World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Saga International Balloon Fiesta opens with 123 balloons
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta opened in Saga City on October 30.
The five-day event is set to feature 123 balloons from 15 countries and regions, including teams from the United Arab Emirates, which is taking part for the first time.
The competition began in Saga in 1980 and became international in 1984.
Rain cancelled the opening morning’s competition flights, though spectators gathered at the main site by the Kase River.
Competitors adjust their balloons to the wind and drop markers near ground targets, with scores determining the rankings.
The programme also includes novelty-shaped balloons and a night display of balloons lit by their burners.
Organizers expect about 800,000 visitors during the event, which runs through November 3.
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta opened in Saga City on October 30 with 123 balloons scheduled to take part.
Teams from 15 countries and regions are participating, including the United Arab Emirates for the first time.
Rain canceled the competition flights scheduled for the morning of opening day, though many spectators gathered at the main venue.
The five-day event runs through November 3 and organizers expect about 800,000 visitors.
The competition section has 72 balloons, and flights are scheduled twice daily except on the final day.
- Who
- Teams from 15 countries and regions are taking part, with 123 balloons scheduled to participate.
- What
- The Saga International Balloon Fiesta opened. Rain canceled the competition flights on the morning of opening day.
- When
- October 30 to November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Saga City, Japan, with events at the Kase River riverbed venue.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The fiesta opened in Saga City, but rain canceled the scheduled morning competition flights.
The five-day event is scheduled to run, with competition flights planned twice daily except on the final day.
- Total balloons
- 123
- Participating countries and regions
- 15
- Competition balloons
- 72
- International balloons
- 25
- Domestic balloons
- 98
- Expected visitors
- About 800,000