This end-of-summer local tradition gives flight to the festive season at Lake Chapala. The annual paper hot air balloon event in September has its origins in the 1960s.
Families and businesses spend up to a couple of weeks preparing hot air balloons made from colorful paper and lots of tape, in shapes and characters that sometimes reach several stories high. Many globos are launched by teams who help organize the regata and keep the balloons launching all afternoon and into the night.
It’s a fun event, highly anticipated after a lull in festivities; and signifies the start of the festive season around Lake Chapala, which is most active between September and March.
It’s sometimes more than a little dangerous, too.
Half the fun of the Regata de Globos is not knowing which balloons will make it and which will fall onto the neighboring properties or the crowd below.
Watch the video below of a globo that causes a powerline to explode:
Food, beer, and liquor are served all afternoon at stands around the football field. Some seating is available on the covered bleachers.
2024 Regata de Globos Information
In 2024, the Regata de Globos will take place on Saturday, September 14. It starts at 3 pm and a steady chain of globos will launch until after dark, around 10 pm.
Located at the Blue Cross Football Field in Ajijic
The Regata de Globos is held at the Ajijic Cruz Azul football field, just east of Plaza Bugambilias and west of La Floresta. You can also watch from a nearby rooftop mirador, but it won’t be the same as dodging falling flaming debris (though you might not be safe on your rooftop either).
Cost
La Regata is free, which makes it open to everyone, including those who can’t afford to pay. You are encouraged to leave a small donation as you enter, so consider $50 or 100 pesos per person to support the cost of running this annual event.
Last updated: 2026-04-05
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Revolución #83 • Ajijic
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