Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a nine-day event extravaganza with more than 500 balloons, attracts hundreds of balloonists and thousands of spectators from around the world. The 44th festival in New Mexico takes place from October 3-11, 2015.
In this photo, attendees watch as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons fill the sky as they take off during the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4, 2015.
Among the many activities is a challenge distance race for gas balloons.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A launch director signals attendees to get out of the way as a hot air balloon lands on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons lift off in Albuquerque, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons prepare for lift off, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons fly during the opening day of the 44th International Balloon Fiesta, October 3, 2015
Albuquerque balloon festival
A crew member looks up as he fires flames inside a hot air balloon to lift off on the first day of the festival, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A hot air balloon is filled to inflate as it prepares to take off on the first day of the festival, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Attendees look around as hundreds of hot air balloons are being prepared on a field before take off, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A hot air balloon passes in front of the moon as dozens of balloons lifted off in advance of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 2, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A crew member prepares a hot air balloon for launch during, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
People ride in a gondola as their hot air balloon takes off, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Special shaped hot air balloons fly on opening day of the nine day 44th International Balloon Fiesta, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A couple poses for a selfie as hundreds of hot air balloons take off from a field, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
An animal shaped hot air balloon flies, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
A man holds a guide line as he stands between two hot air balloons being prepared for lift off, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Attendees are seen on a field with hot air balloons, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons take off, October 4, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Attendees walk past a hot air balloon as it is lit by a flame during preparations for take off, October 3, 2015.
Albuquerque balloon festival
Hot air balloons prepare for a night flight, October 3, 2015.