Look! Up in the sky ...
Every year on or about March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, the swallows return to Mission San Juan Capistrano. And every year on or about Oct. 23, the feast of San Juan, they leave and travel about 6,000 miles to their winter home in Goya, Argentina. Or so goes the legend. The annual return of the swallows has been celebrated for more than 100 years at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra. Today it is the mission’s largest annual celebration and features bell ringing, ceremonies, docent tours, arts, crafts, mariachi performers, school choirs, Indian dance groups, ethnic foods and other attractions. This year, the mission will have a family day on Sunday and the traditional celebration on Monday.
Return of the Swallows Day, San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $5 to $7; 3 and younger, free. (949) 234-1300.
* Also 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
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