Balloons have been a feature of popular culture in Brazil for centuries. They were originally small paper balloons launched only during the Festas Juninas, traditional catholic festivals. Over the last century, balloons became secular, a popular folk art. Balloonists organized in teams that worked year-round. The balloons themselves grew bigger and more complex, some over 200 feet tall. The variety of designs and shapes grew exponentially, as did the number of balloonists. They now also carry large banners, pyrotechnics and large light panels made of thousands of lanterns. Unfortunately they often present fire hazards, and endanger airline jets, so they became illegal in 1998. That did not stop the balloonists, who now pursue their art underground, persecuted by the police.