The first European Balloon Festival took place in 1997 in Igualada. It is an international gathering of hot air balloons, which has already become an extremely popular European competition. So let’s see what visitors should expect!
The European Balloon Festival is a gathering, a competition, and a festival all in one. It brings together the fun of flying, the beauty of sport, and the excitement of competition. During the four days of the festival, people can watch more than 50 balloons fly in a show, take part in planned activities, or even ride in a balloon while the teams perform different exhibition and competition tests.
When
The festival is held in Igualada in the first two weeks of July. From Thursday to Sunday, more than 25,000 people come to witness it. The flights happen early in the morning (6:30 am) and late in the afternoon (7:30 pm)–during this time, the weather is best for hot air balloon rides.
Parking
As for parking, the event's organizers ask to come by foot or take a bus when possible. However, if you still want to arrive by car, feel free to use the Comes parking lot next to Park Central or a car park near the Hospital Universitari d'Igualada. So, remember to book your accommodation in advance and have an amazing time!
