"The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. The 2019 event generated $186.82 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies," the Balloon Fiesta says.

"The first Balloon Fiesta took place on April 8, 1972. It was organized by Sid Cutter, Albuquerque resident and balloonist, in honor of KKOB Radio (formerly known as KOB Radio) and its 50th anniversary. That year, 13 balloons participated in the “First Annual KOB Radio and Television International Balloon Festival,” now considered to be the first Balloon Fiesta, at Coronado Center.

"The event grew quickly, in 1973 hosting the First World Championships, along with a balloon rally for non-competing balloonists. Held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 128 balloons were flown. Over the years, different locations have played host to the event, moving to Simms Field in 1975-1981, then to Cutter International Balloonport until 1985. The event was held at the first Balloon Fiesta Park (located south of Alameda Blvd.) from 1986 -1995 and finally moved to the current location, Balloon Fiesta Park (located north of Alameda Blvd.) in 1996. Over the years the Balloon Fiesta has hosted millions of guests and thousands of pilots, representing 56 different countries."

"The Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World – Because of the conditions and the landscape, people would often hot air balloon in Albuquerque, but it wasn’t until 1972 that something special started. That year, a small group gathered in the parking lot of a shopping mall in Albuquerque for a balloon ride that would grow to what is now the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta," The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation says.

"Conditions – Albuquerque has the optimal weather conditions for hot air ballooning, which include wind conditions and air temperature. Both of these factors contribute to successful hot air ballooning and Albuquerque has the perfect mix. Albuquerque’s predictable wind patterns, known as the “Albuquerque Box,” make it easy for balloon pilots to navigate in the Rio Grande Valley. The area’s cool air temperature in the early morning also helps the balloons rise faster and handle better.

"Landscape – The area offers a stunning landscape with plenty of open space for balloons to take off, land, and float through the sky with breathtaking views of New Mexico’s one-of-a-kind landscape."

"The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has come a long way since the launch of just 13 balloons in 1972. Now the largest balloon festival in the world, the Balloon Fiesta welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests during the first nine days of October – when the climate is ideal for piloting these vessels – to watch around 600 balloons fill the Albuquerque sky," the U.S. News Travel says.

"This renowned fall festival, considered one of the top things to do in New Mexico, even boasts the title of "the world's most photographed event," with an estimated 25 million photographs captured.

"Beyond ballooning, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features a chainsaw carving exhibition, skydiving shows, music performances, fireworks and more on its 350-acre site, Balloon Fiesta Park, which also offers glamping options for overnight attendees. Other nearby lodging options include Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque and Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown."

"For nine days in October, the Albuquerque skies are colorfully painted as more than 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park" the Visit Albuquerque says

"Plan now to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Powered by ExxonMobil and be part of the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. Walk among the moving picture show of hot air balloons lifting gently through the crisp, fall air. If you're more of a night owl, experience the magic of a balloon glow as they light up the night sky. No matter what event you choose to attend, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta will make you feel like you're in a dream.

"To get insider tips, learn more about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and find the best places to eat and things to do during your stay, check out Your Guide to Visiting Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta."

"The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly hot air balloon festival that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year far from its beginnings of merely 13 balloons in 1972. The event is the largest balloon festival in the world, followed by the Grand Est Mondial Air in France, and the León International Balloon Festival in Mexico.

"Balloon Fiesta Park, from which the balloons are launched, is located on the northern edge of the city. The park is a multi-use field and is home to many other events throughout the year. In 2005, the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum was opened on the grounds. The museum is dedicated to the history, science, sport, and art of ballooning and other innovative forms of flight.

"The Balloon Fiesta is organized by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc- a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc owns the trademark for the name "Balloon Fiesta" "  (Wikipedia)

"For more than three decades, guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque each October to celebrate ballooning at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta™. This is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States," the new Mexico Tourist Department says.

"The New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky.

"For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta™ is a pilgrimage. There's something for everyone to enjoy . . . whimsical special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape for spectators to wander. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta™ will leave you awestruck and wanting more."

"The festival began in 1972 as a modest affair, with only 13 balloons taking flight from a parking lot at the Coronado Center Mall east of Albuquerque's downtown. The festival has since expanded into an international event, featuring several days of races and competitions," the Smithsonian Magazine says.

"The festival isn't all about competition, however. It also also honors the artistic splendor of hot air balloons through the Special Shape Rodeo, which features balloons shaped like giant frogs, blue whales, baby dinosaurs, and more. Visitors can also take advantage of booths and balloons selling memorabilia, and concessions dolling out traditional New Mexican cuisine, which are slated to occupy some 100 acres of the 360-acre Balloon Fiesta Park.

"Albuquerque is renowned among ballooning enthusiasts for its ideal ballooning conditions, which occur thanks to the "Albuquerque box"—a specific wind pattern that allows balloon pilots to take off and land in roughly the same spot. The "box" occurs because winds at low elevations tend to move in one direction (often southerly), while winds at a higher altitude move in the other direction. Balloon pilots, then, only have to worry about maneuvering their balloons vertically, since the wind directions during their trip essentially cancel each other out."

"Dragons, Elvis, Darth Vader, and zebras soar above the dramatic landscape of New Mexico every October during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest annual gathering of hot-air balloons. Albuquerque’s wide-open spaces, sunny skies, favorable wind currents, and 5,000-foot elevation make it a premiere ballooning destination," the National Geographic Magazine says.

"“What makes Fiesta so special, beyond being the largest in the world, is that people can walk on the field while they’re launching and even help,” says Amanda Molina, one of the fiesta staffers. “People from all over the world all come together wide-eyed at the sight. Everyone’s a kid that week.”

"Guests can closely join the fun by signing up to be part of a chase crew, helping to set up the balloons and following them to help land. Free bicycle storage is available for those wanting to beat the traffic and to cruise around under the spectacular sight above."

"Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, is the Largest and arguably the most extravagant Hot Air Balloon festival in the world! This annual event is a wonderful showcase of the most creative, eye catching and breathtaking balloons in the world" the Town & Tourist says.



"Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico this balloon fiesta started back in 1972 with just 13 balloons, but now draws hundreds of thousands of guests every year!  Over 600 fantastic balloons envelope the skyline of New Mexico during this fantastic fiesta. Lots of amazing events happen during this festival our favorite is the “Mass Ascension” .

"As the sun rises, hundreds of colorful and creative balloons inflate and lift off into the crisp morning sky all in unison. The amount of balloons range from 500 to over 700 which truly makes for a eye catching and memorable experience. It is nothing like you have ever seen before! There is also a tremendous display of sound which makes it even more so enchanting!"

"A “mass ascension” at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an astounding sight. At dawn, several hundred hot-air balloons rise together from the grassy field at Balloon Fiesta Park, filling the sky and quietly drifting across the city," the Forbes Magazine says.



"“The landing sites have really diminished as a result of development,” Scott Appelman, president and CEO of Rainbow Ryders, told KRQE News. Rainbow Ryders, which offers balloon flights year-round in multiple cities, has been the official hot-air balloon ride operator at the fiesta for 35 years.

"The 2017 the Balloon Fiesta generated nearly $173 million in total economic impact, including nearly $10 million in tax revenues for the city, the county and the state, according to an economic impact survey by marketing research firm Forward Analytics."

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