Albuquerque International Balloon festival

Albuquerque International Balloon festival is a hot festival that is organized in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Being the largest balloon festival in the world, this festival organizes around 500 hot air balloons each year. This festival begun in 1972 at Mexico. People and pilots from every corner of the world come to Mexico to witness this grand air party which continues for 9 days on the month of October. 

  

History/Traditions

 During the 50th celebrations of 770 KOB radio- a famous Mexican radio, about 13 balloons from England arrived at KOB, in New Mexico. More than 20000 spectators took part in the festivities of KOB, arriving from different parts of the United States and Mexico, along with some other countries, including England. The festival incorporated a Balloon "Roadrunner-coyote" race. In that race, Don Piccard, the winner of that 1972 race, landed nearest to the roadrunner. This way the balloon festival became famous, with the city of Albuquerque hosting the championship of "Balloon Roadrunner-Coyote" the succeeding years. Last year, a rally of balloons was organized to maintain the interests of people. A variety of people gathered at different locations of the city of view the parade of balloons.

Activities

Many artists get spectacular sightings for their paintings as a subject matter. Many group photographers, along with artists, gather and secure their corners at the park(s) of gathering of balloons. 

One of the biggest events of the festival is the Mass fiesta, where hundreds of balloons are launched into the sky at once.These balloons make different shapes in the sky, such as milk, soda cans and animals. Families that couldn't come to the spots watch these sightings from their backyards or rooftops.

Glowing balloons can also be observed at night by their propane burners. These balloons, however cannot move and remain static on the grounds.

Various challenges such as Fiesta challenge, America's gas balloon race, the flight of Nation's mass ascension, piloting skills etc. are organized, making the competition a fun filled and thrilling adventure. There is also a challenge in which hot air balloons have to land on a spot near the spectators.

This conventional festival has became a local showcase of the culture of Mexico, featuring numerous cultural exhibitions and increasing New Mexico's local business. Many camera companies also sponsored the festival, owing to the numerous pictures that are taken during the festival. These companies include Kodak and Canon.