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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The inaugural gathering of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was held in a parking garage not far from the airport. 13 nations participated in the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship the following year.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs annually in the first full week of October and lasts for nine days. It commences on a Saturday and runs from October 7 to 15 this year. This festival of hot air balloons is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was held in 1972 with thirteen balloons. It has grown from its humble beginnings to become the largest balloon event in the globe. Currently, approximately 600 balloons and 700 pilots participate in The Balloon Fiesta. It is the world’s most photographed event and the largest international event conducted annually in the United States.

The background of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The inaugural gathering of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was held in a parking garage not far from the airport. 13 nations participated in the “First World Hot Air Balloon Championship” the following year. This took place on the premises of the New Mexico State Fair.

By 1978, there were 273 entries, and the number of balloons progressively increased throughout the years. More than 1,000 balloons were registered for the Balloon Fiesta in 2000. There is now a limit on the number of aircraft that can participate due to the limited availability of landing sites. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta hosted the annual Coupe de Gordon Bennett in 1993 and 1999. The Coupe de Gordon Bennett is the oldest and most prestigious gas balloon race in the world, having been held since 1912.

The first balloon fiesta was observed by 10,000 people; today, up to 100,000 spectators may be present on the launch field, with tens of thousands more viewing on television and from surrounding areas. Balloon Fiesta Live! was introduced in 2017, allowing spectators to live stream the event. This expertly produced live stream provides commentary on all of the aviation competitions.

Due to the increase in balloons and attendees, the Balloon Fiesta’s permanent home has expanded from a mall parking lot to more than 350 acres.

The number of unique occurrences has also increased. The Balloon Fiesta has added to its already popular and magnificent Mass Ascensions the annual Balloon Glow, the Night Magic GlowTM, and the Special Shape RodeoTM.

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Activities at the ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA

Stream the event live online.

Invite your friends to a live-streaming party to witness the celebration. What better way to celebrate than by eating popcorn and watching television?

Request an A.I.B.F. Ambassador to present at your event.

Request an Ambassador to present at your event. The Ambassador program is offered at no cost to the general public and the presentation is tailored to your group.

Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as a volunteer.

Navigators are needed for the Balloon Fiesta. It will not only make you feel good, but it will also be enjoyable.

5 HOT-AIR BALLOON FACTS

The first hot air balloon, named Aerostat Reveillon, was launched by the scientist Pilatre De Rozier on September 19, 1783.

On November 21, 1783, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier launched a balloon that flew for twenty minutes.

In 1785, Frenchman Jean Pierre Blanchard and his American co-pilot were the first balloonists to glide across the English Channel.

During the American Civil War, balloons were utilized to detect hostile movements and artillery.

Rain makes balloons much heavier and more difficult to control.

ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA DATES

Year Date Day
2022 October 1 Saturday
2023 October 7 Saturday
2024 October 5 Saturday
2025 October 4 Saturday
2026 October 3 Saturday
Arshiya Khan

Arshiya Khan is a Commerce graduate who loves to write on general and trending topics.

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