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What to Wear & Bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight
Tomatina Clothes & Stuff to Take to the Tomato Fight

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The Tomatina Tomato Fight is as rough as it is messy. Though I saw no genuine injuries (unlike at the Pamplona Bull Run), lots of people went home with bruises and torn clothes. These tips on what clothes to wear to the Tomatina Tomato Fight will help ensure you don't go home disappointed.

What Clothes to Wear to the Tomatina Tomato Fight

Old clothes that you don't mind getting damaged.
White t-shirt*. Ok, this might not be the best for washing your clothes, but you'll never get the stains out anyway. White is far more photogenic - it's much better to say "This t-shirt was white when it started" than "Yes, I am covered in tomatoes but you can't see it cos I'm dressed in black". As town councillor for Parties, Fairs, Culture and Sports Pilar Garrigues said after the festival, "Here one comes dressed in white and should leave in red if they had a good time".
*You must be wearing a t-shirt to get back on the train. As disgusting as this might sound, if you do lose your t-shirt, there will be enough of them lying around to get a replacement for the way back.
Girls should wear a sports bra to protect their modesty. Full-body swimming costumes are even better.
Flip flops or loose sandals are a big no. Open-toed sandals with straps are the best if you want to wash them and wear them again, but you're going to want protection against stamping feet! Buy a cheap pair of shoes or wear an old pair you are going to throw away.
No jewelry, hats, sunglasses, keys, cell phones, etc. Whatever you bring - be prepared to lose it!

There is no need to bring a change of clothes with you to the Tomatina event itself. Getting a cold shower from one of the many residents who spray their hoses onto the tomato-soaked revelers is enough to get you clean enough to board the train and the warm Valencia sun will dry you off quickly.

What to Bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight

The bottom line regarding what to bring to the Tomatina Tomato fight is bring as little as possible! With the amount of pushing and pulling going on, you are bound to lose something or have it get damaged. That is not to mention the effect the tomatoes will have on wallets, paper money, etc (as well as the slight possibility of pickpockets).

Essentials to Bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight

Return ticket to Valencia.
Enough money to buy a replacement ticket to Valencia in case you lose the first one.

Carry your money and ticket in separate plastic bags (like the ones you get your fruit and vegetables in at the grocery store) or buy a proper plastic zip-up bag. Try to bring coins rather than bills, as coins don't dissolve in tomato!

Optional Extras to Bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight

Breakfast. There are very few opportunities to take breakfast if you intend on arriving early, either in Valencia or Buñol.
Tissues for the bathroom.
Waterproof camera, although you can buy them there (see below). Read more on waterproof cameras at Tomatina.
Money for non-essentials. Here are some ideas of some of the costs you can expect at Tomatina.
- Tomatina T-shirt 9€
- Small beer/sangria 2€
- Large beer/sangria (1 liter) 5€
- Paella (with drink) 9€
- Disposable waterproof camera 12€
- Swimming goggles 1-5€
- Salami roll 3€
- Tomatina badges, pins, keyrings 2€
- Baggage storage 3€ ('consigna' in Spanish)
- Sealed clear plastic bag 2€
A Swiss army knife, for cutting the ham from the greasy pole.
A sense of humor! There will be something that will really bug you, but take it with a pinch of salt. At least you aren't being chased by a herd of bulls.

Do you have any more suggestions for what to wear and bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight? Send me an email if you think there is something I've missed.