From October 5-13, more than 800 radiant hot air balloons will soar up into the skies above New Mexico in a fantastic spectacle of color as part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — a favorite local event since 1972. Chasing an “Enchanted Sunrise” (the chosen theme), this year’s Fiesta is set for success with early-morning balloon launches, firework shows, energetic live country music and evening balloon glows. More than 80,000 visitors are expected.
Daily dawn patrols usually set off from the 80-acre Balloon Fiesta Park at about 5:45 a.m., with pilots flying glowing balloons through the dark until it’s bright enough to land, giving other balloonists an idea of the day’s weather conditions and wind speeds.
On assorted days throughout the fair, all participating balloons embark on their journeys in dramatic mass ascensions led by a balloon flying the American flag. A choreographed 12-balloon Dawn Patrol Show set to music precedes every mass group launch, and the Flight of the Nations Ascension launches balloons from countless different countries to their own national anthems.
The nine-day festival caters to vessels and balloonists of all kinds, with a Special Shape Rodeo for unconventionally designed inflatables. And there’s no doubt the sight of Pigasus the giant winged pig adds a little extra excitement to an already theatrical display.
(Main image: lellis_sjca)
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