The Swallows Day Parade is part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows, a celebration of the return of the migratory songbird to Mission San Juan Capistrano on St. Joseph’s Day.

During this three-month Fiesta de las Golondrinas, the Fiesta Association is responsible for various fundraising and community activities including Taste of San Juan, Kids Pet Parade, El Presidenté Ball, Fiesta Grande which includes the Hairiest Man & Soiled Dove Contests, and the infamous Hoos’Gow Day round-up, all culminating with the Swallows Day Parade and The Mercado.

The Parade takes place throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parade. It is a spectacular event that you will want to attend. It is organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association.

Take the convenient Shuttle Bus or arrive early as most street closures are in effect by 10AM. This is a fun family event celebrating the annual return of the swallows. Parade starts at 11AM.

Come by car or even train and be sure to mark your calendar to start making the Swallows Day Parade an annual tradition for you and your entire family. You will be so glad that you did!

If you want to be in the parade … read these rules.

See the parade route here