{"id":571,"date":"2021-06-16T15:19:19","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T15:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/?page_id=571"},"modified":"2026-03-15T09:13:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T16:13:27","slug":"st-josephs-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/st-josephs-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Joseph&#8217;s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>St. Joseph\u2019s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration is a world-renowned tradition celebrating the annual return of the famous swallows to Capistrano. This tradition was started by Father O\u2019Sullivan in the 1920s at Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic California landmark and home of the swallows, and is carried each year on March 19th.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<aside id=\"sidebar-navigation-block_24639f85a9752d239bc0ed137b526b0b\" class=\"block-sidebar-navigation w-full mt-8 sm:-mt-24 pl-0 sm:pl-16 lg:pl-32\">\n      <ul class=\"pl-0\">\n\n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/store\/tickets\/#stjoseph\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            BUY TICKETS          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#EventInformation\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Event Information          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#TicketInformation\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Ticket Information          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#Entertainment\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Entertainment          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#FoodVendors\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Food Vendors          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#SwallowsLegend\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Swallows Legend          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n                    <li class=\"list-none first:uppercase\">\n          <a href=\"#Sponsorships\"\n            class=\"font-bold mb-5 block\"\n            target=\"\">\n            Sponsorships          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n      \n    \n    <\/ul>\n  <\/aside>\n\n<style>\n  .block-sidebar-navigation li:first-child a {\n      }\n<\/style>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"EventInformation\" class=\"block-callout-horizontal\">\n    <h3 class=\"inline-block mr-0 md:mr-6\">\n        Event Information    <\/h3>\n    <div class=\"inline-block\">\n        \n\n    <a id=\"button-block_0c143bc82ba6a2cc9b9a80da2781956e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SJD-Program-2026-AsOfMarch10.pdf\"\n        class=\"block-button btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mb-5 mr-4 px-8 max-w-full\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        style=\"background-color: #e77926; color: #ffffff;\">\n        2026 Event Schedule    <\/a>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This historic celebration full of tradition, community, and festivity, is celebrated annually on March 19, marking the return of our famous swallows to Capistrano and the coming of spring \u2013 a time of renewal and rebirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical highlights of the day include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Ringing of the historic bells<br>\u2022 Live Mariachi music<br>\u2022 Community presentations<br>\u2022 Native American Storytelling<br>\u2022 Flamenco dance performance<br>\u2022 History of St. Joseph\u2019s Day and Swallows Legend<br>\u2022 St. Joseph&#8217;s Table Hosted by Vicky Carabini, MPF Board Member<br>\u2022 Lecture by swallows expert, Dr. Charles Brown<br>\u2022 Serra Chapel Tour with Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams <br>\u2022 Coloring Pages<br>\u2022 Station Tours<br>\u2022 Bracelet and trucker hat making and more!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/st-josephs-day-bell-ringing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/st-josephs-day-bell-ringing.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/st-josephs-day-bell-ringing-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-msjc-teal-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?vanity=MissionSJC&amp;set=a.10157095237558188\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-msjc-green-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?vanity=MissionSJC&amp;set=a.10157095237558188\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-msjc-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SJD-Flyer-March2026.pdf\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 EVENT FLYER<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"TicketInformation\" class=\"block-callout-horizontal\">\n    <h3 class=\"inline-block mr-0 md:mr-6\">\n        Ticket Information &#8211; For Sale Wednesday, January 28th at 10:00 am    <\/h3>\n    <div class=\"inline-block\">\n        \n\n    <a id=\"button-block_03ae958bcfd25f69b33accfa865cf60d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/store\/tickets\/#stjoseph\"\n        class=\"block-button btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mb-5 mr-4 px-8 max-w-full\"\n        target=\"\"\n        style=\"background-color: #e77926; \">\n        BUY TICKETS    <\/a>\n\n\n\n    <a id=\"button-block_71f178d2eb4336014c10bcf9957f84c7\" href=\"\/become-a-member\"\n        class=\"block-button btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mb-5 mr-4 px-8 max-w-full\"\n        target=\"\"\n        style=\"background-color: #5caea8; \">\n        Become a Member    <\/a>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-blue-color has-text-color\" id=\"mission-members\"><strong>Mission Members<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>St. Joseph\u2019s Day is FREE for Mission Preservation Society Members! Members can reserve their tickets before hand to let us know they are coming. Become a Member today to attend St. Joseph\u2019s Day for free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-blue-color has-text-color\" id=\"general-public\"><strong>General Public<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Advance ticket sales begin <strong>Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m.