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Heino Kalis / Reuters
Revellers throw tomatoes during the annual "Tomatina" (tomato fight) in the Mediterranean village of Bunol, near Valencia, August 31. The origin of the tomato fight is disputed - everyone in Bunol seems to have a favorite story - but most agree it started around 1940, in the early years of General Francisco Franco's dictatorship.
Heino Kalis / Reuters
A reveller is covered with tomato pulp after the annual "Tomatina" (tomato fight) in the Mediterranean village of Bunol, near Valencia August 31.
Heino Kalis / Reuters
A reveller on a truck throws tomatoes into the crowd during the annual Tomatino festival.
Alberto Saiz / AP
A reveler is pelted with tomatos during the tomato fight fiesta in the village of Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Alberto Saiz / AP
A reveler throws tomato pulp during the annual "Tomatina" tomato fight fiesta in the village of Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 311. Bunol's town hall estimated more than 40,000 people, some from as far away as Japan and Australia, took up arms Wednesday and pelted each other with 120 tons of ripe tomatoes in the yearly food fight known as the 'Tomatina' now in its 66th year.
Manuel Bruque / EPA
A young man rests over a tomato covered ground during the Tomatina feast or 'tomato fight' in Bunol, Valencia, Spain, 31 August. 120 tons of tomatoes were thrown in the event.
This looks like a lot of fun. Is it lunch-time yet?
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Both are a waste. The poor bulls that are abused and the waste of food while people around the world and right here in the USA, starve. The Government should do away with both of these unnecessary, selfish, cruel (bulls) practices. I pray for an evolved species on this planet.
I agree that this planet needs an evolved species. However, it's not your point of view, that's for sure. You're all seriousness, and no play. They stick to their traditional taboo rights, and you shame them for it. At least they know how to have fun, unlike you.
All That Is,
"I pray for an evolved species on this planet."
If you pray for an evolved species on this planet, you must subscribe to some form of theistic theory of evolution, such as Teilhard de Chardin's.
Your wish is Darwin's command.
I agree with "All That Is" and add this: The US should do away with wasteful, unlawful wars that murder 100000 Iraqis, 4000 of our own, and waste zillions of dollars. "First take the plan out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:5
What does this story have anything to do with Iraq???????? Way to get off topic good and early.
Waste of Food? Do you know the rate at which the tomato produces? People with no food and you want to send the the Tomatoes? Do you want to give them more gastric problems? I do hope that you donate some of your income and time to charity. Also, I do hope that you do not eat meat, as many people think of it was a "crime" to do so!!!!!
Granted running the bulls is a very dangerous event, however to each his own. An animal is an animal all the same. But one and put it in your backyard if you want to show it love.
OMFG! My fellow Americans are just pathetic. All these comments about wasted food and starving people... the US Government PAYS FARMERS TO EITHER A) DESTROY THEIR CROPS OR B) PAY FARMERS TO NOT GROW ANY FOOD.
Frelling WAKE UP people.
Thank you Debbie Downer.
MakesSense-3389651 The response was to the comment not the story, we waste way more than tomatoes, but are quick to critic when others do it.
All That Is
Let them have some fun with the Tomatino festival. At least people are happy and they're getting a workout running around and playing. At least this is one of many festivals they have to bring the people together.
The US most likely wastes more food than any other country in the world and consumes the most given that 70% americans are overweight, but hey, let's make a big deal about tomatoes being thrown in Spain!!
But I understand why you don't like this, you're used to living a socially isolated life.
The UK has been crap for growing tomatoes this year, got about a quarter of the usual crop due to the climate. Rather you didn't waste yours in Spain. Send them over to all these poor starving kids they keep rabbiting on about on TV..
It's a tradition that has been happening for over 60 years. I understand that people are starving, and I'm sure people in Spain understand it too, but that doesn't mean that no one can have any fun. maybe we should all stop carving pumpkins so starving people can eat those too. Let them have their fun. geez.
?? Bulls?? Where in this article are bulls mentioned? As far as people starving to death, I have yet to see headlines in any news papers, on the internet, or on the evening news. Where are you coming up with this stuff?
Babies are starving in Somalia and these people just wasted 120 tons of tomatoes throwing them on each other. Nice.
Those same babies are probably thirsty too. You better think twice before you have a water gun fight, play on a slip-n-slide, go to the pool, run through a sprinkler or take a shower. Those are such wasteful practices. We should be mailing all out water over to them too! Right? Right??
Agree with John Deaux- and while we're at it, food eating
contests here in the US are also a disgrace.
