Balloon Fiesta 2018
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival in the world, launched 550 hot air balloons, Saturday morning, Oct. 6, 2018, from Balloon Fiesta Park. The nine-day event features morning and night glows, competitions, fireworks, laser lights and mass ascensions. It's the 47th year of this popular event.
Section:Gallery
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People gather from all over the world, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, to view the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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A pair of hot air balloons launch before sunrise as part of the Dawn Patrol, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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A hot air balloonist floats past the sliver of the moon as part of the Dawn Patrol during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
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A pilot makes a burn to ascend his ship during the Dawn Patrol, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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The first balloons to launch drift over the field, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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The dawn light breaks the morning sky as ships prepare to launch, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Spectators snap away, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It is said to be the most photographed event in the world.
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A team of seven airplanes fly over the launch site for the opening ceremonies, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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With Halloween just on the horizon, a Jack-o’-lantern-themed balloon takes to the skies, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is said to be the most photographed event in the world.
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Darth Vader and Yoda themed-balloons await launch, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Yoda was able to fly while Darth stayed on the ground.
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Mass ascension fills the sky, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Ships launch, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Al Hill wears his hat and jacket filled with balloon pins, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Thousands of spectators gather to watch the ascension of balloons, many featuring special shapes, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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A child gazes up at the spectacle surrounding her, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Mass ascension starts, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Spectators cast long shadows in the early morning light, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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A basket is guided to launch position, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Morning light bathes the ships during launch, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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THE G-OWLL balloon rises above the field, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Darth Vader and Yoda themed-balloons await launch, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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Balloons take shape before the mass ascension, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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A Vincent van Gogh special shapes balloon lands and deflates, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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