Timelapse videos capture first week of Albuquerque’s 52nd Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News 13’s Chief Photographer, Nick Burke, captured timelapse videos of the first week of Albuquerque’s 52nd Balloon Fiesta. Below is a summary of what happened each day at the field. The full timelapse video is at the top of this article.

Day 1

Saturday, October 5, marked the official launch of the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. After wind delayed the start of the festival, the green flag was raised just after 7:30 a.m., signaling that balloons could lift on in 2024’s first Mass Ascension. Crowds packed the field and colorful balloons filled the sky, taking off toward the northwest.

Day 2

The second day of the 52nd fiesta was held on Sunday, October 6. The green flag went up on Sunday, and the second Mass Ascension started right on time at 7 a.m. Some of the new special shape balloons were spotted on Sunday, and the calmer winds allowed the Zozobra balloon to have its first launch.

Day 3

Monday, October 7, was the third day of fiesta . The green flag was raised as residents flocked to the field to celebrate the first “ New Mexico Day ,” where residents could get into the event for free. Monday had calm launches with balloons taking off to the south.

Day 4

The fourth day of Balloon Fiesta took place on Tuesday, October 8. A full Albuquerque box was in effect on Tuesday, making for great views from the field. Cold air and calm winds created ideal conditions for the launch of many special shape balloons.

Day 5

Day five of Balloon Fiesta, on Wednesday, October 9, was the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension . The green flag was raised, and many balloons took off toward the south, forming a slight Albuquerque box, with most balloons heading toward the northwest. Strong winds made for quick takeoffs and difficult landing conditions on Wednesday; one balloon even crashed into a tree during its Rio Rancho landing.

Day 6

Saturday, October 10, was day six of fiesta . The first Special Shape Rodeo was held on Saturday, but heavy winds kept most of the special shapes from taking off. Instead, most pilots opted to present static displays . Both classics and new special shapes were there for attendees to see.

Day 7

Day seven of the Balloon Fiesta was on Friday, October 11. A green flag allowed for liftoffs during the second Special Shape Rodeo . Crowds packed the field as many Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students spent their day off at Balloon Fiesta Park. A balloon clipped one of KKOB’s radio towers during its flight on Friday, causing the tower to collapse.

For more KRQE Balloon Fiesta coverage, click here .

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