The Tomatina has its roots from a disagreement between two youngsters in 1945 in the Valencian town, culminating in a huge tomato fight in the main square.HEINO KALIS (REUTERS)Last year saw the local authorities crack down on sexual harassment at the event, in the wake of the Running of the Bulls rape case and increased awareness in Spain over the issue.Alberto Saiz (AP)The event has drawn criticism in the past for being a waste of food, but the supplier of the fruit has made clear that the tomatoes used are not suitable for sale, and are kept in cold storage for several weeks ahead of the event.There was controversy at the 2015 edition of the Tomatina fiestas, after a Google Street View car, which the search engine giant had sent to capture images of the event as it took place, suffered serious damage as attendees jumped on top of it.Alberto Saiz (AP)Attendees often wear swimming goggles or masks during the main event to keep their eyes clear of the flying tomatoes.HEINO KALIS (REUTERS)The crowd at this morning’s event.Alberto Saiz (AP)An attendee in a pool of tomato at the Tomatina 2018.The tomatoes are thrown into the crowd from a truck.HEINO KALIS (REUTERS)A man takes a photo with his cellphone during the 2018 Tomatina.JOSÉ JORDÁN (AFP)A view of the crowd during today’s Tomatina 2018.JOSÉ JORDÁN (AFP)
