A Nossa História

From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to a 9-day event launching from the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. With over 500 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.

• 1972

  This was the first year of the Alburquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF). Events included the 1st Roadrunner-Coyote Balloon Race, the Balloonist Ball and tours of the surrounding towns and pueblos.
• 1981

  The tenth Balloon Fiesta was held this year and featured the first air show, road run, gas race and Jim Franklin's Wild Waco air show. The Thunderbirds preformed at Kirtland Air Force Base, and the US Navy Leapfrogs also joined the celebration.
• 1987

  AIBF started an event which is now one of the largest at the Balloon Fiesta—the Balloon Glow, which was started to commemorate 75 years of statehood. The Balloon Glow was joined by the Misty Blues All Female Sky Divers, the Leapfrogs, picnics, Mass Ascensions and parades.
• 1989

  Balloon Fiesta started another tradition—the Special Shape Rodeo. The Air Show, the International Mariachi Fiesta, and the first Dawn Patrol were also celebrated that year.
• 1991

  Celebrating its 20th year, Balloon Fiesta included all of the established traditions—sky diving, bands, dawn patrol, a parade, and the Special Shape Rodeo.
• 1995

  The First America's Challenge Race was held, and included the Leapfrogs, Mass Ascensions and glows.
• 2000

  The balloon launch record was set with the largest number of balloons attending in the history of the Balloon Fiesta. Helicopters from the TV stations helped out by drying the field so the Special Shape Glowdeo could happen.
• 2007

  Balloon Fiesta had a record number of attendees. It was also the beginning of the Twilight Twinkle Glow and was Fiesta del Vino's last year.
• 2011

  Balloon Fiesta was dedicated to the “Father of Fiesta” Sid Cutter. The event also received a Guinness World Record for the Greatest Mass Hot Air Balloon Ascent.
• 2013

  The first Music Fiesta was held, featuring country music superstar Darius Rucker. The theme, “Enchanted Sunrise" was chosen by Balloon Fiesta fans on Facebook.

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