice people to shove handfuls of fruit down the back of your shorts.
Camera
A definite no-no, unless it is seriously waterproof.
By the rule book
The cannon marks the start of tomato-throwing time. When it sounds again it’s time to stop pelting people around you.
Squash the tomatoes in your hand before throwing them at anyone. If you come across a green tomato, don’t throw it.
Don’t rip anyone’s clothing (er, this one is definitely not enforced).
Tomatoes are the only foods/missiles that can be thrown (except for the hundreds of water bottles, shirts and flip flops that also fill the air).
Don’t bring any glass. You can buy beers and sangria in plastic cups on the walk down.
Eating and drinking
You’d think the residents of Buñol would be pissed off — the masses cause red havoc with their town. But none of the locals seem bothered.
Instead, they’re too busy selling hot dogs and drinks, including cold cans of beer and large cups of sangria, that definitely hit the spot after a tomato fight.
Visit TNT’s Spain travel guide.
