Tourists flocked to New Mexico on Oct. 2 for the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in two years, with more than 600 pilots gathered to produce the spectacle that has become the most photographed event in the world.
After Dawn Patrol balloons ascended to provide pilots with an idea of the wind speeds and direction, attendees watched as hundreds of colorful balloons in many different shapes and sizes were inflated by pilots and ground crews in preparation for Mass Ascension. Pilots and crews mingled with attendees to talk about the different aspects of hot air ballooning before the balloons launched.
Last year’s Balloon Fiesta was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, proof of COVID vaccination was not required to attend and, although many attendees had masks, many had them casually lowered to their chins.
Balloon Fiesta will continue until Oct. 10 with both morning and evening sessions.
Hevyn Heckes is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @melloh_cielo
