Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico (Oct. 7 to 15 this year) is the world's largest balloon festival and the largest international event of any kind in the nation. More than 500 balloons lift off from the launch field at Balloon Fiesta Park, which is the size of 54 football fields.

From humble beginnings with just 13 balloons in 1972, Balloon Fiesta now claims to be the most photographed event on Earth.