Up Up and Away Above Guanajuato

by Rebecca Cuningham

I found uplifting news this weekend about an annual festival in the City of León, the State of Guanajuato, México. According to the Balloon Federation of America, the Festival Internacional del Globo de León (FIG) is one of the top three events of its kind in the world. It is the largest hot air balloon event in Latin America.

In past years, 200 air balloon enthusiasts from 100 countries have gathered to grace the skies and put on a colorful show in mid-November. In 2020, due to the pandemic, there were 100 balloonists from 45 countries. Participants came from Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, Guatemala, Brazil, the US, Canada, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, and France among others. This was the 18th year! In previous years, more than 300,000 spectators attended the festival; this November the audience was reduced, although many thousands viewed it online.

Russian Balloon La Matryoshka Photo: FIG Video Capture

One fun festival tradition is the launch of many character shaped balloons: La Matryoshka, Penguin Sherlock Holmes, Little Dog, Baby Monster, La Gallina Pintadita (Painted Chicken) and Bob Esponja (Sponge Bob).

“Little” Dog Balloon Photo: FIG Video Capture

The only catch? Spectators and balloonists are up at dawn for the event. Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano de León) opens at 5 am. Lift off is between 6:30 and 7 am.

In addition to scores of colored hot balloon launches, there is live music throughout the four days. Festivities go into the evening with a show called Magic Night Glow; the burners of balloons moored to the ground light up in rhythm with music (since balloons aren’t safe to fly at night).

One article I read cautioned that the festival is an exhibition, rather than balloon rides for the public. I think I prefer it that way, standing on the ground looking up rather than spending a teeth chattering morning rising hundreds of feet up in a tiny square basket.

After researching this event, I hope to attend with my family in 2021 or 2022! For a video of the festival, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCtlPiIOn0

Gracias for Flying Fake Flamenco! ¡Olé! –Rebecca

Festival Internacional del Globo (FIG) Photo: FIG Video Capture
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Rebecca Cuningham

21 thoughts on “Up Up and Away Above Guanajuato”

  1. Oh, I do love the sight of a hot air balloon coasting lazily above me, catching the thermals and exploring the countryside below in such a stately, elegant way. I always think I’d love to be there too. But if a serious offer ever came my way… well, I’m not so sure. Not good at heights, you see …

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  4. I had no idea this existed! I knew about the various balloon festivals/celebrations in the world (including in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Cappadocia in Turkey), I didn’t know about the one in Guanajuato. Even more amazing that the festival still went on this year despite COVID-19. Guess the pandemic doesn’t sway people from taking off into the sky!

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    1. Thanks for your comments, Rebecca. Yes, it looks like a very fun time! In the videos I watched people were quite careful about wearing masks until they were up in the air. Cross our fingers, next year in Guanajuato!

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