Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates scale and history

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico has evolved from a small 1972 gathering of thirteen balloons into the world’s largest balloon festival. Held every October, the nine-day event attracts nearly one million visitors and features more than 500 hot air balloons from around the globe.

The festival includes several signature events, such as the ‘Dawn Patrol,’ where pilots take off in the darkness, and the ‘Mass Ascension,’ which sees hundreds of balloons rising simultaneously in a display of colors and patterns. Evening festivities include the ‘Balloon Glow,’ where balloons illuminate the night sky accompanied by live music and fireworks.