San Juan Capistrano, California

 city, draw only border

In 1775, Spanish Viceroy Bucareli directed that the next new mission to be established in Alta California (Upper California) would be named in honor of San Juan Capistrano (Saint John Capistrano, 1385-1456). The saint, although a priest, became a war hero when defending Vienna against the Turks. The mission was first established here in 1775 and formally dedicated by Father Serra in 1776. Father Serra named the mission San Juan Capistrano de Quanis-savit. The community that ultimately grew up around it adopted the mission's short name.

San Juan Capistrano, California is known throughout the world for the 232 year old Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is the most historically significant site in Orange County, and certainly its only mission. Legend has it that the miracle of the "Swallows" of 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 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 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.

CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Phone: 949-493-1171
Fax: 949-493-1053

Hours:
Monday-Thursday - 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

www.sanjuancapistrano.org