Hot Air Balloon Regatta

Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/09/2017

Event Times
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Description

Held during the end of the rainy season at the Ajijic soccer field, this event is fun for the whole family and the kids sure love watching the balloons made out of China paper rise to the sky. It consists of several local participants who form teams and start preparing the balloons a few weeks before the event start date. Many of the teams look for donations from local business’s and clubs, which help buy the material used to make the balloons, in return the sponsors get their logo or name mentioned on the balloon.

This tradition dates back to the early sixties and it has been kept alive ever since.  It is a very family orientated event, since many of the teams that participate, are entire families who have been making these balloons for generations, passing on the tradition to the children and grandchildren in the family. Below is a set of pictures we were able to find that shows this event taking place back in 1963. (Credit Mrs. Crose)

It is a gamble for the local participants, since it is held during the rainy season and rain can cause their China paper balloons to come crashing down. Regardless of the weather, this tradition is rarely postponed and we have even seen it take place while it is raining. We have written several great blog posts regarding this event and taking many pictures, remember to check out our blog and photo gallery where you can find them. Access Lake Chapala usually sponsors one every year so make sure to look for ours.

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