<\/strong> Tickets will also be sold at the Main Entrance on the day of the event on March 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2022-festival-admission\">2026 Festival Admission*<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Mission Members <\/td><td><strong>FREE<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Adults (18-59)<\/td><td><strong>$20<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seniors (60+)<\/td><td><strong>$17<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Students (with valid ID)<\/td><td><strong>$14<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Youth (5+)<\/td><td><strong>$14<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Children (4 and younger)<\/td><td><strong>FREE<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>* The following vouchers\/promotions\/offers are NOT valid for entry on St. Joseph&#8217;s Day: Complimentary Admission Guest Passes, CertifiKID, Gold Star, Groupon and Travel Zoo.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-blue-color has-text-color\" id=\"ticket-policies\"><strong>Ticket Policies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TICKET SALES FINAL<\/strong><br>Ticket sales are final. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It requires immense effort and administration to process ticket orders. We are unable to accommodate refunds or exchanges. Thank you for your understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY<\/strong><br>Should there be conditions related to weather, rain, emergency or other conditions beyond control of Mission staff that should necessitate cancellation of the event, tickets will not be refunded. Please consider the cost of your tickets a charitable donation in support of Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic California landmark #200 and 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization #95-1904079.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"Entertainment\"><strong>Entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/rene-bondi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/rene-bondi.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/rene-bondi-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/royal-court-sacred-garden.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/royal-court-sacred-garden.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/royal-court-sacred-garden-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/jacque-nunez-swallows-day.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/jacque-nunez-swallows-day.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/jacque-nunez-swallows-day-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>\u201cWhen the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano\u201d Performed by Recording Artist, Renee Bondi<\/strong><br>With Mariachi Tapatio de Los Angeles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Native American Basket Weavers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Duende Flamenco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Full Program to be Released Soon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"FoodVendors\"><strong>Food Vendors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"313\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/316-Bakery.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/316-Bakery.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/316-Bakery-300x122.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"SwallowsLegend\"><strong>History of St. Joseph&#8217;s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/swallow-nests-GSC.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/swallow-nests-GSC.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/swallow-nests-GSC-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The swallows are said to migrate annually to Goya, Argentina in October, and return to their spring and summer home in San Juan Capistrano each March. The Swallows celebration began centuries ago when Mission padres observed that the birds\u2019 return roughly coincided with St. Joseph\u2019s Day on the church calendar, March 19. The celebration has achieved international prominence since then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his book, Capistrano Nights, Father St. John O\u2019Sullivan, Pastor of Mission San Juan Capistrano 1910-33, relates how the swallows first came to call the Mission home. One day, while walking through town, Fr. O\u2019Sullivan saw a shopkeeper, broomstick in hand, knocking down the conically shaped mud swallow nests that were under the eaves of his shop. The birds were darting back and forth through the air squealing over the destruction of their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat in the world are you doing?\u201d Fr. O\u2019Sullivan asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhy, these dirty birds are a nuisance and I am getting rid of them!\u201d the shopkeeper responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBut where can they go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t care,\u201d he replied, slashing away with his pole. \u201cBut they\u2019ve no business here, destroying my property.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fr. O\u2019Sullivan then said, \u201cCome on swallows, I\u2019ll give you shelter. Come to the Mission. There\u2019s room enough there for all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-msjc-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/history\" style=\"border-radius:12px\">SWALLOWS STORY<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-msjc-teal-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/history\" style=\"border-radius:12px\">MISSION HISTORY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">St. Joseph&#8217;s Day Table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sponsored by Mission Preservation Foundation Board Member Vicky Carabini<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1021\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-1024x1021.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-1024x1021.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-768x766.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-1536x1531.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/OLD-SwallowsDayStJosephsDayTable_22x28-for-Website-2048x2042.