The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – now in its 48th year – kicked off to a flying start this month. The ballooning magic unfolded over nine days with some of the most breath-taking and audacious balloons on display during that time.
Each day started off with a morning ascension known as Dawn Patrol, before a Morning Glow kicked the event off in unique style. A particular highlight of this festival was the Mass Ascension when hundreds of balloons took to the skies over the course of a few hours. Seeing the sky speckled with bright balloons was a heartening sight for some of the 886,307 guests who attended over the course of the event. It is no wonder this is one of the most photographed balloon festivals in the world.
The Albuquerque balloon festival is also famous for its Special Shape Rodeo which has been going strong since 1989. This year’s rodeo saw balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies. Notable balloons included ones shaped like aliens, Yoda from Star Wars, Angry Birds, Minions, and a stork carrying a baby.
Live bands, competitions, and a host of local artisan markets kept visitors busy on back on land. The nightly Glow displays showcase some of the 550 hot air balloons which attended from more than 30 countries at their most magical. The crescendo of the event – the AfterGlow Firework show – was the perfect way to finish such a majestic event.
The New Mexico landscape is stunning to see from the skies, but if you want to see some of the UK’s best hot air ballooning views, we offer hot air balloon adventures in Bath, Bristol, and other areas of the South West.
