Misson San Juan Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano, California)

 catholicism, historic landmark, religious organisation, tourist attraction

26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
missionsjc.com

The 232 year old Mission San Juan Capistrano is the most historically significant site in Orange County, and certainly its only mission. It is the most historically significant site in Orange County, and certainly its only mission. Legend has it that the miracle of the "Swallows Return" to Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day. As the little birds wing their way back from Goya, Argentina to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows. The Return of the Swallows Celebration, the Mission's biggest annual event, marks the coming of spring, a time of renewal and rebirth.

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association organizes and presents the annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado on the Saturday following the return of the famous birds. The Swallows Day Parade is the largest, non-motorized, equestrian parade in the United States.

After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "JEWEL OF ALL MISSIONS" San Juan Capistrano, California.

7th of the 21 California Missions. Founded originally 1775 and reestablished in 1776. Founded by Juniperro Serra. Secularized 1834. Retunred to Roman Catholic Church in 1865 by Pres. Abraham Lincoln.