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"Entertainment\"><strong>Mission Swallows Policy Statement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our signature swallow consists of an illustrative fork tail swallow, in-flight. This type of swallow art is unique to the Mission San Juan Capistrano brand because of its popularity in the 1930s and usage in vintage and historic memorabilia. The American public, and even the world at large, has come to associate the Mission San Juan Capistrano landmark as the home of these famed birds. When the Mission portrays the literal swallows, we use the photographic, authentic and real life image. In graphic form, we use the romantic version, fork tailed, in-flight swallow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"Sponsorships\"><strong>Sponsors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-thank-you-to-our-generous-sponsors-for-their-support-of-st-joseph-s-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration-202-6\"><em><strong>Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support of <\/strong><br><strong>St. Joseph&#8217;s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration 202<\/strong><\/em>6<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Vicky and Michael Carabini<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-costco-wholesale-nbsp-san-juan-capistrano-429\">Costco Wholesale&nbsp;San Juan Capistrano #429<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"252\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CitySide_LargeFormatLogo_BLUE_full_color_v1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7327\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2.5716854768696513;width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CitySide_LargeFormatLogo_BLUE_full_color_v1.png 648w, https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CitySide_LargeFormatLogo_BLUE_full_color_v1-300x117.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citysidefiber.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Csmontesdeoca%40missionsjc.com%7C0deb64e069224c15357c08de5f617a36%7C16b4e738512e4adbbb087280395eaf87%7C0%7C0%7C639053069488315109%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=5nkLCGJGn%2BzBfDLKSDwrtVhq2OgooZQkgfsCloMZvpU%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Cityside Fiber | Built for SoCal<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-msjc-gray-medium-color has-text-color\" id=\"Sponsorships\"><strong>Underwriting and Sponsorships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/sponsorship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Underwriting and sponsorships<\/a> available for all events, for more information please contact Stephanie Montes de Oca, Events Director at (949) 234-1316 or by emailing <a href=\"mailto:smontesdeoca@missionsjc.com\">smontesdeoca@missionsjc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<aside id=\"callout-vertical-block_5a9c9ac6051759826a622018e8386fe8\" class=\"block-callout-vertical w-full px-0 sm:px-1 md:px-3 lg:px-6 xl:px-8 mb-12 md:mb-0\">\n    <div class=\"h-60 sm:h-40 md:h-40 flex bg-cover bg-center\"\n         style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/train-depot.jpg')\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"bg-primary-beige p-6 pt-4\">\n        <h4 class=\"text-center font-serif mb-1\">\n            Getting to San Juan         <\/h4>\n        <p class=\"text-justify text-base\">\n            Take the train to San Juan Capistrano to avoid traffic and parking. The Metrolink and Amtrak both stop in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Swallows Parade Shuttle: There is a shuttle service on Saturday, March 23 for the Swallows Day Parade; provided by the City of San Juan Capistrano.         <\/p>\n                        <a href=\"\/directions-and-parking\"\n           class=\"btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mt-5 mx-auto block w-52 max-w-full\"\n           target=\"\"\n           style=\"background-color: ;\">\n            Learn More        <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<aside id=\"callout-vertical-block_a229c83adb0ec21fa6b9af87a89afb14\" class=\"block-callout-vertical w-full px-0 sm:px-1 md:px-3 lg:px-6 xl:px-8 mb-12 md:mb-0\">\n    <div class=\"h-60 sm:h-40 md:h-40 flex bg-cover bg-center\"\n         style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/msjc-grounds-3.jpg')\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"bg-primary-beige p-6 pt-4\">\n        <h4 class=\"text-center font-serif mb-1\">\n            Discover Downtown        <\/h4>\n        <p class=\"text-justify text-base\">\n            St. Joseph\u2019s Day ends at 3pm. The Swallows Day Parade takes place on Saturday, March 23  from 11am until approximately 2pm. Plan your whole visit to historic San Juan Capistrano for dining, shopping and exploring before and after the festivities by checking out all our recommendation destinations!        <\/p>\n                        <a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/SJCMapGuide-2020.pdf\"\n           class=\"btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mt-5 mx-auto block w-52 max-w-full\"\n           target=\"\"\n           style=\"background-color: ;\">\n            Map &amp; Guide        <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<aside id=\"callout-vertical-block_106e218c9d29f86828a84998cc3d7bfc\" class=\"block-callout-vertical w-full px-0 sm:px-1 md:px-3 lg:px-6 xl:px-8 mb-12 md:mb-0\">\n    <div class=\"h-60 sm:h-40 md:h-40 flex bg-cover bg-center\"\n         style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/swallows-day-parade.jpg')\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"bg-primary-beige p-6 pt-4\">\n        <h4 class=\"text-center font-serif mb-1\">\n            Swallows Day Parade        <\/h4>\n        <p class=\"text-justify text-base\">\n            The traditions of celebrating the return of the swallows have grown into a community-wide season of festivities in San Juan Capistrano. The Fiesta de las Golondrinas is a series of events, hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, celebrating the return of the swallow to Capistrano.        <\/p>\n                        <a href=\"http:\/\/www.swallowsparade.com\/\"\n           class=\"btn bg-primary-green text-white font-bold mt-5 mx-auto block w-52 max-w-full\"\n           target=\"_blank\"\n           style=\"background-color: ;\">\n            Learn More        <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St. Joseph\u2019s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration is a world-renowned tradition celebrating the annual return of the famous swallows to Capistrano. This tradition was started by Father &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/st-josephs-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":572,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-with-nav.blade.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-571","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.4 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>St. Joseph&#039;s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration - Mission San Juan Capistrano<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missionsjc.com\/st-josephs-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"St. Joseph&#039;s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"St. Joseph\u2019s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration is a world-renowned tradition celebrating the annual return of the famous swallows to Capistrano. 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