The first image that may come to people’s minds when they think about this state is the sight of hot air balloons in New Mexico, thanks to a particular event. The Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico is an annual festival that has been held for the last 45 years, continually growing bigger and more spectacular.

At its inception in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta featured 13 balloons. Nowadays, you can expect to see about 500 balloons involved in the mass ascensions and 200 balloons taking part in the glow events, piloted by participants from 20 different countries.

One thing that makes Fiesta unique is that you’re allowed to walk right up to the balloons and watch them inflate. And, in addition to balloon-related events, attendees are also treated to laser light shows, chainsaw carving invitationals, a car show, and fireworks displays. The Fiesta usually takes place in early October. If you’d like to go, here is some practical information.

Whether or not you plan to attend the world’s biggest ballooning event at some point in your life, check out this timelapse video filmed by Roadtrippers.com. It captures the wonder of the festival in fewer than three minutes of stunning footage.

I’ve attended Balloon Fiesta numerous times but this video provides a new perspective on this iconic Albuquerque event.

Gorgeous, right? This is nearly as enchanting in this video as the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico can be in person.

Have you ever been to Balloon Fiesta? Is it on your bucket list? If not, here are some more bucket-list-worthy experiences to have in New Mexico.

Here are some more amazing festivals that happen annually in New Mexico you won’t want to miss.

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Balloon Fiesta In New Mexico

What are the most unique attractions in New Mexico?

There are some truly unique spots that make for an ideal bucket list destination in New Mexico. While the hot air balloons are iconic, fewer people know about places like the Fox Cave. It's a roadside attraction like no other, built into the land and with fascinating lore behind it. Despite being just a gift shop, it's an experience you won't find anywhere else and is worth checking out. Roswell, New Mexico is a must-see at least once. As cheesy as some may find it, it's a staple to NM tourism and for good reason. The unusual, quirky nature of all the UFO and alien theming is memorable and fun to see in person.

What is the most beautiful aerial footage of New Mexico?

The fascinating video of the balloon fiesta might have you itching to see more of New Mexico from the perspective of one of the hot air balloons themselves. Luckily, aerial footage of the state has been made available to anyone and you can watch them for yourself. This drone footage video showcases some of Santa Fe, New Mexico in a way you've never seen it before. You can leave the city and explore the Land of Enchantment through another drone video. It showcases some of the state's prettiest natural areas, like the Rio Grande Gorge, Bisti Badlands, Shiprock, and the Santa Fe National Forest, just to name a few.

Where can I find more of the best videos of New Mexico?

New Mexico is full of spectacular sights, and you can experience some of them through gorgeous videos. Discover the beauty of NM's largest city, Albuquerque, through this timelapse video. There is a jaw-dropping drone footage video of the Sierra Blanca Mountains in New Mexico that displays some fantastic sights. You can even go back in time and see rare 1940s film footage of the state, or discover the eerie side of NM through a video of an abandoned school.