Autumn has a way of grounding us, drawing us back to the warmth of our homes, and beckoning us to revel in the steady rhythms of nostalgia. To me, autumn always feels like coming home – predictable and comforting. Leaves change, temperatures drop, apples are picked, and pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps and tabletops. I know what to expect from autumn. There will be hayrides and caramel apples, tricks or treats, gatherings around golden turkeys, and for some, hot air balloons.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has easily squeezed its way onto my “it’s officially autumn” list and is just about the only thing I will get up at 4am for. While most fairs focus on carnival rides, games, and unique fried fare, this festival draws attention from all over the world – to the sky.
Weather is a key factor in successful ballooning and the primary reason New Mexico is the premier location for an event such as the Balloon Fiesta. Clear and crisp October mornings and the diverse terrain of New Mexico pair perfectly for a hot air balloon flight. The spectacular Balloon Fiesta unfolds in the “Albuquerque Box,” created by the river valley to the west and the mountain range to the east. The winds across this specific region move in a gentle “box” pattern. This unique wind pattern will often deliver balloons to the exact spot of the launch, making Albuquerque the best location in the world for ballooning. For over 45 years, Albuquerque has welcomed teams from all over the world to participate in the nine-day colorful spectacle, making New Mexico the hot air balloon icon of the world.
It’s hard to ignore 500 unique hot air balloons ascending into the clear blue sky, backed by a stunning New Mexico sunrise and a deep hued mountain range. Perhaps this is the reason the Balloon Fiesta is the most photographed event in the world and reason enough to make Albuquerque your destination every October. Standing in a wide-open field with thousands of people from all over the world, surrounded by hundreds of enormous balloons lifting off the ground and into the sky is pure magic. Witnessing this phenomenon makes me a lot of things – amazed by the mere enormity of these balloon vessels, humbled by the reality of my microscopic frame in comparison, honored by the sense of belonging the common thread of humanity brings in a sea of strangers, and so grateful to be grounded, steady, and “at home” in this season.
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