With strong easterly winds prevailing throughout the afternoon, even the most experienced balloon flyers were put to the test this year at Ajijic’s Regatta de Globos.
Small versions of the delicate paper balloons withstood the challenging conditions far better than the larger models, many of which had required more than 40 to 60 hours of careful handiwork to be put together.
While several thousand spectators who jammed at the Cruz Azul soccer field to catch the spectacle applauded wildly with each successful launch, more often they were heard heaving collective sighs of disappointment as dozens of the colorfully designed flying vessels got caught by powerful gusts that made them tumble in the air and catch fire.
Under the circumstances, many of the balloon-makers reluctantly decided it was best to fold up their best creations and reserve them for another occasion. Globo lovers are advised to keep their ears to the ground for last minute announcements of new dates and locations.