Wow, the hypocrisy is strong today. So you're telling me you've never used food for enjoyment? Because by your logic, if you're eating anything other than a meager meal of plain rice for every meal, you're being wasteful. All that money you spent on that nice steak dinner, the salad you had for lunch, the night out on the town for your anniversary. In all of these instances you're using the food for your enjoyment when you could have had rice for mere pennies and spent all the left over money sending food to those poor children in Somalia. Just some food for thought, or is that wasteful too?
Eating food is an essential need of the human organism, it's not enjoyment. The enjoyment is simply a byproduct.
And no, I have NEVER in my life WASTED food for enjoyment. I have eaten delicious food and I have enjoyed it, but I haven't thrown it at people for the lulz. I was brought up to respect and appreciate that which I have because other people don't have it.
Sounds like your a hypocrite Polizei
Please explain how.
I'm being realistic. I'm not living in some magical world where nobody can have fun, but by-god, everyone is well fed.
You're only making my point. You could fulfill your essential human need of consuming food by eating plain white rice which would save you thousands of dollars per year. Thousands of dollars that could be spent feeding those who have NOTHING. Yes the enjoyment is a byproduct, but it is NOT part of an essential need for humans.
Have them Somalian pirates feed those starving babies/people. They are the ones steeling from them!
How are you going to ship all that produce before it goes bad? Or did you even think about that? I would think if that could have been accomplished, it would already be done. Besides, if somebody, or a group of bodies already paid for the tomatoes, then aren't they entitled to do with them as they please? Your just way to depressing for my taste.
too much rice causes rickets...not good for the human body no matter how much money it saves, you gotta eat something else for nutrition. this is a ridiculous conversation.
Are you paying to ship 120 tons of tomatoes from Spain to Somalia?? Let them have some fun it is a tradition that has been going on for years. Maybe try it sometime, it looks like fun!
Wow, all these comments about how this is such a waste and we should be sending everything we can to starving families around the world. 1) What have you done to help them? Don't post a comment like that if you have done nothing yourself to help them. I myself have not helped them for many reasons, which brings me to reason number two. 2) How is this a waste? Whoever grows these tomatoes may do with them what they please. Throw them, eat them, step on them, but what they can't do is just give them to starving families, considering the costs, the upkeep of suplies, and many other expenses, that maybe you would like to cover? Probably not. 3) You are saying you have NEVER wasted food. Thrown out leftovers ever? I'm sure. In closing, this is just supposed to be a fun event, and people who don't appreciate that some things in life might seem wasteful, are supposed to be fun.
Really?...really?...are we really going back and forth with this...sigh...someone reading this will admit that even though we waste food and we want to "have fun"...this is more than just a tad insensitive...there are so many other ways to have a good time...this is how they see us.
I actually shipped 120 tons of tomatoes to Somalia last year, and wouldn't you believe it, they had a food fight with them.
*Highfive*
Christ, people. Lighten up. You guys do realize that it's possible to care for these people without doing something for them, right? I feel terrible that those people have to go without food, but am I doing anything about it? No, I've got my own problems to deal with. Sure, they're petty in comparison, but they're my problems, so they take priority. I'd like to know from all of you above that complained about them not sending the tomatoes to people who would eat them, what you have done to improve the lives of the hungry in Somalia/rest of the world? Have you donated money to a charity that may be helping them? Have you done any sort of mission trip to aide them? Have you done ANYTHING to directly affect their lives? If so, fantastic. You are a great human being and have more time and/or money on your hands than I do. If not, you're just being hypocritical. Whatever makes you feel better about yourself I guess, that's your prerogative.
No wonder Spain is ready to default. Too much good times and not enough nose to the grindstone.
Its an annual festival that brings in travelers from all over the world. Its called tourism, and the boost to the economy most likely far outweighs the cost of the tomatoes and clean up.
First of all you need to understand the Spanish culture which most of you don't. Until you understand it just enjoy the festivities.
Spain is great especially since I am half Spanish. Great culture, food and people...
To Victoria Andrew (this is another Victoria speaking) I thought about explaining "Las Fallas de Valencia" but that wouldn't be understood either, all that burning of those monuments and all that powder from the fireworks... and still one the greatest festivities in the world!
You'd think that in this day an age of all the people starving around the world they would take a year off and turn all the tons of tmomatoes into food to feel their poor. They might just get a better feeling inside helping the needy than they would rolling in the stuff.
Kelly,
What sort of food would you suggest they turn the tomato's into?
Get off of the starving people obsession. It is called HAVING FUN!
I agree!!!!! This is soooo on my bucket list!
Mine too! :)
Why is there always someone against people smiling and having fun....Must we always frown and worry. I agree with RexDiesel....A Bucket list must... :)
I have to agree, definitely added to the "Bucket List"
I wanna see how you feel if you went hungry to the point I bet you would have a different out look on those tomatoes then, but because it's not you, you don't give a damn and that's a and that's where the real disgrace comes in.
