Igualada welcomes pilots from around the globe for European Balloon Festival

The 29th edition of the European Balloon Festival kicked off on Thursday in Igualada, in central Catalonia. 

Over the course of four days, visitors will be treated to a spectacular display of some of the world’s finest hot air balloons.

The festival began at sunrise on Thursday, when the skies were filled with nearly forty colorful balloons in the first official flight of the event.

This year’s edition features pilots from around the globe, from Brazil and the United States to Lithuania and Switzerland.

Pilots will compete for the festival trophy through a series of challenges.

One of the most promising events is The Hare, a thrilling race in which participants must follow a lead balloon that constantly changes altitude and direction.

A highlight of this edition is a brand-new balloon designed specifically for children. It features a fully transparent basket that allows younger passengers to enjoy unobstructed views.

Josep Maria Lladó, one of the balloon's creators, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that while there have been transparent-floor baskets before, none have had transparent doors.

He said that building it presented some technical challenges because the material had to be unbreakable.

This edition is specially designed to introduce children to the world of hot air balloons and inspire them to take flight.

There will be four morning flights in total, one each day from Thursday to Sunday, and three afternoon flights, from Thursday through Saturday.

On Saturday night, the festival will host its iconic 'Night Glow,' where illuminated balloons light up the sky in one of the most breathtaking scenes of the event.