Albuquerque, New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta

Definition of a tragedy: Only using one photograph to illustrate a story about the annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

I took about 30 photos during my visit. Almost all of them are great - credit the fiesta, and not me.

Our first clue that the Fiesta was something special came when we were making travel arrangements to go to New Mexico in October. Why was it so tough to get a hotel room on the weekend? Oh, the Fiesta was taking place. Eventually, we found a room and made some plans to go on our first full day in Albuquerque.

Thankfully, we received some helpful tips on the event the night before from a pair of friendly tourists who had gone Monday morning. The Fiesta is held on the northeast corner of the area, just off Interstate 25 (there are signs, as you'd expect). The starting point looks something like a state fairgrounds, except there's a grassy field for launches that is about the size of 12 football fields combined. When the weather is right, the balloons start to inflate and rise shortly before dawn (7 a.m. in this case). Visitors can get up quite close to the balloon crews as they set up for launch.

You don't want to miss the Mass Ascension. A few hundred balloons go up within the space of an hour, all with unique shapes and bright colors. It's almost overwhelming, and very thrilling. Soon the sky is filled with balloons, sort of like everyone at the Macy's parade had dropped the ropes ... times 30. Visitors can go along for a ride by making reservations in advance. Just be warned that it's pricey, depending on how long you want to ride.

The launch field is lined on one side with vendors. There's plenty of food available as well as some items for sale. Interestingly, the official store of the Fiesta seemed to be the only one selling t-shirts - which were a little expensive and a little thin. Keep in mind that every store in Albuquerque sells t-shirts and sweatshirts in October, so you might do better elsewhere. At one end is a balloon museum, which has gotten good reviews from visitors.

I guess the place is really mobbed on weekends, to the point where bus service to the area starts at 4:30 a.m. from parking lots. On a Tuesday, we got there at 6:30 a.m., which worked out perfectly. There is an afternoon session as well each day, although my guess is that the morning ascension is more spectacular. You can buy tickets to both in advance; parking is $15.

This is the largest balloon festival in the world, and it's a wonderful and unique experience - the highlight of our New Mexico trip. Here's more images of the 2017 edition:



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