Regata de Globos

A burning wad of material is tied around a wire frame at the bottom of the balloon, which keeps the heat going and makes the balloons glow in the evening sky.

Sometimes the globos don't make it far before they come crashing back down around the crowd in a fiery demise.

After the globos falls to the ground, the boys rush over to plunder them.

Balloons designed as Mexican wrestling masks.

Some balloons take considerable time to create, such as this octopus balloon which these kids are helping inflate with hot air.

These kids from San Pedro Itzicán normally spend their days selling vegetables in Ajijic, but today could spend at least part of the afternoon just being kids again.

Regata de GlobosSome of the globos take off successfully to big cheers from the audience, who flood the soccer field and watch from the stands.

This globo didn't make it off of the ground before it caught fire at the Regata de Globos in Ajijic.

The balloons start going up around 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of September.

A vendor sells another type of globo during the Regata de Globos in Ajijic.

A vendor sells paletas (posicles) during the Regata de Globos.

Some are so huge that they need 15 minutes to inflate.

The ones that do launch successfully can fly for miles until they disappear into the distance.

<p>The annual balloon festival in September gives flight to the festive season at Lake Chapala.</p>


Regata de Globos Photo Gallery | Lakeside Guide to Lake Chapala, Mexico

The annual balloon festival gives flight to the festive season at Lake Chapala. Check out this gallery of photos from the past 10 years.

<p>El festival anual de globos en septiembre da vuelo a la temporada festiva en la Ribera de Chapala.</p>


Regata de Globos Galería de Fotos | Guiá de la Ribera de Chapala

El festival anual de globos da vuelo a la temporada festiva en la Ribera de Chapala. Echa un vistazo a esta galería de fotos de los últimos 10 años.