The skies of inland São Paulo will be filled with color, technique and emotion with the arrival of the 38th Brazilian Ballooning Championship! The event takes place between June 10 and 15, around the National Skydiving Center in Boituva.
During this week, balloonists from all over Brazil will be competing for the title of the best in the country. A total of 50 balloons will fly over the city, 40 of which will be competitive and 10 special – with unusual shapes such as Galinha Pintadinha, Cristo Redentor, Ayrton Senna’s Helmet and even Xuxa’s Nave.
The free event will also include cultural activities, a food fair and the traditional Night Glow, a nocturnal show that illuminates the balloons to the sound of music.
Giant balloons, technical competition and lots of fun in Boituva
Boituva is already famous for its skies filled with parachutists, but in June the city also becomes the national capital of ballooning.
The Brazilian Ballooning Championship brings together the best pilots in the country in a contest that combines precision, wind reading and strategy in daily races starting at 6:30 in the morning.
During the championship, the balloonists take part in challenging tasks such as:
- Target declared by the judge: launch a mark at the exact point determined.
- Fly In/Fly On: fly to a common target or one chosen by the pilot.
- Elbow: change direction between two targets at the smallest possible angle.
The competitions determine the national champion, who will represent Brazil at the World Ballooning Championships in Poland. There is only one category, which makes the competition even more technical and fierce.
But the event isn’t just about adrenaline: special balloons in iconic shapes delight the children (and adults), while the public is enchanted by the incredible sight of the colorful sky at dawn.
Shows and much more at the Ballooning Championship
In addition to the morning flights, the public can enjoy the event throughout the day with a program full of culture, leisure and good food.
For example, at Night Glow, when the balloons are inflated at dusk and lit up like giant lanterns to the sound of exciting soundtracks.
The food court has typical food, food trucks and regional stalls, as well as an area with handicrafts and live shows.
The tip is: arrive early, bring binoculars or a camera, and get ready to live a unique experience in heaven and on earth!