The “world’s premier balloon event” has begun, and we have proof that it looks just as exciting as it sounds!
The yearly festival of hot-air balloons takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is the largest of its kind. With over 500 balloons each year, it’s nine days of pure, unadulterated balloon fun. This year’s edition kicked off on October 3 with a Mass Ascension, an event in which all participating balloons launch in two waves, filling the sky with hundreds of balloons at once. This spectacular display is quite a feast for the eyes, and attracts hot-air balloon enthusiasts from all over the country!
The balloons seen at the festival come in all shapes and sizes – ranging from classic colourful, to cute, animal-shaped to hilariously weird ones. Take a look at what the first couple of days of the festival were like.
When: October 3-11
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico