It is October in New Mexico, and that means one thing: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. At Corp1, we are experiencing our first balloon festival with our office and team in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Our Corp1 new office is in Rio Rancho, NM. Rio Rancho is a suburb of Albuquerque with a population of 104,351. Rio Rancho is in Sandoval County and is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
In Albuquerque, diverse cultures, authentic art, and dynamic traditions have helped shape the centuries-old story. No matter your interests, the city has countless opportunities to explore. Sample traditional New Mexican cuisine that takes minutes to make and hundreds of years to prepare, experience world-class museums, stroll along Central Avenue under the vintage neon glow of Route 66, or soar high above the city in the hot air ballooning capital of the world — a sight sure to change your perspective.
How lucky are we to be so close to a city rich in history and culture?
What is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For over four decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical, moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.
Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. From October 5 to 13, 2024, literally hundreds of balloons will take flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park.
From its modest beginnings in 1972, when 13 balloons were launched from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to a nine-day event launching from the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. With over 500 balloons, it is the largest ballooning event on Earth, the most photographed event on Earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.
Imagine 54 football fields, all put together. That’s the size of Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field! At this park’s “playing field,” there are no losing teams or viewing stands. Guests walk in the field and are part of the action.
Hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue morning New Mexico sky. During the glows, you walk through our field at nightfall and hear the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. You can’t feel the massive joy everywhere around you until you join us.
Join us in celebrating the uniqueness of New Mexico- here are some fun facts!
State aroma? Yes! New Mexico is the nation’s first state to have its official aroma: green chiles roasting in the fall. On March 28, 2023, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed, adopting the aroma of green chile roasting as the official aroma of New Mexico.
State Cowboy Song: On March 25, 2009, Governor Bill Richardson signed legislation declaring Under the New Mexico Skies as the first official cowboy song. The song was composed by Syd Masters of Edgewood, NM. This song was selected at a songwriting competition sponsored by the New Mexico Music Commission at the Western Music Association’s Music Festival in Albuquerque in November 2007.
State Cookie: The New Mexico Legislature adopted the biscochito (bizcochito) as the official state cookie in 1989. This act made New Mexico the first state to have an official state cookie. The biscochito is a small anise-flavored cookie brought to New Mexico by the early Spaniards. It is used during special celebrations, wedding receptions, baptisms, the Christmas season, and other holidays. It was chosen to help maintain traditional home-baked cookery.
State Slogan: The official state slogan for New Mexico business, commerce, and industry is: “Everybody is somebody in New Mexico.” The New Mexico Legislature adopted it on April 3, 1975. (We agree!)
Visit itsatrip.org, the official website of the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, to browse an online version of the Official Albuquerque Guest Guide, or request a printed copy by calling the Bureau offices at (800) 284-2282.
At Corp1, we are pleased to be part of this great state and celebrate its history in all its glory. New Mexico’s uniqueness complements the culture of our other offices in Delaware, Colorado, and Wyoming. It is who we are.
Resources: Niche.com, visitalbuquerque.com