SPAIN’S favourite tomato-slinging extravaganza the Tomatina festival, held annually in the town of Bunol, has been accused of massive displays of corruption.
When Tomatina saw huge growth in attendance these past few years, the local town government decided to charge a €10 admission for the festivities.
But what really sparked controversy is Bunol’s decision to hand financial management of the festival over to a private firm.
The traditionally leftist town government was promptly challenged by the opposition Popular Party (PP), who has filed a report with the Anticorruption Attorney on accusations of a ‘lack of transparency.’
The festival generally rakes in some €2 million a year, but Rafael Perez – the man in charge of organizing the fiesta – says that the privatization contract is worth a mere €7,000, so the PP’s accusations are wildly unfounded.
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Is anything in Spain above board? Tiresome.