There's a unique weather phenomenon, known as the 'Albuquerque Box,' that makes the New Mexico city work better for the International Balloon Fiesta than any other site in the world.
Breakdown
- Albuquerque hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with 600 balloons. 9s
- The festival began in 1972 with just 13 balloons. 13s
- Cool, stable air in the mornings and evenings creates ideal ballooning conditions. 31s
- The city's geography, including the Sandia Mountains and valley, influences local wind patterns. 58s
- The 'Albuquerque box' allows balloons to return to their launch site by using different wind directions at varying altitudes. 1m 42s