- The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is currently underway in New Mexico, providing spectacular backdrops of colorful hot air balloons across the sky. It is known as one of the most photographic events in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. This year, approximately 550 balloon pilots have registered to fly during the nine-day event.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a highly anticipated international event that captivates spectators from all over the world. The festivities began with a mesmerizing drone light show and a mass ascension of hot air balloons. Over the course of nine days, visitors will be delighted by a variety of colorful and special-shaped balloons.
The annual gathering has not only become a cherished tradition but also a significant economic driver for the city of Albuquerque. With the Rio Grande and nearby mountains serving as stunning backdrops, the fiesta originated in 1972 with just 13 balloons launching from an open lot near a shopping center at the edge of the city.
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The fiesta has evolved into a worldwide spectacle and is currently held at Balloon Fiesta Park. Balloon designs range from cartoon animals to Star Wars characters, and even the iconic polar bear found on Klondike bars.
“However, at its core, the fiesta remains true to its roots,” explains Sam Parks, the fiesta director and a pilot himself. “By adding heat to a big bag of air, you ascend into the sky.”
Last year, nearly 830,000 people from around the world attended the event. Nighttime attractions include fireworks and balloon glows, where hot air balloons are inflated and illuminated on the ground.
One of the balloon pilots waves to the crowd during the 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
(AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales)
Simultaneously, the prestigious Gordon Bennett competition, one of the most significant events in aviation, was launched Saturday night. Pilots navigate hydrogen-filled balloons high in the sky, with the farthest-flying participants emerging as the winners.
These balloons differ from the ones seen at the Albuquerque fiesta as they embark on longer journeys.
Approximately 550 balloon pilots have registered to fly during the fiesta, aiming to utilize the “Albuquerque box” phenomenon. This pattern occurs when the wind blows in opposite directions at different altitudes, enabling skilled pilots to strategically bring their balloons back to the starting point.
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Visitors to the event also have the opportunity to take a balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, located to the north.
“The fiesta has truly become an integral part of our culture,” adds Parks. “It serves as a common thread among those gathered here.”
Elizabeth Wright-Smith, the pilot of the renowned Smokey Bear balloon, expresses her delight in reuniting with friends from all corners of the country. The fiesta provides a unique opportunity to encounter individuals she met at various balloon races, safety seminars, and other events nationwide.
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“It’s like a grand reunion,” she beams.
Wright-Smith’s favorite aspect of the fiesta is observing and engaging with the thousands of spectators who flock to Balloon Fiesta Park. As she ascends in her balloon, her surroundings gradually shrink, providing a remarkable perspective. Unlike last year when intermittent rain dampened parts of the fiesta, the sky was bright and clear on Saturday.
“No pictures or videos can truly capture the experience,” Wright-Smith states. “You have to witness it in person to fully grasp its magnificence.”
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