Will you be passing through Spain during the month of August? That timely! Because around this time the climate becomes more pleasant to visit the European territory and enjoy the activities organized by its cities so that both tourists and residents have fun and make the most of their stay there. This time I want to tell you what to do in Barcelona and how to finish your route in one of the most popular and famous festivals in Spain, La Tomatina.
If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one in Barcelona . You can do it online, you only need to have a credit card on hand to make the payment. However, when you go to pick it up you must have some very simple documents and requirements: in principle you must be over 25 years old, have your air tickets to and from the country, a valid international driving license, a current passport and a valid ID card. credit in the name of the main driver of the vehicle. Make sure that, when making your reservation, the rate includes car insurance (CDW), as it is mandatory to drive your car in European territory.
Barcelona, the Condal City
Let’s get down to business! Possibly you already have some places on your list of must-see places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the Barcelona Cathedral or the colorful Park Güell , and if you are an art lover, surely you will not want to miss the sensational Museum of Picasso, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia. However, the city has many other places to offer you. Did you know that there is also an "Arc de Triomphe" there as in Paris? Well, at the top of Paseo Lluís Companys this wonderful construction is located, which unlike others was not built with a military character, but rather its purpose was to show the artistic, scientific and economic progress of the city.
Fun also has a place in this city, that’s why I recommend 3 phenomenal places to visit before embarking on the trip to Valencia. If you are a lover of adrenaline, the Tibidabo amusement park is ideal for you to break the routine, as it has several activities where you will forget your life outside the park, such as its emblematic ‘L’Avio’, a powered flight simulator by its own propeller from which you can have a beautiful view of the entire city. There are also other quite entertaining such as its roller coaster, the big wheel and the watchtower. The park offers a peculiar experience that combines all the adrenaline of being on a roller coaster with a 3D device that shows the panorama, turning the sensation of its journey into something very exciting and innovative.
If you are a nature lover, you will not want to miss the city’s zoo and aquarium , which is listed as one of the most important centers in the world for maritime issues. And to get more into the summer atmosphere, it would not be bad to attend one of the many music festivals that are held outdoors these days. Variety of music will flood your veins, it will be the best experience in the Catalan city.
Heading to La Tomatina
Anyway, it’s time to leave for La Tomatina , in your rented car it will only take 3 and a half hours. Of course, it has good hydration and a lot of desire to throw tomatoes.
Perhaps you have some knowledge of the reasons why this event takes place, otherwise, below I will briefly tell you what it is about. Although there are several theories, I will tell you specifically the one that seems most credible to me. Towards the year 1945 some young people were waiting in the town square of Buñol for the parade of giants and big heads to take place. In the middle of the event they mixed with the parade procession and by mistake made one of the disguised fall, causing him a great anger. His immediate reaction, in addition to hitting everyone in his path, was to throw tomatoes and vegetables that were nearby at a market. The following year the young people decided to repeat the episode and begin to make it a tradition, and although this practice was banned for years, in 2002 it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest .
Who takes care of the tomatoes?
You may wonder … where do tomatoes come from? Well I tell you that one of the rules that were established to be able to make this celebration is that the government is in charge of supplying them, in addition to making the opening and closing of the event. To be able to participate in it, you must buy your ticket on their website and show up at their box office 2 hours in advance to verify your identity. You will get a bracelet that will be your entrance ticket to the establishment. The duration of the tomato war is an exact hour, which is announced by a carcass and the event takes place annually on the last Wednesday of August.
At the same time, another activity is carried out that consists of hanging a large ham on the top of a pole, for which all those who wish to reach it compete. The novelty is that said log is bathed in soap and those who climb it must, in addition to doing the maneuver, bear the spectators throwing large amounts of water from the balconies to knock them down. After the battle is over, you can shower and remove the tomato remains at various points that the municipality has designated for this purpose, so be sure to wear clothes that you will no longer use and then enjoy the rest of the party.
Attending this event will be a lot of fun and you will be part of a party with worldwide recognition. Do not forget to buy your ticket in advance and find out on the event website the rules and some pertinent tips to make your experience memorable. Did you like this post? Don’t leave without sharing it!