The world's largest hot-air balloon festival has lifted off in the US state of New Mexico.
Tens of thousands of people came from around the world to watch more than 600 balloons fill the skies for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Hot-air balloon teams came from more than 20 different countries to take part in the nine day event. More than 1,000 teams apply to join but only those with a certain amount of flying experience can take part.
Hot air balloon pilot, Jim Lynch, said low precipitation and weak winds make it a great place to fly.
"The reason Albuquerque is very special is because the Sandia mountains generally produce what they call 'box winds'," he said.
"As the sun comes up, a lot of times the wind changes to the prevailing winds to the north, so in the morning early you go south and you climb up some, you pick up the winds and go north, and you can just box, box around."
The festival has been running for more than 60 years in the city because of it has ideal conditions for hot air ballooning.
The event is estimated to bring in around $US90 million in tourism revenue.
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