Thousands of people splattered each other with tons of tomatoes at the annual "Tomatina" battle in Spain on Wednesday.

Spain has been hit hard by recession, and this year the town of Bunol (about 50 kilometers from Valencia) charged participants entry fees for the first time. Outsiders were asked to pay 10 euros ($13) to take part, but locals were not charged.

Town officials said about 20,000 joined in this year's hour-long street bash, which started as a spontaneous food fight among kids in 1945.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez