Aranjuez is set to host the 2026 Balloon Festival, the only event of its kind in the Community of Madrid, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Previous editions have seen significant attendance and enthusiasm, and this year promises to be no different.
The festival, organised by The Balloon Company with support from the Community of Madrid, Patrimonio Nacional, and the Aranjuez City Council, will feature simultaneous launches open to the public on Saturday morning and afternoon, as well as Sunday morning. A highlight of the event will be the 'Noche Mágica' (Magical Night), where balloons will remain on the ground and dance to music with their lights, scheduled for Saturday evening.
Event schedule
Saturday 24 October:
- Simultaneous launches at Plaza de los Coroneles around 08:00 and 17:00.
- 'Noche Mágica' at Plaza de Parejas at 21:00, featuring musical ambience.
Sunday 25 October:
- Simultaneous launches at Plaza de los Coroneles around 08:00.
As with all hot air balloon activities, the dates, times, and schedule are subject to weather conditions, which can only be reliably assessed 24 to 48 hours in advance. Launch times and the 'Noche Mágica' are approximate and may be adjusted or cancelled depending on weather conditions.
The festival will feature approximately 12 hot air balloons, arriving from various locations across Spain. During the aerial regatta, pilots will demonstrate their skills in various challenges set by the judges, such as following a 'hare' balloon or aiming for targets with witness drops. The balloons can reach heights of up to 30 metres.
Last year's festival attracted nearly 20,000 attendees, making it a highly anticipated event for both locals and visitors. The festival also commemorates a historical milestone, as the first manned flight of a hot air balloon in Spain occurred on 5 June 1784 in the Royal Site of Aranjuez.
