Colombia: UFO or Hot Air Balloon? Video Divides Public Opinion (2026)

 
Source: INFOBAE (Argentina)
Date: May 24, 2026
Article by Jenny Alejandra Bustos

Colombia: UFO or Hot Air Balloon? Video Divides Public Opinion

Footage of a luminous object sighted by a family sparked various interpretations among social media users, reigniting the debate over the authenticity of such aerial phenomena.

A video showing the alleged sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in Colombia went viral on social media. Recorded by a family, the incident sparked debate and became a trending topic within hours on May 24, 2026.

The 53-second recording shows a small, bright object in the blue sky. Witnesses described it as changing in appearance and featuring a "small yellow sphere," a detail that caught the attention of those present, who immediately grabbed their phones and moved to the windows for a closer look. Meanwhile, other people can be seen expressing gratitude and a sense of spiritual awe in the face of the phenomenon.

Amid the ensuing buzz, users have proposed various explanations regarding the object's nature—ranging from the possibility of it being a spacecraft to the theory that it was merely a hot air balloon—thereby reigniting the discussion on aerial phenomena within the country.

During the recording, the family is heard saying things like "Thank you for your presence," clearly astonished by the moving object.

Precise location details have not been confirmed, though comments on the social network X mention places such as Medellín and the El Dorado sports field in Envigado—locations known for their traditions involving balloons.

The footage of this curious event shows the citizens inside a restaurant, with both diners and staff appearing surprised.

Reactions and theories regarding the viral video in Colombia

The video quickly garnered thousands of views and sparked divided opinions among internet users. Some X users expressed amazement at the images and maintain the hypothesis of an extraordinary sighting, while others insist on more conventional explanations.

Among the most cited messages are popular comments such as: “What UFO? These are balloons made in Medellín, Colombia,” “Paranoid people,” “It’s nothing paranormal,” and “They’ve never seen a solar balloon—very common in the country.”

Many interpret the phenomenon as the result of handmade balloons. Other citizens joining the conversation reiterated that launching hot-air balloons is a popular custom, and that Medellín and its surrounding areas are places where such activities are commonplace.

The object's origin remains the central point of controversy. Several people point out that its movements and shape match the typical hot-air balloons used in celebrations, while another segment of the population maintains the possibility that it could be a genuine UFO.

One user noted: “The hot-air balloons they launch at the El Dorado field in Envigado are top-notch,” while another added: “Like every image of alleged UFOs, they’re always blurry, shaky, and poor quality; judging by the movement, it’s a drone.”

In the absence of conclusive evidence or official announcements, the debate between proponents of extraordinary theories and advocates for rational explanations remains heated.

This case joins a series of phenomena that divide opinion and spark curiosity about the unexplained; notably, this is not the first time such a sighting has occurred in the country.

Given how quickly the images are circulating, it is clear that footage of unusual objects—whether novelties or traditional customs—continues to generate interest and fuel the collective imagination of internet users who believe in extraterrestrial life and the possibility of such beings visiting Colombian cities.

 [©2026 Institute of Hispanic Ufology (IHU)  with thanks to Jenny Alejandra Bustos and INFOBAE]