On December 26, 1783, in France, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier successfully launched the first manned flight in a hot air balloon. Their invention marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation and sparked global interest in ballooning.

The Montgolfier brothers were paper manufacturers who developed their balloon using a lightweight cloth coated with varnish. The inaugural flight took place in Annonay, France, using a large balloon made of linen and paper.

The flight lasted approximately 10 minutes and reached an altitude of about 1,000 meters. Despite the short duration, it captivated audiences and demonstrated the feasibility of controlled flight to the public.

Have you ever seen a hot air balloon festival? What did you think of the colorful sights in the sky?