ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The rare annular solar eclipse made day 8 of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta extra special for thousands of people in the crowd.

The day started off with a drone show, and then balloons filled the sky as part of Mass Ascension. During the eclipse, balloon pilots took part in a special candle burn commemorating the event.

Photos from day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta and the eclipse can be viewed below:

New Mexico flag made of drones on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
“Meep meep.” Drone show on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Dawn Patrol on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Getting set up on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Balloon Glow on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Flyover on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Mass ascension on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Lift off! Day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
It takes a team on day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Eclipse glasses at day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Viewing the annular solar eclipse at day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Viewing the annular solar eclipse at day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Special candle burn during the annular solar eclipse at day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
After the annular solar eclipse at day 8 of the Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: KRQE Digital Reporter Fallon Fischer)
Annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. Taken from Balloon Fiesta Park. (Source: KRQE Engineer Spencer Courtney)
Annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. Taken from Balloon Fiesta Park. (Source: KRQE Engineer Spencer Courtney)