Visual Traveler: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Although this isn't the first time I've written about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, here you will 'experience' the event through images created during our visit, 15+ years ago. Albuquerque's biggest annual 'party' is a feast for the eyes and imagination. In fact, this 'ballooning capital of the world' draws approximately one million people annually.

Gorgeous skies and chilly but pleasant temperatures accompanied our visit. We also enjoyed front-row seats and gourmet meals via special Gondola Club VIP passes, providing extra access to ground operations and fewer crowds jockeying for perfect views. This 'extra ticket' was well worth the splurge!

After sunset, dozens of flattened balloons lined a field beneath sun-tipped clouds and deep purple mountains. Burners ignited, casting temporary light across the darkening landscape while slowly inflating the balloons. A ‘whooshing’ sound accompanied each new blast of air as it entered a balloon. Dancing like giant fireflies, a crimson 'Spiderman' hot air balloon rose beside one with brilliant rainbow stripes, as crowds circulated amid the sea of rip stop nylon.   

Before one sunrise, we hopped a shuttle to the field where more balloons expanded, as flame-generated air filled them. Walking through multi-colored corridors of curved and rippling fabric - before the first flight of the day - felt like walking through a giant children's storybook. 

As dozens of hot air balloons took flight they created an ever-changing kaleidoscope. Amid a cobalt sky they rose like popcorn on a stove, clustering closely before drifting apart. Some flew low enough for passengers to converse with us, while others were only colorful blips on the horizon. Castles to pigs and wicked witches interspersed with more ‘traditional’ balloons in a magical, dizzying array of color and pattern. 

Want to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, yourself? Check out several Albuquerque opportunities here. You can also learn more about Albuquerque's history of hot air ballooning at the gorgeous Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.