Every October, the skies over Albuquerque come alive with color, creativity, and joy. The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque isn’t just a local tradition — it’s a global phenomenon. It’s the most photographed event in the world, a celebration of innovation and imagination that brings together families, tourists, and balloonists from across the globe.
But the Balloon Fiesta is more than a breathtaking spectacle. It’s a reflection of what makes New Mexico special: a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and community spirit. Behind the balloons and the crowds are partnerships that keep our state’s heritage thriving. Many of those partnerships come from the energy companies that call New Mexico home.
This year, one of the most significant examples is ExxonMobil’s decision to become the title sponsor of the Balloon Fiesta. That support helps ensure the event remains accessible to all — keeping admission costs down and free for children under 12 – to ensure everyone can share in the magic. It’s a powerful reminder that corporate partnerships can make world-class experiences possible while preserving the community feel that makes the Fiesta so beloved.
Energy companies are stepping up in equally important ways, benefiting New Mexicans no matter where you live in our great state. Chevron is the presenting sponsor for the State Fair, providing a platform to celebrate our rich agricultural heritage and local culture. ConocoPhillips, Coterra Energy, Mewbourne Oil Company, and Permian Resources partner and volunteer with schools throughout the Permian Basin and beyond to expand STEM, career technical education, and scholarships. Devon Energy and Oxy host and volunteer for programs supporting our first responders and veterans. Manzano, LLC, Armstrong Energy, and Synergy Petroleum were some of the first companies to answer the call for help during the tragic fires and floods in Ruidoso, Roswell, and Las Vegas. Enduring Resources works closely with Tribal communities in the San Juan Basin through education, cultural celebrations, and local road maintenance. The list goes on through countless hours of volunteering and philanthropic giving. New Mexicans giving back to their fellow residents is something we can all be proud of.
These acts of giving don’t always make headlines, because that’s not what it’s about, but they do ripple across communities just as surely as the Fiesta balloons drift across the morning sky. They remind us that New Mexico’s future depends on more than infrastructure—it depends on relationships, on showing up, and on making sure we all have the resources to thrive.
The ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a celebration of color, flight, and creativity. But it’s also a celebration of partnership — between neighbors, between businesses and nonprofits, between New Mexicans from all walks of life. That’s what truly lifts us: the commitment to each other.
As we look up this October and marvel at the sky filled with balloons, we should also take a moment to look around — at the classrooms, the cultural festivals, and the community centers — made stronger because companies and their employees invested not just in projects, but in people.
Because when we work together—industry, community, and culture — we all rise.