Every October the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico hosts a balloon fiesta that attracts people from all over the world. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features over 700 balloon making it the largest ballooning event in the world. As a photographer I found this event a delight because of the bright, colorful balloons contrasted against the big blue New Mexico sky made for great photographs!

The Balloon Fiesta Park is spread out over a 78-acre launch field (that's 54 football fields put together)! This event is huge and in fact they claim that this is the most photographed event in the world. What I like the best was that there are no viewing stands - you are part of the action and can walk right up to the balloons. The crews are very friendly and accommodating to photographers.

My photo gallery does not do justice of portraying the awestruck sight of hundreds of balloons in mass ascension or bringing a smile to your face as you see for the first time the special shape balloons, but hopefully it will inspire you to book a flight to Albuquerque next year so you may witness this incredible event for yourself.

Enjoy the gallery and the accompanying travelogue! Leave a comment and please vote early and often!

Visit my Travel Photography site at:



Photos and text copyright by Sam Antonio. To purchase prints, use an image for your site or to license an image please contact me click here to send me an email or leave a comment in my guestbook.