Afood fight is a form of chaotic collective behavior, in which foodstuffs are thrown at others in the manner of projectiles. These projectiles are not made nor meant to harm others, but to simply ignite a fight filled with spontaneous food throwing. Food fights may be impromptu examples of rebellionorviolence; however, they can also be planned events. In organized food fights, the food "weapons" are usually all of one kind, or of a limited variety (e.g., tomatoes), while in impromptu food fights (for example, in a school cafeteria), any food within reach is used.[1]
Though usually associated with juvenile settings such as schools,[2] food fights have a long history throughout the world as a form of festive public entertainment or pastime. They have traditionally been popular since the early Middle AgesinEurope during seasonal festivals, especially in the summertime. For example, Spanish La Tomatina is still regularly held every August in the Valencian town of Buñol, in which participants pelt each other with tomatoes, as is Battle of the Oranges held in the Italian town of Ivrea where, as the name would suggest, the oranges are used instead. As an example from outside of Europe, the Chinese "Tofu Festival" can be mentioned. It is held on the 13th day of the first month of the lunar calendar in Shegangxia village, Fogang County, Guangdong Province. Slabs of tofu are thrown at each other.[3]
