International Balloon Festival Returns to Alto Alentejo, 8–13 Nov

Alto Alentejo gears up for a sky-high celebration as the 28th FIBAQ touches down

The fields of Ponte de Sor and five neighbouring municipalities will be turned into makeshift runways next week when the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival of Alto Alentejo (FIBAQ) launches its 28th edition. From 8–13 November, more than thirty crews—hailing from Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium—will inflate their vividly coloured envelopes twice a day, offering locals and visitors a front-row seat to one of Europe’s biggest balloon meetings.

Two lift-offs a day, weather permitting

Pilots meet at daybreak for the first flight window (around 07:00–07:30). A second opportunity follows early in the afternoon (about 14:00–14:30). Spectators are welcome to wander among the baskets during inflation, speak with crews and watch the roar of propane burners carry the balloons skyward. Each mission lasts roughly an hour, though recovery vehicles may add extra time while they chase the drifting aircraft across farmland.

How to reserve a place in the sky

A limited number of passenger spaces are sold through “solidarity wristbands”. Prices sit at €75 on weekdays and €99 at the weekend, with every euro channelled to volunteer fire brigades and other local charities. Reservations remain open at fibaq.com, but organisers warn that seats usually disappear before the first balloon leaves the ground.

First-timers can try a tethered ascent

New this year are five-minute tethered rides—ideal for anyone aged six or above who wants a gentle taste of ballooning. The craft rises a few metres while anchored to the earth, then settles back on the same spot. Spots cost €7 and can also be booked online.

Saturday night’s ‘Glow’ turns balloons into lanterns

The festival’s signature moment lands on opening night, 8 November, at 19:15 in Ponte de Sor. Known as the Night Glow, the show lines up dozens of balloons, synchronising burner flames to music and turning each envelope into a pulsing lantern. Admission is free and roadside parking fills early, so plan to arrive well before sunset.

Itinerary: where the fleet will be

• 8 Nov – Ponte de Sor (morning tethered sessions sold out; Night Glow in the evening)

• 9 Nov – Montargil dam

• 10 Nov – Benavila (Avis) at dawn; Fronteira after lunch

• 11 Nov – Alter do Chão industrial estate

• 12 Nov – Monforte, near Calvário Chapel

• 13 Nov – Fronteira’s off-road circuit

Exact launch fields may change overnight due to wind forecasts; the festival’s social-media feeds post updates before each briefing.

Safety first: who should stay on the ground

The event follows Portuguese civil-aviation rules, and pilots can scrub flights if wind, fog or rain threaten safety. Pregnant people, those with serious heart or bone conditions, anyone recovering from recent surgery, and passengers under the influence of alcohol are barred from flying. Free-flight baskets are limited to adults; minors (six years and up) may only board tethered ascents when accompanied by a responsible adult.

A lift for the local economy

Although final figures will emerge weeks after the burners cool, councils across the Portalegre district expect the usual rush on hotel rooms, restaurants and rural guest houses. Previous editions have funnelled tens of thousands of euros into community projects via the wristband scheme, while also boosting off-season tourism in a region better known for cork oak groves than for aviation.

Sustainability still a work in progress

One hot-air balloon typically burns 60–80 kg of propane per hour, releasing up to 240 kg of CO₂. Organisers say they are studying offset programmes and already try to minimise convoy mileage by regrouping launch sites, but a formal carbon strategy has yet to be published.

Practical details

• Admission to viewing areas is free.• Dress in layers: dawn temperatures in early November often hover below 10 °C.• Sturdy footwear is advised—many launch fields are uneven farmland.• For last-minute schedule changes follow @FIBAQ on Instagram and Facebook.

Whether you plan to lift off or simply tilt your head back in wonder, Alto Alentejo’s biggest airborne festival promises six days of colour, community spirit and panoramic vistas that only a balloon basket—or a nearby hillside—can provide.