Balloon festival launched in Mexico

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-04-2007 08:37

Hot air balloons fly at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival over Leon, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Mario Armas)

Ninety hot air balloons from around the world have filled the skies over the Mexican city of Leon.

Over 200 thousand people attended the four-day International Balloon Festival.

The event attracts pilots from countries such as Canada, Spain, the US, Mexico, Belgium and Brazil.

An American Hot Air Balloon Pilot says he enjoys taking part in this event, because the locals are so enthusiastic.

Larry Simburger, American Hot Air Balloon Pilot, said, "Oh! I am very excited to be here. The people are very warm and very welcoming. They really enjoy seeing the balloons. And it's been really fun flying here"

The festival also attracts visitors from all over Mexico, the US, Canada and South Africa.

Tourists and locals turned out in huge numbers.

Hot air balloons fly at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival over Leon, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Mario Armas)

Blanca Ulldoa, Visitor, said, "I think this event will bring opportunities to the city to grow in a touristic way, and its great these things happen."

Leon is located in the central Mexico. Its tradition of hot air balloon flying dates back to 1842. The tradition was revived in 2002.

The city now hosts the biggest balloon festival in Latin America.

Hot air balloons are the oldest successful human flight technology. It dates back to the Montgolfier brothers' first flight in France over 220 years ago.