Igualada Balloon Festival Flights Canceled Due to Fire Risk

Extreme forest fire danger forces the cancellation of European Balloon Festival take-offs, but other activities remain scheduled.

Hot air balloon with burner flame on over a dry field at dusk, with an orange sky due to fire risk.
IA

Hot air balloon with burner flame on over a dry field at dusk, with an orange sky due to fire risk.

The European Balloon Festival in Igualada has canceled its flights scheduled from Thursday to Sunday due to extreme forest fire risk, following Generalitat guidelines.

The extreme risk of forest fires has led to the cancellation of flights for the European Balloon Festival, the international event held annually in Igualada. This decision is based on the highest level activation of the Alfa Plan and the restriction measures decreed by the Generalitat to minimize wildfire risk in natural areas.
The cancellation exclusively affects the hot air balloon flights, which use flame burners and typically land in vegetated areas, increasing the risk. The festival's program, including the Saturday night Night Glow, remains unchanged as it takes place in an urban setting, maintaining a safe distance from the natural environment.
Other activities such as the Wind Igloos distributed throughout the city and the events at Parc Central continue as planned. These include the Iglús de Llum show, the Market made.igd featuring local commerce and food, family activities, and concerts by Jukebox and La Banda Neon.
The organization has reminded attendees that there will be food and drink vendors, and Parc Central will be available for picnics during the concerts.
This year marks the 30th edition of the European Balloon Festival, bringing together about fifty international balloons in Igualada from July 8th to 12th. The festival area was recently affected by a fire that forced the confinement of over 30,000 people.