B-Boy, stop being such a hypocrite. I'm sure you have never been starving and hungry before. Also, have you ever gotten rid of leftovers from a meal? Most people have and thats wasteful isn't it?? Just have some fun for once instead of taking a fun, joyful event and calling it something that could have fed the hungry. This is probably a waste of my time, better use it to prepare to go to that tomatoe festival next year! XD
I'm not going to live in poverty because someone else does not have it as good as me. Bring on the tomatoes.
No Spike-322306, it's called conspicuous consumption and usually signals the end of a civilization. Waste not, want not.
Not even close.
conspicuous consumption:
The acquisition and display of expensive items to attract
attention to one's wealth or to suggest that one is wealthy.
Throwing away MILLIONS of dollars worth of tomatoes isn't suggesting one is wealthy? Dang. I'm poorer than I thought.
I love it how Americans are criticizing them for throwing tomatoes everywhere, but have you looked at yourselves? How much food you waste and throw in the trash? How many lights you leave on and electricity you've wasted?
Shut up. You're being hypocrites at the very least.
It is sickening to see food being thrown away while people starve to death in Somalia. It is immoral.
Couldn't agree more.
Yes, I completely agree. Say, how about you go send them some food? Thats what you want right? How about you send them all of your food and money so that they can have a good life like you have? You have no idea what it actually takes to help starving families. Don't trash an event like this just because you would like to to help starving families in Somalia. It is their food and they can do with it what they want. HAVE A LITTLE FUN FOR ONCE INSTEAD OF SULKING OVER STARVING FAMILIES IN SOMALIA!
To Neville and every other hypocrite, you live in one of the most wasteful countries in the world, get over yourselves. If you have ever eaten out at a chain restaurant then you have just supported an industry that’s throws away hundreds of pounds of food every day instead of donating it. Stop judging others and fix yourselves all of you negative bastards!
This is great...of course it appears insane and wasteful, but these people probably have a lot less stress built up in their bodies because of these opportunities for release while we overly controlled Americans run around physically and emotionally constipated
As an American living in Spain, I feel the comments above were too harsh. Americans waste enormous amounts of money on movies, music, etc. every day of the year. And the amount of food we waste as Americans is far more than people here who in general serve modest proportions with little to throw away. Spaniards are generous people who help the poor just as much as Americans. The difference is that Spaniards are relational, so when it comes time to let off some steam and forget the stresses of a more than 20% unemployment rate and ensuing economic crisis that has it's roots in the US housing market crisis, they do it in a group of 40,000 people. All of us waste and all of feel the stress of the economy. We just handle it in different ways. So cut 'em a little slack for having some fun.
Couldn’t agree more Kate.
wasting tomatoes is one thing...
what they do to bulls is unforgivable...well, someone can forgive them but it's certainly above my paygrade
First let me say I'm NOT in favor of bull fights...BUT hearing the explanation from Spaniards has opened my eyes a little to why many have no problem with it. Those in favor of it point out that the bull has a fighting chance (vs. cattle in the slaughterhouse)--matadors get hurt all the time and if the bull wins the fight, he gets transferred to green pastures never to fight again. If he loses (i.e. is killed), the meat is auctioned off at the end of the fight. None of it is wasted. All that to say, when I went to my first and only bull fight, I couldn't help cheering for the bull. Catalunya has already done away with the bull fights and I think it's quite possible they will eventually become a thing of the past in other parts of Spain as well. But I definitely agree with Spaniard in NY below that we should be careful when critizing other cultures, particularly when we have no first-hand experience with the custom.
Another absurdly stupid human activity...
First they abuse the live food by chasing and stressing out the prey and then waste more food in the streets. There's a famine, now, as we speak but those European Spaniards surely must keep the their traditions going.
What about the hot dog eating contests? that is not a waste of food? what about the American slauterhouses? that is not mistreating animals? I don't think people should criticise other cultures when their own does the same but in a different way? By the way I don't think lot of Americans know, but the bulls end in the butcher's too.
Why would MSNBC think that this story deserves the front page? The U.S. currently has 3 major battles going on and people have been wiped out by Irene yet it's important to show this nonsense. Yes, it's nice to report on something positive once in a while but this certainly is not a "priority". Let's hear about real events that have to do with life and death and staying alive in this insane world.
Then check the rest of the page genius. There's plenty of death and mayhem on the front page for you to see.
Nobody is forcing you to watch/read MSNBC. I, for one, am happy to read stories that aren't all hyped up disasters and depressing events. It's a good balance. Give 'em a break.
