Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces All Special Shapes Attending the 52nd Event

Sep 5, 2024 | Latest News & Updates

Including 16 New Special Shapes with the first-ever representation from North Macedonia and cultural icons from around the world.

Albuquerque, NM – The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil will host the largest gathering of special shape balloons as a part of the world’s premier balloon event, October 5-13, 2024. This year’s event will include 106 special shape balloons; 16 of those shapes will make their first Balloon Fiesta appearance.

Notable new special shape balloons will share the air with the event’s first-ever pilot from North Macedonia, Borche Paunovki who will be flying the pink Gnome balloon. Météo, piloted by Alain Bard from Canada, is a “weather balloon,” featuring meteorological features. Churro, piloted by Heather Watkins is a dog-shaped balloon with Churro the dog as co-pilot. As a nod to New Mexico tradition, the new Zozobra special shape balloon is set to fly in the October events as well.

With sixteen countries represented in this year’s event, one special shape in particular is bringing their culture to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Mazu, representing Taiwan (Republic of China) is shaped as the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions. Mazu will be making her appearance for the first time culturally representing her country.

Special shape hot air balloons and the pilot’s home country making their inaugural appearance at Balloon Fiesta include:

Balloon Name Country
Macaw Red Brazil
Macaw Blue Brazil
Météo Canada
Police Dog United States of America
Barx United States of America
Mazu Taiwan (Republic of China)
Hunter, The Fox Brazil
Capitao Carverna Brazil
D-Ohtb Germany
Frank Boy Brazil
Turtle Brazil
Churro United States of America
Candy House Brazil
The Brain United States of America
Zozobra United States of America
Duke City Redi Mix United States of America

In addition to these new balloons, many Balloon Fiesta Special Shape fan favorites will also be making their return.

These include Airabelle the Creamland Cow, Darth Vader, Master Yoda Balloon, Montie the Black Sheep, Allycorn, and many more.

Special shape hot air balloons and the pilot’s home country returning to Balloon Fiesta include:

Balloon Name Country
Bud E Beaver United States of America
Steggy Brazil
Montie the Black Sheep United States of America
Jota Balloon Brazil
Hug A Bear Belgium
Conair United States of America
Spunky United States of America
Tall Steve United States of America
Darth Vader United States of America
Kermie The Frog United States of America
Space Cowboy United States of America
Bella The Bulldog United Kingdom
Carousel United States of America
Wags United States of America
Beagle Maximus United States of America
Yellow Hawk United States of America
Freedom Flight V United States of America
Billy the Kid United States of America
Chris P. Bacon United States of America
IVO United States of America
Balloonaful Sunrise United States of America
Sushi United States of America
Tico the Sloth Canada
Buzzy United States of America
Amelia Bearhart United States of America
Ham-Let United States of America
Tiny Fire Dog United States of America
Off the Wall United States of America
Puddles United States of America
Pico United Kingdom
Astro the Alien United Kingdom
Allycorn United Kingdom
Pigasus United States of America
Baby T-Rex United States of America
Snobird United States of America
Bandit United States of America
Milkyway United States of America
Wally United States of America
Belzebuth France
Master Yoda Balloon Belgium
Keystone Willy United States of America
Humpty Dumpty United States of America
Mango the Seahorse United States of America
Just Fun Cat United States of America
Buster the Bulldog United Kingdom
Tiger United States of America
Wes the Wolf United Kingdom
Owlbert Eyenstein United States of America
Frankenstein Brazil
Gnome North Macedonia
1 Down 8-2 Go United States of America
Splash United Kingdom
Lulu United States of America
Party! United States of America
Peg Leg Pete United States of America
Pokey the Turtle United States of America
Airabelle, The Creamland Cow Canada
Betty Jean Butterfly United States of America
Pencil Boy United States of America
Little D United States of America
Vampirella Belgium
Coco The Clown United States of America
Buzzy the Bee United States of America
Tom Cat United States of America
Cockoo Mag Brazil
Cheezy United States of America
Clown Germany
Daz United States of America
Mister Z United States of America
Little Dog Brazil
Itsy Bitsy United States of America
Hyla the Frog United Kingdom
Ms. Autumn United States of America
Lindy United States of America
Elvis Tribute Balloon United States of America
Cutie Dink United States of America
Lawrence Bear United States of America
Luna Balloon Brazil
Te Amo United States of America
Princess Nelly Belgium
Smokey Bear United States of America
Jolley United States of America

Finally, don’t forget about the remote-control (RC) balloons.

Balloon Fiesta’s third annual remote-control balloon rally will feature at least 57 tethered balloons, which are scale model balloons, about 20 feet tall. These “globitos” are miniature marvels, with 14 special shapes of their own, like Dolly the Donkey, Steggy the Dino-Soar and Pengiunette.

Remote Control Special Shape “Globitos” balloons and the controller’s home country at Balloon Fiesta include:

Balloon Name Country
Buscuit United States of America
Penguinette United States of America
Airiel United States of America
Hotspot United States of America
Perry A. Normal United States of America
Peter Porker United States of America
Baby Burd United States of America
Dolly the Donkey United States of America
Fred the Ladybug United States of America
Cork the Puppy United States of America
Steggy the Dino-Soar United States of America
Lil Shamrock United States of America
Bit-O-Mischief United States of America
Muffin United States of America
Piggy United States of America

“My favorite part about Balloon Fiesta is seeing the enjoyment and the excitement from somebody who’s experiencing Balloon Fiesta for the first time and seeing the Special Shapes, where else can you walk amongst giant toys,” says Jennifer Garcia, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Event Director.

While many of the special shapes will be flying throughout the event, Balloon Fiesta has several events featuring special shape balloons. The Special Shape Rodeo™ (morning) and Glowdeo™ (evening) events will take place on Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11.

Media Notes:

New Special Shapes Pilot Card Video

https://vimeo.com/garritypr/aibfnewspecialshapes?share=copy

Full Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta News Release

https://nmnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AIBF-2024-Special-Shapes-NR-FINAL.pdf