Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

A never ending feast for the eyes

Held every year during the second week in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual event rivaled by no other in the world. Seeing more than 500 hot air balloons rise into the air on a cold October morning, silhouetted against the Sandia Mountains and a crisp New Mexico sky always brings a lump to my throat. There are thousands of loyal fans who return year after year from all over the world - balloons and pilots, of course, but also folks who have never been up in a balloon. The tremendous variety of colors and shapes in the balloons is a never ending feast for the eyes, and the event is run safely and professionally year after year. New Mexicans take particular pride in this event, and once experienced, it's easy to understand why.

Kelly, United States - 01 October 2009