Every September, the lakeside town of Ajijic transforms. The sky becomes a multicolored canvas where hundreds of handmade paper balloons—known locally as globos de cantoya—come alive before the eyes of residents and visitors alike. This unique celebration, called the Ajijic Balloon Regatta (Regata de Globos de Ajijic), is far more than a visual spectacle; it’s a living expression of community art, cultural identity, and the festive spirit that defines this Pueblo Mágico (a federal designation granted to culturally significant Mexican towns) on the shores of Lake Chapala.
What is the Ajijic Balloon Regatta?
It’s an annual tradition that brings together families, artist collectives, and curious onlookers from near and far to launch vibrant paper balloons into the sky. Entirely handcrafted from colored tissue paper, flour-and-water paste, and plenty of creativity, these balloons rise thanks to the hot air produced by a small flame fixed at their base.
What makes the event truly captivating isn’t just watching the balloons ascend—it’s the electric atmosphere each launch creates: equal parts excitement, suspense, laughter, and applause.
A brief history of the festival
While paper balloon launches have ancient roots in different cultures around the world, Ajijic’s version of the tradition grew popular in the 1960s. The story goes that a few foreign residents taught local children how to make these balloons. Over time, what started as a backyard hobby blossomed into a beloved community festival.
Today, what once happened in courtyards and plazas has become a massive event that officially kicks off Ajijic’s festive season. Over the years, the regatta has evolved not only in size but also in artistic complexity, drawing thousands of spectators.
The craft behind globos de cantoya
Design, materials, and construction
Building a single balloon can take hours—or even days. It all starts with a design: some feature geometric patterns, cartoon characters, cultural icons, or entirely original creations. The materials are simple—tissue paper, homemade paste (traditionally flour and water), and tape—but the precision required to assemble hundreds of sheets into structures that can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall is remarkable.
The launch
The launch is a ritual in itself. A small flame is lit at the base, heating the air inside. Spectators watch in suspense as teams carefully hold the structure, waiting for it to fill completely and lift off—without tearing or catching fire. Many balloons soar gracefully; others burn or collapse midair, prompting gasps, laughter, cheers, and a shared sense of camaraderie.
Campo Cruz Azul: the heart of the action
The regatta takes place at Campo Cruz Azul, a local soccer field on Revolución Street. It’s a spacious, accessible venue where hundreds arrive with blankets, cameras, umbrellas, and an eagerness to experience something unforgettable. The action usually starts between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., typically on the Saturday before September 15 (Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations). Admission is free, though small donations at the entrance are welcomed. You’ll also find plenty of food stalls, refreshing drinks, homemade desserts, and crafts by local artisans.
What exactly is a globo de cantoya?
Globos de cantoya are handcrafted paper balloons that rise into the air powered by hot air generated from a small open flame. They may resemble hot-air balloons, but they don’t carry people—only creativity, emotion, and ephemeral art. Each balloon is meticulously assembled from hundreds of sheets of colorful tissue paper, which, once inflated, form geometric figures, cultural emblems, whimsical characters, or abstract designs.
The term honors Joaquín de la Cantolla y Rico, a 19th-century Mexican aviation pioneer known for his manned balloon flights. Although paper balloons have older counterparts in Asian traditions (for example, in Thailand and Taiwan), in Mexico the practice has evolved with its own identity. In towns like Ajijic, globos de cantoya aren’t just part of a festival—they’re an artistic expression that blends patience, technique, passion, and a dash of risk.
Watching one take flight is moving. It requires a perfect balance of design, weight, symmetry, and flame. When a balloon lifts off successfully, it earns a roar of applause. When it doesn’t, it still teaches and unites. Either way, it creates a powerful connection between the makers and the crowd. In Ajijic, these balloons are more than paper floating in the wind—they symbolize identity, collective pride, and the beauty of the fleeting moment.
A feast for all the senses
The Ajijic Balloon Regatta is not just something to see—it’s something to feel, smell, taste, and hear. Your eyes follow a parade of colors and shapes drifting overhead. Your ears catch live music—everything from mariachi to brass bands—setting a joyful rhythm. The air fills with the scent of roasted corn, tacos al pastor, charcoal-grilled meats, and freshly fried churros. Your taste buds get their share of typical Mexican dishes and handcrafted desserts. And of course, you feel the sun, the earth beneath your feet, and the shared human energy of a community celebrating together.
Tips for attending
To make the most of the experience, arrive early—prime viewing spots fill up quickly. September sun can be intense, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera or a fully charged phone; every launch is a unique photo opportunity. Stay alert during takeoffs—some balloons come down still aflame. And stay hydrated: bring your own water or grab drinks from the many vendors on site.
Why you should experience it at least once
The Ajijic Balloon Regatta is more than entertainment. It’s a celebration of ingenuity, community collaboration, and a deep love for tradition. It’s also a chance to reconnect with the beauty of the ephemeral, to value handmade art, and to feel the collective excitement of a town looking skyward with the same childlike wonder. If you find yourself in Ajijic in September, don’t hesitate—come see how a sheet of paper and a spark can become poetry in the air.
To learn more about the Ajijic Balloon Regatta, we invite you to read this article:
