52nd Annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano

Come on down to Southern Orange County and celebrate the return of the famous swallows of Capistrano!

The swallows are coming back to San Juan Capistrano for the 52nd Annual Swallows Day Parade on March 20th.  The parade, also know as the Fiesta de la Golondrinas, celebrates the legend of the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on March 19th.

The Swallows Day Parade started as a school carnival in the 1930s to celebrate the return of the swallows.  Shortly after, the the celebration became an equestrian parade, then a trail ride and western dance was added.  As the years passed and various civic groups became involved, the Fiesta Association was formed (a non-profit organization of approximately 300 members, whose main purpose is to organize the annual Swallows Day Parade) and the parade became the nation’s largest non-motorized parade.

The parade takes place this year on Saturday, March 20th in Downtown San Juan Capistrano at the intersection of Ortega Highway and El Camino Real (map).  It begins promptly at 11 a.m., and it is suggested that spectators arrive around 10 a.m.

Be sure to check out the Swallows Day Mercado, also on March 20th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The mercado can be found at the Historic Town Center Park on El Camino Real just off Ortega Highway (near the start of the parade) and will feature over 100 booths.

Besides the booth vendors, there will be a beer and wine garden, family entertainment, and a kids play zone.  Families can listen and dance to country music from The Working Cowboy Band.

Photo Credit: Arwen Twinkle on Flickr