AMSTERDAM (AP) — Hundreds of young Dutch men and women turned Amsterdam’s central Dam square into a blizzard of red goop on Sunday, as they pelted each other mercilessly with overripe tomatoes.

In theory, the event was set up as a protest against Russian sanctions blocking imports of European fresh produce. In practice, most participants turned out to experience the joy of smacking a loved one — or total stranger — with tomato pulp at close range.