Hundreds of hot-air balloons rose over Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Saturday (October 3) as the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta got underway.
The event opened with a drone light show at approximately 5:45 a.m. local time (1145 GMT), featuring images of hot-air balloons, New Mexico's state bird, the roadrunner, as well as chili peppers and Mexican-themed skulls.
The festival's signature Mass Ascension began at around 7:00 a.m. local time (1300 GMT), with hundreds of balloons launching into the clear morning sky above Balloon Fiesta Park.
The nine-day event is considered the world's largest ballooning festival. Organizers say more than 500 balloons are scheduled to take part during the fiesta, which runs through October 11.
Founded in 1972 with just 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown into one of New Mexico's best-known annual events and attracts visitors and balloon enthusiasts from around the world.
VIDEO BY ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA / REUTERS
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