The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a 9-day event held each October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring hundreds of hot air balloons, and is the largest ballooning event in the world. Started with only 13 balloons in 1972, it was held in the parking lot of Coronado Center Mall in Albuquerque. The following year, 13 countries took part in the “First World Hot Air Balloon Championship”, the world’s largest ballooning event, held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. By 1978, Albuquerque was playing host to 273 entries. The number of balloons steadily increased, with 600 in 1988 and 903 balloons in 1999. The organizers of the Balloon Fiesta registered more than 1000 balloons in the year 2000. Due to shrinking landing site availability, the number of hot air balloons is now limited. more ...