ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Hundreds of hot air balloons launched Saturday in a mass ascension, creating a colorful tapestry under a blue sky as Albuquerque began a nine-day annual event that was canceled last year due to the pandemic. The 7 a.m. mass ascension was the first of five scheduled for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a major tourism attraction for New Mexico’s most populous city. The 2020 fiesta was canceled as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. Organizers said over 540 balloons were registered for this year’s event, The event is heavily photographed and draws visitors from around the world.