Thousands of people from around the world seeking a uniquely messy thrill have spent a wild hour flinging bushels of overripe tomatoes at each other.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the eye-catching Tomatina festival in which people fling overripe tomatoes at each other. Lore says it began in 1945 for local children but these days it draws an international crowd.

The 'La Tomatina' food fight festival in Bunol, near Valencia, Spain, was inspired by a food fight between local children in 1945. The event marked its 78th anniversary this year and 23 years since the festival was declared by Spain as an international tourism attraction.