European Balloon Festival
By Charlotte Stace
The European Balloon Festival turns Igualada into a sky full of colour, with dozens of hot air balloons rising over the city in one of Catalunya’s most magical summer spectacles. First held in 1997, it’s grown into the largest international balloon meeting in Spain and one of the major balloon festivals in Europe.
The festival mixes competition and flight displays, bringing together around 50 balloons and teams from around the world. The best moments are the mass ascents, when the sky fills with shapes and colours, plus the night glow, where balloons light up after dark like giant lanterns. Back on the ground, the programme brings a festival feel, with creative activities, music, workshops and community events across Igualada.
Flights take place in the early morning and late afternoons when weather conditions are most favourable. Although it’s a ride out of Barcelona, it’s well worth it to see the sky fill up with colour. Don’t miss it.