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Hot air balloon festivals are held annually in many places throughout the year. Here are some of the best hot air balloon festivals around the world.

The Saga Balloon Festival

More than 100 balloons from about 20 countries took part in the annual five-day competition and celebration in Saga, Japan, in 2019.

The most beautiful sight at the Saga Balloon Festival happens in the evenings. The balloons all light up at once and an extraordinary glow is reflected in the river.

The balloon festival in Saga takes place in early November.

The Leon Balloon Festival

The first Leon International Balloon Festival took place in 2002 with just 25 balloons. It is now the biggest balloon festival in Latin America. Like at other festivals, the balloons come in different colors and shapes.

The yearly balloon celebration takes place from November 15 to November 18.

The Albuquerque Balloon Festival

The biggest hot air balloon festival in the world takes place in the American city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are about 600 balloons and pilots from around the world. The festival also appeals to photographers and it has long included a competition for best pictures of the celebration.

This festival takes place from the first weekend of October to the second weekend, lasting 9 days every year.

The Château-d'Oex Balloon Festival

The Château-d'Oex Hot Air Balloon Festival got its start in 1979, when 12 balloons from five countries gathered to promote Château-d'Oex at the suggestion of Hans Brücker. The festival grew over the years, and in 1999, the first hot air balloon to fly around the globe without stopping left from Château-d'Oex. These days the festival hosts a number of special events and contests, drawing balloonists from all over the world. The festivities include a unique children's-themed night show with fireworks and music.

This festival takes place in the last week of January and lasts 5 days every year.

21. How many balloons were shown at the 2019 Saga International Balloon Festival?

A. Only 20.      B. Just 25.      C. More than 100.       D. About 600.

22. Which is the largest balloon festival in Latin America?

A. The Leon Balloon Festival.            B. The Saga Balloon Festival.

C. The Albuquerque Balloon Festival.      D. The Château-d'Oex Balloon Festival.

23. What is special about Château-d'Oex Hot Air Balloon Festival?

A. It is best known for colorful balloons.        B. It has a children's-themed night show.

C. It starts the earliest and lasts the longest.      D. It draws balloonists from different countries.