The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in New Mexico and is the world's largest hot air balloon festival!
Up and Away
Every October, the skies over Albuquerque come alive as over 500 hot air balloons float above Balloon Fiesta Park.
However, New Mexico isn't new to hot air ballooning. The history dates back to 1882, with Park Van Tassel. Tassel was an aerial exhibitionist who would go into the air in balloons and jump with parachutes throughout the western United States in the 1880s.
In 1882, Tassel made the first recorded balloon flight in New Mexico.
Ballooning paused for decades until Sid Cutter revived it in 1972 with the first official Balloon Fiesta, featuring 13 balloons. Since then, the event has blown up, now attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of visitors annually.
Balloons Galore
Balloon Fiesta has moved locations over the years, from Coronado Center to the current Balloon Fiesta Park, each time accommodating more participants.
Special events like the Dawn Patrol and Glowdeo, along with the "Albuquerque Box" wind pattern that allows balloons to return to their launch point, have become staples.
The Fiesta now features balloons from all over the globe, including traditional designs and those, well, not so traditional. This international event is not just a celebration of ballooning, but a testament to the beauty and history of Albuquerque.