Every summer the European Balloon Festival is held in Igualada. Starting 17 years ago, around 50 Hot air balloon teams from all over the world congregate here every year to compete and relay race. Especially impressive for the spectators are the show elements of the festival, for instance the “night glow” event in which the colourful balloons standing on the ground are illuminated and accompanied by music. During the same week free live music can be enjoyed in the framework of the “Anolia” Festival, where countless bands perform on many of the town’s squares, often until the early morning hours.