Kyiv’s sky to glow with 42 hot air balloons at Eurovision
42 hot air balloons from across Europe were set to soar over Kyiv during Eurovision 2017. The “Monholferia” festival: locations, program, and flight prices.
Kyiv always surprises its visitors with colorful events, and in May 2017, the city was preparing for something truly spectacular. The international hot air balloon festival “Monholferia: Kyiv Sky” was scheduled to take place during Eurovision.
What the hot air balloon festival is and why Kyiv awaited it
Monholferia is a grand celebration where dozens of giant hot air balloons lift into the sky. Kyiv was expecting about 42 balloons, piloted by experienced crews from across Europe. Imagine the morning sun over the Dnipro River and dozens of colorful balloons drifting above the city!
Best spots to watch and launch the balloons
Organizers chose scenic locations for the launches:
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Trukhaniv Island, offering stunning views of the Dnipro and Podil;
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Friendship of Peoples Park along the Desenka River, spacious and open;
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Dolobetsky Island in Hydropark, where sunrise and sunset create a magical atmosphere.
Launches were planned twice daily — in the morning (6:00–8:00) and in the evening (18:00–20:00).
For tourists: not just watching, but flying
The festival wasn’t just for spectators. Visitors could buy a ticket and soar into the sky with professional pilots. Flights cost around 7,500 UAH per person — a perfect gift or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why the festival didn’t happen then and what’s next for Monholferia
Unfortunately, authorities banned flights within a 150 km radius of Kyiv during Eurovision. The festival got postponed, leaving the colorful sky a dream for the moment. Later, Monholferia returned in other formats — shows at VDNG and nearby locations, drawing thousands of spectators.
Today, flights are temporarily paused due to the war. However, organizers continue their work through charity initiatives and promise to bring back Kyiv Sky after victory. When it returns, the city will once again welcome visitors with dozens of vibrant hot air balloons soaring over the Dnipro.
