For three remarkable days in early January, the town of Mondovì in Italy became a canvas for color and spectacle as the 35th International Hot Air Balloon Festival took to the skies. Among the many balloons soaring over the picturesque Piedmont landscape, one stood out in particular— the Monaco balloon, symbolizing not only the Principality’s presence but its enduring connection to the event and to its hosts.
The Aeronauts of Monaco—the Monaco-based ballooning club—have long made this festival a tradition, and their participation this year was no exception. From January 4th to 6th, spectators gathered in large numbers around the Aéroclub de Mondovì to witness an event where sport, artistry, and aeronautical ingenuity converge. While hot air balloons from all over the world took to the skies, the Monaco balloon, under the leadership of Alain Cruteanschii, shone brightly, both in the air and on the ground.
Though the weather conditions presented some challenges—no surprise for an activity as weather-dependent as ballooning—the festival was marked by moments of grace. Balloon teams, including the Monaco crew, exhibited skill and teamwork, deftly navigating the shifting winds to fly multiple times throughout the weekend. As the balloons ascended, their vibrant colors reflected against the backdrop of Mondovì's historic townscape. For the people of the town, watching these airborne behemoths float effortlessly in and out of the clouds was a sight to behold.
The Monaco balloon, in particular, held a special place in the festival. Its history, intertwined with the vision of Alain Cruteanschii, its president, has made it an emblem of both adventure and diplomacy. "With our close ties to Mondovì," Cruteanschii explained, "I think it’s important for the Monaco balloon to be available for what is historically the first festival of the year. It’s a great moment of fraternity and exchange with our Italian friends." His words speak to a shared sense of camaraderie that has blossomed over the years between the Aeronauts of Monaco and their counterparts in Mondovì.
In addition to the daytime flights, the festival also featured breathtaking "night shows," where balloons were inflated and lit from within, their glow casting a surreal light over the assembly grounds. These moments, suspended in time, held a festive and almost ethereal quality, furthering the sense of celebration. Local dignitaries, along with hundreds of spectators, watched in awe as the balloons illuminated the sky in a mesmerizing dance of light and color.
The logistics of ballooning might seem simple at first glance, but as any balloonist knows, they are the result of meticulous planning and execution. From the preparation of the balloon at the launch site to the smooth coordination between the flight team and those on the ground, every step is part of a carefully orchestrated process. In Monaco's case, that process was punctuated by teamwork, precise timing, and a commitment to excellence—values that extend well beyond the aeronautical realm and into the very spirit of international collaboration.
Indeed, the 35th Mondovì International Balloon Festival was more than just a celebration of flight. It was a testament to the power of sport to unite, to the joy of sharing cultures, and to the warmth of longstanding friendships. As Cruteanschii notes, "I’m delighted to come back each time and take part, if only out of respect for the organizers, who always give us a warm welcome." For him, and for the many who attended, the event was a reminder of the enduring bonds that have been cultivated between the Aeronauts of Monaco and the people of Mondovì—bonds that continue to grow with each passing year.
As the festival draws to a close and the balloons are packed away, there is little doubt that the Monaco balloon will continue to light up the skies of Piedmont. The beauty of these events lies not just in the flights themselves, but in the shared experiences they create—experiences that transcend borders, forge new connections, and celebrate the universal human desire to take flight, both literally and figuratively. In this sense, the Aeronauts of Monaco have shown that sometimes, the most meaningful flights are those that bring people closer together.