Tens of thousands of celebrants pelted each other with about 120 tons of ripe tomatoes Wednesday, in Spain's huge annual food fight known as the “Tomatina.”

Nearly 40,000 people, including tourists from around the world, took part in the battle in Bunol, which left the eastern Spanish town awash in red pulp and tomato juice.

Five trucks filled with tomatoes supplied the red “ammunition” to the crowd. Organizers of the event suggest that participants wear old clothes that can be thrown away after the fight. Afterwards, showers and opened fire hydrants are available to help with the clean-up.

The Bunol event is believed to have its roots in a food fight that started between childhood friends in the mid-1940s.