From a small gathering of 13 balloons
in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to become
hands-down the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the
first week in October, the Balloon Fiesta brings over 700 balloons, over 1,000
pilots and tens of thousands of spectators. Over 1000 balloons participated
in the 2000 fiesta. The first “fiesta” was
launched from the parking lot of Coronado Center in uptown Albuquerque. The
following year it was held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. By 1978 Albuquerque
was playing host to the world's largest ballooning event (273 entries that
year alone). Today the Balloon Fiesta includes such special events as the
weekend and Wednesday mass ascensions, Balloon Glow, Night Magic Glow, and
the Special Shape Rodeo and Special Shape GlowdeoTM where more
than 100 uniquely shaped balloons participate. The
Balloon Fiesta is unusual among large events, with the spectators mingling
right on the launch field with the pilots and chase crews. If you visit Albuquerque
during the Balloon Fiesta, a balloon ride is a must. This is definitely a
sport that encourages spectator participation But watch out for balloons taking
off and landing. It’s a little like herding cats when a hot air balloon
lifts off. They go with the breeze, pilots navigating by ascending or descending
into winds headed in a different direction. The “Albuquerque Box,” often
lets balloonists take off and land right back at the Balloon Fiesta Park.
Prevailing lower winds blow south for takeoff, with northern moving winds
a few hundred feet up, creating the “Box.” Make
your reservations far in advance, some visitors reserve their accommodations
for next year as they check out. Many of the hotels and motels offer shuttle
service to the Balloon Fiesta Park and there are facilities for RVs right
at the Park. The City of Albuquerque provides a “Park and Ride” service
from convenient locations around Albuquerque. There is parking at the Balloon
Fiesta Park, but the Mass Ascensions on the weekends can draw up to 100,000
spectators.