Guadalajara is considered the world capital of latex balloons.

Guadalajara, Jalisco. Because the Jalisco-based company Globos Payaso is considered the world's largest balloon manufacturer, Guadalajara is considered the latex balloon capital of the world.

Founded 75 years ago, originally in the Santa Teresita neighborhood, the factory currently generates 4,000 direct jobs , produces balloons with Mexican and Guatemalan latex rubber, and uses natural pigments. It exports half of its production to more than 100 countries, while the remainder is sold in Mexico.

“Today we celebrate 75 years, a story of passion and effort that began with my father, Jorge Salcedo Padilla, and continues thanks to all those who believe in the magic of color and imagination,” said Lorenza Salcedo de Garcin, president of Grupo Látex Occidental and Fábricas Selectas.

“Jalisco is the land of mariachi, tequila, and charrería, three identities that make Mexico a joyful and culturally rich country. We can proudly say that this state also has a fourth identity: Jalisco is the world capital of latex balloons,” stated José Luis Ramírez, CEO of Fábricas Selectas and Globos Payaso.

Balloon Parade in Guadalajara

Company executives officially launched Balloon Parade 2025, the world's largest balloon parade of its kind, which will be held in Mexico for the first time.

The event marks the start of the company's 75th anniversary celebrations and establishes the city as a global epicenter of balloon art.

"This event, the first of its kind in Mexico, is possible thanks to your creativity, dedication, and love for this unique and wonderful art form," said Lorenza Salcedo, welcoming the artists from around the world who will participate in creating the floats for the parade taking place next Sunday, May 4th.

The artists involved in the creation of the 13 monumental floats for the parade come from Brazil, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. They are working at Expo Guadalajara from April 30th to May 3rd, constructing balloon sculptures inspired by the concept of "The Bottom of the Sea." Each piece is over 6 meters long and requires up to 20 hours to assemble.

The previous edition of the Balloon Parade took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2022 and was recognized as the world's first carnival-style parade made entirely of balloons. Guadalajara hopes to surpass this feat with an even more ambitious production, according to its organizers.