The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. The festival takes place over nine days in October and features more than 500 balloons from around the world. The festival is a major tourist attraction and economic driver for the Albuquerque area.
The festival was first held in 1972 with 13 balloons. It has grown steadily over the years and now attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. The festival is a popular event for families and tourists alike, and it offers a variety of activities in addition to the balloon launches, including live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts demonstrations.