The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a renowned hot air balloon event in New Mexico, kicked off on Saturday with a dazzling drone light show and a mass ascension of hot air balloons. This international event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators every year, making it a major economic driver for the state's biggest city.

The fiesta, which spans over nine days, treats both local residents and visitors to a magnificent display of colorful and special-shaped balloons against the backdrop of the picturesque Rio Grande and nearby mountains. What initially started as a small gathering in 1972 with just 13 balloons launching from an open lot near a shopping center has now transformed into one of the most photographed events in the world, with Balloon Fiesta Park serving as its current base.

The event showcases a wide range of balloon designs, including cartoon animals, Star Wars characters, and even the iconic polar bear found on Klondike bars. Fiesta director Sam Parks, who flies a globe-style balloon inspired by the fiesta's late founder Sid Cutter, emphasizes that despite the variety, hot air balloons are fundamentally driven by the simple principle of heating a big bag of air to ascend into the sky.

Last year's event saw a staggering attendance of nearly 830,000 people from around the world. In addition to the daytime activities, the fiesta also presents nighttime events such as fireworks and balloon glows, where hot air balloons are inflated and illuminated from the ground. Furthermore, the Gordon Bennett competition, one of the most significant events in aviation, commenced on Saturday night. Pilots navigate hydrogen-filled balloons high in the air, and the victors are determined by their ability to fly the farthest distance.

While the balloons participating in the Gordon Bennett competition differ from those featured throughout the Albuquerque fiesta, some 550 balloon pilots are registered to fly during the event, aiming to take advantage of the unique weather phenomenon known as the "Albuquerque box." This phenomenon occurs when the wind blows in opposite directions at different elevations, enabling skillful pilots to return their balloons to a spot near the point of takeoff.

Visitors to the fiesta also have the opportunity to pay for hot air balloon rides, providing them with breathtaking views of the majestic Sandia Mountains to the west and New Mexico's capital, Santa Fe, further north. For many, the fiesta has become deeply ingrained in the local culture. Elizabeth Wright-Smith, who is piloting the Smokey Bear balloon, expresses her joy in reuniting with friends from various balloon races, safety seminars, and other events across the country. She describes the event as a big reunion, with her favorite part being the interactions with the thousands of spectators who gather at Balloon Fiesta Park. As she ascends in her balloon, the crowds below gradually shrink, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.

This year's fiesta experienced clear skies, in contrast to the intermittent rain that dampened parts of the event last year. Elizabeth Wright-Smith emphasizes that pictures and videos fail to capture the true essence of the fiesta, emphasizing that one must witness the spectacle in person to fully comprehend its magnificence.

As the launch window opens for the Gordon Bennett competition, aviation enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrilling race, where the winner is determined by the pilot who flies the farthest distance. This intense gas balloon race adds another layer of excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.