Swallow Day at San Juan Capistrano
Today, March 19, is the day that the swallows traditionally return to the Spanish mission in the California seaside town of San Juan Capistrano, located between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The celebration of the swallows’ return began early in the 20th century when the Mission’s pastor observed that the birds arrival coincided with St. Joseph’s Day (also March 19). The Mission hosts a Swallows Day celebration each year with music and pagentry, a symbol of spring and rebirth. This year the event was held on March 15 to avoid conflicting with Holy Week, but will return to March 19 in 2009. The Mission will hold a press conference and ring the bells today to welcome the birds.
(photo © 2005 Robert A. Estremo/cc license)
Tags: march-holidays, san juan capistranoRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Miscellaneous
2 opinions for Swallow Day at San Juan Capistrano
Eric
Apr 27, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I visited Capistrano Mission on April 19th 2008 and spent 3 hours there. Not a swallow to be seen and no evidence that the few old nests that I spotted were being repaired!!
Sandy Mitchell
Apr 29, 2008 at 9:05 am
that’s disappointing!
Thanks for sharing, Eric, and for visiting All Holiday Cafe.
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