You talk about wasted food. In US, I go to restaurants - especially all-you-can eat - and see so much food taken and left on the tables to be thrown away. At least the people are having fun and releaving any stress.
lol
"having fun, and releaving any stress"
What a pathetic excuse!!
Yes moshuluu, you've caught us. We make up these silly excuses like "fun" and "stress relief" just to hide our sick desire to waste food that we should be doing more productive things with. we like to know that their are starving families who need this food. What do you do to have fun? I'm so interested to know so that I may criticize all that you find fun and enjoyable just to be an excuse for something you are truely sinister about.
Are folks from Spain naturally wasteful people?
no, but folks like you are naturally ignorant (:
Thank you Anthony Oliveri.
My daughter lives in Barcelona. Been there 4 times and love it. Spain is a wonderful country and we love it. Even though this story portrays them as a bunch of "wild and crazy guys"; when Spaniards want to really cut loose want to know where they go? Portugal.
Yeah, if you want cocaine, you go to Portugal.
Where are you from owen-407025? Certainly not from America.... unless you have very short memory and forgot about our military spending, suvs, etc.
#%@& tradition, I've always considered this and movie's where they run through fruit stands, or seafood markets some of the biggest waste of food ever. People die daily from not having enough food or water, and this is what's done. How much tomato sauce could have been made and spread over pasta to feed the needy.
Pathetic!!
Sorry I didnt mean to like your comment. Do the needy need pasta sauce over noodles? People should waste seafood because crablegs, lobster, shrimp etc. are really expensive and good but tomatoes... come on
Some of those guys in the photos have greatbodies... yum :)
This is just nasty....disgusting. I hate to say it but this just totally grosses me out. It is actually nauseating to look at for me, and now I don't ever want to eat a tomato again. People are actually lying in the stuff....
You need to go out and see places, experience other culture and other traditions to have some teeny tiny appreciation of life. Chill out!!!
Notwithstanding the utter silliness of the situation, this photo is amazing!!!!!!
There are children starving!!! while you fools pay with food!!! unbelievable!!!
Are you really planning on feeding children just tomatoes?
Please think before posting.
And how much quantity of tomatoes have you donated to Salvation Army and other charity groups? Tell me please!!!!
starving people dont care what they eat, and morons like you dont care what they say,your karma will catch up to you pal.
I agree, some people lack basic morals. Wasting food is not appropriate under any circumstances. Especially when there is starving people across the globe. Find some other activity to release stress.
Agree. Wasting food and the display of wasting food disgusts me.
writing your depressing comments won't feed starving people across the globe or undo what these people have decided to do with their tomatoes, which btw is a tradition you ignorant hippie
I proposed to my girlfriend there two years ago. It was a fun time, except of course my wallet was stolen. Oh, you Spanish, how you love to steal.
what? spanish people always stealing? come on, people from other countries have stolen me in my city sometimes!!! and EXCUSE ME ALL, NOT ALL SPANISH PEOPLE AGREES WITH BULLFIGHT, I COMPLETELY DISAGREE AND BARCELONA IS NOW AND ANTI-BULLFIGHT CITY, DOCUMMENT YOURSELF!!!
We're all fed up with comments from other countries seeing us as "this funny and neardenthal spanish, all fiesta, paella and sevillanas", Spain is not only that, and not all parts of Spain are the same, come on! What are that stereotipes !!!!
About Tomatina, I'm not completed opposed, there's no need to stress-out about Somalia for only some tomatoes once a year, Somalia is being killed by their goverment, come on!!! It's maybe an stupid party but innoffensive, no damage of animals and only having fun once a year!!! I think your comments are a little bit overdosed!!!
Did you catch the thieff? It was a Spaniard? Why do you accuse a whole country for something that you don't know? You could have lost it or someone other than a Spaniard could have stole it. If you go to the tomatina get the right gear: swimingsuit and goggles. Leave the wallet at home/hotel/car.
Never been one to take life too seriously..life is just to short for that...but O.M.G. not only does that look disgusting but I do have to say LOTS of fun, spontaneous and adventurous all at the same time. I think if I did that I would have to take a disfecting bath after that..yeah most definitely...but ohh what fun it looks to be..Yahooo!! Come on people don't take life tooo seriously...have funnnnnnnnn!!
I think it is ludicrous that people from the most wasteful country in the world ( the United States of America) have a problem with Spain's once a year tomato festival. You people are hypocritical, pompous, self righteous fools.
Yes! I completely agree with you, Lanny....ironic, isn't it?
I agree as well. The US needs to stop wasting it's money on useless countries that do nothing but revolt at the sign of higher taxes, longer work hours, or higher retirement ages with less benefits. I think we should waste it on things like huge food fights as well. Since so many of us are out of jobs as it is, we could use the distraction.
I second that motion!