Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The largest balloon fiesta in the world, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico in October each year.
Considered to be the best ballooning location in the USA because of its clear skies and a phenomenon known as the "Albuquerque Box" this corner of Albuquerque offers a set of perfectly predictable wind patterns that balloonists can use to navigate the balloons.
Each year balloons and balloonists come from over 50 different countries to participate in what has become the most photographed event in the world.
Features of the 9-day festival include the balloons themselves, in all different shapes and sizes, balloon races, games such as one where balloonists compete to hit targets from the air, other piloting and skill competitions, and mass ascensions where all participants launch at the in just two waves.
One of the most popular special events is “Balloon Glow” in which, just before sunset, the burners of hundreds of balloons are ignited and the evening sky becomes a sea of hundreds of bright, colourful glowing shapes.
For more information visit: www.balloonfiesta.com
