“It’s a Beautiful World” to Lead Flight of the Nations at the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — “It’s a Beautiful World” hot air balloon will lead the Flight of the Nations this year at the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Every country flying off the field will be honored by its flag flying on the balloon. “It’s a Beautiful World” was built for Balloon Fiesta’s 50th anniversary. It is the ninth World Balloon in the series.

Sid Cutter, founder of Balloon Fiesta, created the first World Balloon to represent the first Hot-Air Balloon World Championship in 1972, held in Albuquerque. That year set the international theme of Balloon Fiesta.

Jewel Cutter named the balloon, “It’s a Beautiful World,” because the launch field becomes a beautiful world with the colorful balloons taking off into the Albuquerque sky.

The countries participating in this year’s Balloon Fiesta include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of North Macedonia, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.

The ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, and entertainment, visit our website, BalloonFiesta.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, or TikTok.