Video Of The Week - Albuquerque's Spectacular International Balloon Fiesta

Every year around this time, thousands of hot air balloon enthusiasts flock to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to participate in the city's annual International Balloon Fiesta. Now in its 44th year, the 2015 festival that took place from October 3rd -11th is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world.

According to the organizers, Albuquerque is ideally suited for the festival, due to a wind pattern known as 'the box' which makes it easier to navigate the giant balloons. However, this year while the temperatures were pleasant enough, the festival's most famous event - the premier gas balloon race, had to be canceled due to high cyclonic winds.

But that did not appear to dampen the spirits of the thousands of spectators. They were content with the hundreds of massive balloons that were floating in the skies. Alongside the traditional balloons, were ones shaped like cows, bees, and even a zebra!

Resources: businessinsider.com,king5.com