Thousands of partiers celebrate Spanish tomato festival

BUNOL, Spain – Spain's famous "La Tomatina" tomato fight was held Wednesday. 

Participants take positions in the street where thousands of partiers hurl tons of tomatoes at each other every year. 

The festival has been held every last Wednesday of August since 1945. 

As part of the security operation before the fight, police checked bags and backpacks of people entering the small town of Bunol just a few miles away from Valencia. 

The Spanish Interior Minister said after the Barcelona attacks that security would be increased, especially in areas where large crowds are expected. 

Some participants said they were confident that security forces were taking measures to ensure the success of one of Spain's most famous fiestas. 

At 11 a.m. local time, a fire cracker marked the start of La Tomatina and for an hour six trucks loaded with about 160 tons of tomatoes drove through Bunol's Central Street providing ammunition for the tomato throwers to enjoy.