Hundreds participate in Chile’s 7th annual Tomato War

By Mildred Caranto / The Santiago Times Staff

Quillon, Chile — Hundreds of people have taken part in the seventh annual Tomato War in Quillon, Chile.

Around 100 tonnes of old tomatoes were placed inside a rodeo ring yesterday, and the participants gleefully pitched, heaved, and smashed tomatoes at each other.

The big “Tomato War” happens every year and was started by someone who lives in the city. In 2013, the organisation was taken over by the municipality.

Even the local firefighters joined in to help wash away some of the mess.

According to the local Quillon Fire Chief Cesar Martinez, the turnout for the event was particularly good given that wildfires which have been raging throughout the summer in Chile have damaged tourism.