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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings colorful displays to the New Mexico sky

by Chloe Baker
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Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is set to grace the skies of New Mexico with vibrant displays. This eagerly anticipated event is slated to commence at sunrise on Saturday, featuring a captivating drone light show and a mass ascent of hot air balloons. Over a span of nine days, both local residents and visitors can anticipate a spectacular array of colorful and creatively shaped balloons.

This annual gathering has evolved into a significant economic catalyst for New Mexico’s largest city. Against the picturesque backdrop of the Rio Grande river and nearby mountains, the fiesta originated in 1972 when a handful of pilots launched 13 balloons from an open lot near a shopping center on Albuquerque’s outskirts. Today, it stands as one of the most extensively photographed events worldwide, now hosted at Balloon Fiesta Park. Balloon designs have ranged from whimsical cartoon animals to iconic Star Wars characters, and even the polar bear synonymous with Klondike bars.

However, as fiesta director Sam Parks notes, the core principle remains unchanged: “You add heat to a substantial volume of air, and you ascend.” Last year, nearly 830,000 attendees from various corners of the globe graced the festival. Evening festivities include dazzling fireworks and balloon illuminations, where hot air balloons are inflated and aglow from the ground.

On Saturday evening, the launch window opens for what is touted as a preeminent aviation event: the Gordon Bennett competition. In this gas balloon race, victory is claimed by the pilot who travels the greatest distance. This year, around 550 balloon pilots are registered to participate, aiming to harness the phenomenon known as the Albuquerque box. This atmospheric occurrence involves winds blowing in opposite directions at varying altitudes, enabling skilled pilots to guide their balloons back to a location near their initial takeoff point.

Visitors to the fiesta also have the opportunity to ascend in hot air balloons, affording breathtaking vistas of the westward Sandia Mountains and the more distant Santa Fe to the north.

In the words of Sam Parks, “It has become part of the culture, the thread that binds those who partake in this spectacle.”


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Balloon Fiesta

What is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual event held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring a dazzling display of hot air balloons.

When does the Balloon Fiesta take place?

The fiesta typically spans nine days and starts at sunrise on a designated Saturday each year.

Where does the event occur?

The event primarily takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, with the stunning backdrop of the Rio Grande river and nearby mountains.

How did the Balloon Fiesta originate?

The fiesta had humble beginnings in 1972 when a small group of pilots launched 13 balloons from an open lot near an Albuquerque shopping center.

What can attendees expect to see at the Balloon Fiesta?

Visitors can witness a mass ascension of hot air balloons, including creatively designed and special-shaped balloons. There are also nighttime events like fireworks and balloon glows, where balloons are lit up from the ground.

How has the Balloon Fiesta evolved over the years?

From its modest start, the fiesta has grown into one of the most photographed events globally, attracting nearly 830,000 attendees from around the world last year. It has also become a significant economic driver for Albuquerque.

What is the Gordon Bennett competition?

The Gordon Bennett competition is a renowned gas balloon race held during the fiesta. The winner is the pilot who travels the farthest distance in their balloon.

What is the “Albuquerque box”?

The “Albuquerque box” is a meteorological phenomenon where winds blow in opposite directions at different altitudes. Skilled balloon pilots use this phenomenon to navigate and return their balloons close to the point of takeoff.

Can attendees go up in hot air balloons?

Yes, visitors to the fiesta have the opportunity to take a ride in hot air balloons, enjoying panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains to the west and Santa Fe to the north.

What role does the Balloon Fiesta play in the local culture?

The fiesta has become an integral part of Albuquerque’s culture, binding those who participate in this captivating annual spectacle.

More about Balloon Fiesta

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