PHOTO ESSAY: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Dazzles

The crowd roars with excitement as the hot air balloon rises from the field. Then another one goes up, and then several at once ascend into the wild blue yonder. It’s hard to keep up with the count. Just know there are hundreds more to come, filling the blue New Mexico sky with bright splashes of color and shape, creating a stunning op-art canvas.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a feast for the senses, with the sound of balloon burners simultaneously igniting, the aroma of fresh doughnuts and breakfast burritos, the look of awe on thousands of upturned faces and the feeling of collective joy that comes from witnessing this magical event.

For nine glorious days in October, Albuquerque plays host to the largest hot air ballooning festival in the world. People from all over the world head to the Land of Enchantment for this unique and unmatched experience. Many make it an annual tradition, as the scene never ceases to be spectacular.

Over the years, the festival has grown from a quaint launch of thirteen balloons in 1972 to the massive event it has become today, with over 500 balloons and hundreds of thousands of spectators. They flock to Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field, where they become part of the action, cheering on the balloons, the pilots and their crews during the various events.

To learn more visit balloonfiesta.com.