Balloon glow brings families together at the 54th annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

The first balloon glow of the 2026 fiesta captivated attendees with its enchanting display, bringing together families and evoking memories of past celebrations.

“Seeing their reaction to it reminds me of what mine was when I was much younger,” Larry Martinez said Larry Martinez, who attended Saturday night’s event
with his three grandsons Simon, Benjamin and Michael.

“My favorite’s the aliens,” said Michael. ” Their favorite’s the alien,” Martinez said, highlighting the playful appeal of the event.

“The grandpas have the same look in their eyes as the little kids,” Balloonist Kelli Keller said. “It’s all the same. We’re all in awe. I’m still in awe after 30 years,” she said, reflecting on the enduring magic of the fiesta.

“Still as magical today as it was 31 years ago,” Keller said.

“Meeting the people and seeing the smiles on their faces. Of course I want to fly, but when I can’t fly, like this glow is so magical,” said Keller, expressing her appreciation for the event’s charm.

“I was here to see the very first balloon fiesta in 1972. I’d forgotten what a wonderful, wondrous thing it is,” said Martinez, reminiscing about the event’s origins.

“All of the people. We’re a big family. It’s a fellowship,” Keller said, emphasizing the sense of community at the fiesta.

“It’s just the wonder of it all,” Martinez said, summing up the sentiment shared by many.

“Yes, he’s trying to figure it all out, but he’s enjoying it. He’s enjoying it,” said Martinez, describing the joy of experiencing the event with loved ones.