Your spirits will rise to meet the clouds when you see hundreds of hot air balloons defy the pull of the earth. Rid yourself of all unpleasant thoughts for nine days in October, at the Albuquerque's balloon fiesta park. What could be more glorious than the mass ascension of all those beautiful balloons on a crisp autumn morning. What could be more exciting than to watch the blue sky as it becomes a riot of brilliant colors pushing aside any clouds that dare intrude. This is Mecca to the ballooning world and there's something here for everyone. Check out the delightful "special shapes", or the "Balloon Glow"® that transforms the night into a dreamy, glowing spectacular. Whoever you are, whatever you love, the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will fill you with awe, and gravity-defying inspiration for a long time to come.

Twenty-seven years ago the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was merely 13 balloons and 10,000 spectators in a shopping mall parking lot. Now nearly 900 colorful balloons and over a million spectators visit Balloon Fiesta Park during Balloon Fiesta Week. Balloons come from around the world to participate, and news coverage comes from more than 50 countries. It has emerged as the most photographed event in the world. In fact, Albuquerque turns out to be the premier ballooning city due to its crystal skies, perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the "Albuquerque Box". With a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, this so-called "box" allows balloonists to control and even orchestrate their adventure. Balloon Fiesta Park covers over 350 acres and, during Fiesta week, is full of balloons and vendors selling everything from traditional New Mexican foods to colorful balloon memorabilia.