Does anyone have suggestions for clients who want to go Brunol, Spain, in August 2002 for La Tomatina, the tomato-throwing fest? I've looked with no luck for any tour operators who might offer a package for this event. Welcome ideas on that, or for hotels in the vicinity.

I did a Google search and you got the town name spelled wrong - it is Bunyol, Spain.

Here is one link I found: http://www.alternativetravelers.net/db/1/advert/festivals/no/Spain/all/Bunyol/0342424497/page.html

I saw a snippet about this festival on the news this year - other than that I know nothing!!

Well, perhaps the town name is spelled both ways, as it is "Bunol" on the Lonely Planet website
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/theme/festivals/festivals_tomatina.htm

and one from the UK
http://www.pilot.co.uk/festivals/Tomatina.html

and on Global Gourmet site
http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/spain/tomatina.html

Whatever the spelling, it's near Valencia and they throw thousands of tomatoes there one day every August!

For any who might ever think of attending La Tomatina:

I have learned there are no true 'packages' offered in Brunol for the event. But, several Spain tour operators will book a hotel in the Valencia area (about 30 minutes away), and provide a private car transfer from there to Brunol and back on La Tomatina day. I'm in the process of booking this for clients who will attend next August. I've told the clients they must send me photos!

Hi Sally & Pauline.

Actually, both "Buñol" (not Bunol, the Lonely Planet needs to find a keyboard with an "ñ" on it ) and "Bunyol" are correct as they are the name of the town in 2 of Spain's 5 official languages.

"Bunyol" is "Valencian" while "Buñol" is "Spanish".
Just as you will see the word "Cataluña" in "Spanish" with the spelling "Catalunya" in "Catalán". Chalk it up to a lingüistic thing but when in Rome... "Bunyol"

The official (or as close as it gets) website on the event is at www.tomatina.org ( points to www.lahoya.net/tomatina ). Even have a webcam HERE

As far as I know there are no guided excursions to the festival, it is more of a do-it-yourself trip but is you are interested in going as a group, you should try to contact the folks at www.forocio.com as they (based in Madrid), offer customized trips and excursions.

Saludos,
jer...

p.d. If you are a lady and are planning on going to La Tomatina, wear a sports bra or tight sports top top since your t-shirt WILL be torn off during the tomato fight!!!

madrid nut, webweaver of www.multimadrid.com and keeper of the plaza-cam & sol-cam
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