Current:Home > FinanceWatch hundreds of hot air balloons take over Western skies for massive Balloon Fiesta-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Watch hundreds of hot air balloons take over Western skies for massive Balloon Fiesta
View Date:2024-12-23 23:59:46
Hundreds of balloons ascended into the clear desert sky Saturday to kick off the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Gathered onlookers watched as balloons of staggering sizes and shapes dotted the skies in a colorful early morning spectacle known as Mass Ascension.
The balloon fiesta, held Oct. 5-13, is the "world's largest gathering to celebrate hot air balloons" and balloonists, according to the festival website. This year's edition featured 106 special shape balloons of which 16 are new shapes. Among the new balloons was one in the shape of Zozobra, as a nod to New Mexico tradition; Mazu, representing Taiwan (Republic of China), in the shape of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu; and Churro, a dog-shaped balloon with Churro the dog as co-pilot.
Fan favorite balloons including Airabelle the Creamland Cow, Darth Vader, Master Yoda Balloon, Montie the Black Sheep, and Allycorn also made a return during the festival.
Video shows balloons taking off during Mass Ascension
Video footage from the first day of the festival shows the massive balloons, which lay flattened on ground, being inflated to full size, in front of the crowds before being launched into the air.
Flight of Nations
The 9-day festival also features multiple other events including the popular "Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension presented by New Mexico True," which will take place Wednesday morning. The Flight of Nations, taking place since the 1970, is just one of the many global aspects of Balloon Fiesta, according to the festival organizers, and allows for a "unique cultural exchange."
"The grouped launch of hot air balloons, each flying their country’s flag will precede the morning flying events starting at 7:00 a.m. (local time) weather permitting," the festival website said.
Participating countries include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and for the first time North Macedonia.
The balloon fiesta is also available to live stream here.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (366)
Related
- Horoscopes Today, November 11, 2024
- Snickers maker Mars to buy Kellanova, company known for Pringles, Eggos, in $36B deal
- Wembley Stadium tells fans without Taylor Swift tickets not to come as security tightens
- Police fatally shoot teen in Alaska’s largest city, the 4th such killing since mid-May
- The charming Russian scene-stealers of 'Anora' are also real-life best friends
- Halle Berry recalls 10 injuries over action movie career: 'I've been knocked out 3 times'
- Halle Berry recalls 10 injuries over action movie career: 'I've been knocked out 3 times'
- Ex-NFL running back Cierre Wood sentenced to life in prison after murder, child abuse plea
- Engines on 1.4 million Honda vehicles might fail, so US regulators open an investigation
- Taco Bell is giving away 100 Baja Blast Stanley cups Tuesday: Here's how to get one
Ranking
- Old Navy's Early Black Friday Deals Start at $1.97 -- Get Holiday-Ready Sweaters, Skirts, Puffers & More
- 4 family members killed after suspected street race resulted in fiery crash in Texas
- Prosecutors seek detention for Pentagon employee charged with mishandling classified documents
- Jim Harbaugh won't serve as honorary captain for Michigan football season opener after all
- Rachael Ray Details Getting Bashed Over Decision to Not Have Kids
- December execution date set for man convicted of killing a young Missouri girl
- Patrick Mahomes Shares One Change Travis Kelce Made for Taylor Swift
- Top official says Federal Reserve can’t risk being too late with rate cuts
Recommendation
-
Quincy Jones' Cause of Death Revealed
-
What Exes Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest Have Said About Their Relationship
-
Spain to investigate unauthorized Katy Perry music video in a protected natural area
-
Emails show lieutenant governor’s staff engaged in campaign-related matters during business hours
-
Rare Alo Yoga Flash Sale: Don’t Miss 60% Off Deals With Styles as Low as $5
-
Porsha Williams' cousin and co-star Yolanda Favors dies at 34: 'Love you always'
-
Chrissy Teigen Shows Off Surgical Scars During Date Night With Husband John Legend
-
What Exes Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest Have Said About Their Relationship