Gathered onlookers watched as balloons of dizzying sizes and shapes littered the sky in a colorful early morning spectacle known as Mass Ascension.

The balloon festival, held from October 5 to 13, is “the world’s largest gathering celebrating hot air balloons” and balloonists, according to the festival’s website. This year’s edition featured 106 balloons with special shapes, including 16 new shapes. Among the new balloons was one in the shape of Zozobra, as a nod to New Mexico tradition; Mazu, representing Taiwan (Republic of China), in the form of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu; and Churro, a dog-shaped balloon with Churro the dog as co-pilot.

Fan-favorite balloons, including Airabelle the Creamland Cow, Darth Vader, Master Yoda Balloon, Montie the Black Sheep and Allycorn, also returned during the festival.

Video shows balloons taking off during mass ascension

Video footage from the first day of the festival shows the huge balloons, which lay flat on the ground, being inflated to their full size in front of the audience before being launched into the sky.

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is taking off

The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began. It is a nine-day festival and more than 500 hot air balloons are expected to participate.

Photos from the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Flight of Nations

The 9-day festival also features several other events, including the popular “Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension presented by New Mexico True,” which will take place Wednesday morning. The Flight of Nations, which has been taking place since 1970, is just one of many global aspects of Balloon Fiesta and allows for a “unique cultural exchange”, according to festival organizers.

“The grouped launch of hot air balloons, each flying the flag of their country, will precede the morning flying events starting at 7am (local time), weather permitting,” the festival’s website said.

Participating countries include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Great Britain, the United States and, for the first time, North Macedonia.

The balloon party is also available to stream live here.

The file has been updated with more images.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.