Text reads: This panoramic photograph of Albuquerque was taken by James Blakeway. Albuquerque’s original attraction was its location near the Rio Grande and its water. As World War II ushered in the atomic age, New Mexico became a center for research and development. Every October, Albuquerque hosts an International Balloon Fiesta, ballooning’s largest and most spectacular event, attracting as many as 1000 hot air and gas balloons. During the 9 day event, several early morning mass ascensions take place with hundreds of balloons ascending in a short period of time, creating a truly spectacular sight.