The Gran Tomatina festival in Sutamarchán, Boyacá, is a lively celebration where thousands pelt each other with overripe tomatoes, turning the streets into a red, juicy mess.
The 15th edition, held recently on June 1st, 2025, marked a vibrant return after years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and high tomato prices.
Inspired by Spain’s La Tomatina, the event celebrates the town’s tomato-driven economy and draws over 20,000 visitors for a weekend of tomato fights, music, parades, and cultural activities.
Using 45 tons of tomatoes unfit for consumption, the festival includes a 15-minute kids’ battle and a 45-minute adult throwdown in the municipal stadium, alongside cabalgatas, ciclopaseos, and fireworks.
It’s a messy, joyful tribute to community and local agriculture!