ALBUQUERQUE (Reuters) - The second day of New Mexico's 45th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lifted off on Sunday (Oct 2), to the delight of thousands of spectators.

Hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes - and A vast array of eclectic character-themed balloons - dotted the skies over Albuquerque.

The theme for this year's festival was "Desert Kaleidoscope".

The event was expected to feature more than 500 hot air balloons from around the world and will last through Oct 9.