ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off on Saturday with a stunning mass ascension of hot air balloons into the bright desert sky. This nine-day celebration attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, including both spectators and pilots, providing a rare chance to witness the incredible sight of the giant balloons as they are prepared and inflated right before their eyes.
After a short weather delay, excitement filled the air as balloons soared into the sky, carried gracefully by a gentle breeze. The sound of roaring propane burners filled the atmosphere, as a diverse array of balloons—ranging from traditional shapes to whimsical designs—climbed skyward, transforming the celestial canvas into a vibrant spectacle.
“Experiencing the mass ascension is truly magical; it’s unlike anything else in the world,” shared Paul Kluzak from Phoenix, who has attended the event twice before. He sported an impressive foot-tall hat shaped like a hot air balloon and had a camera ready to capture the moment. “Seeing them all take off at once is simply amazing.”
His partner, Heather Kluzak, echoed his sentiment but emphasized that the excitement of the fiesta is difficult to put into words. “We just love being part of it,” she expressed. “It’s so much fun to be out on the field where all the action happens.”
This year’s balloon fiesta features a lineup of 106 uniquely shaped balloons, including 16 that are making their debut at the event. Among them is Mazu, a balloon inspired by the Taiwanese sea goddess, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Taiwan.
Typically, cool morning temperatures allow balloon pilots to stay airborne longer and carry additional weight. However, on the opening day of this year’s fiesta, the air was unusually warm, prompting many attendees to shed layers and opt for T-shirts. The National Weather Service reported that both morning lows and afternoon highs are predicted to be above average for several days. Just this past Monday, Albuquerque experienced its highest temperature recorded for this time of year at 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 Celsius).
Interestingly, global trends indicate that this year could become the hottest recorded year to date, according to a report from the European climate service, Copernicus, released in early September. Meanwhile, during typical cool mornings, less fuel is required to elevate the balloons since generating lift involves heating the air inside the balloon’s envelope to higher temperatures than the outside air.
Despite the warmer conditions, ballooning continues year-round in many regions, such as the hot Phoenix area, which has also been experiencing record-breaking temperatures recently. But Troy Bradley, a seasoned balloon pilot with decades of experience, dismissed concerns about the warmer weather in Albuquerque. “From a spectator’s viewpoint, these changes are really non-issues,” he remarked. “The only difference is that event-goers won’t be shivering in the early morning hours.”
