Mission San Juan Capistrano Brings Back Tradition with St. Joseph Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration
Mission San Juan Capistrano proudly announces the return of its community celebration marking the annual return of the swallows and St. Joseph’s Day on Saturday, March 19. The world-famous return of the swallows was started by Father O’Sullivan in the 1930’s at Mission San Juan and is celebrated each year on March 19 St. Joseph Day, a liturgical feast day recognized in the Catholic Church.
St. Joseph Day includes live entertainment, ringing of the historic bells, local food and craft vendors, virtual presentation by world famous swallows expert Dr. Charles Brown.
“Mission San Juan Capistrano opens its doors to the faithful, the weary, the families, the students and the birds this year on St. Joseph’s Day after having significantly reduced or cancelled festivities over the past two years. The historic bells will ring at noon on March 19 to celebrate Saint Joseph and welcome everyone home, including the swallows,” said Mission San Juan Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams.
Visitors will experience the Mission’s history with station tours, Legacy of Saint Serra exhibit in the historic Sala building, Native American basket weaving demonstrations and a St. Joseph’s Table display honoring St. Joseph in an effort to feed those less fortunate. A special exhibit, “Journey to Renewal” will debut featuring conserved artwork, made possible by Jan and the Honorable Warren Siegel.
St. Joseph’s Day Celebration Tentative Schedule
9:00 a.m. Gates open; Historic bell ringing upon the Mission’s opening (honoring Saint Junipero Serra)
10:00 a.m. Welcome presentation, Mission’s Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
10:15 a.m. “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano,” performed by Renée Bondi accompanied by Mariachi Tapatio
10:20 a.m. Mariachi Tapatio band performs live mariachi music
11:00 a.m. Duende Flamenco performs dances in the ancient folklore tradition
11:50 a.m. Tushmal Singers performs native songs
11:55 a.m. National anthem is performed live at the historic bell wall, by Darren Hunting, local resident and educator
Noon Historic bell ringing (honoring Saint Joseph and the Swallows return)
1:00 p.m. Lecture on the State of the Mission’s Swallows, featuring Dr. Charles R. Brown, University of Tulsa (live via Zoom)
2:00 p.m. Exclusive live tour, Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams (limited to 20)
2:00 p.m. Garden tour with Mission garden guides
2:00 p.m. Swallows Walk and Talk; Special tour on the History of the Swallows
Tickets go on sale to the general public and Mission members on February 1, 2022. For complete details about ticket reservations and pricing, visit www.missionsjc.com/swallows. Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.
About St. Joseph’s Day/Return of the Swallows and Mission San Juan Capistrano
St. Joseph’s Day is a feast day marked by the Catholic Church which has been celebrated on March 19 since the 10th century. Mission San Juan Capistrano began celebrating the Return of the Swallows on Saint Joseph’s Day in the 1920’s when then Mission resident priest Father St. John O’Sullivan wrote the legendary swallows story on St. Joseph Day, which happened to be his birthday.
The Mission’s swallows migrate 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina to San Juan Capistrano in large groups. Some cliff swallow colonies number more than 3,500 nests found under the eaves of the Mission. The gourd-shaped nests are made of mud pellets consisting of sand, silt and clay while the nest chambers are lined with grass and feathers.
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features exhibits, five-language audio tour, festivals and public programming. As Orange County’s only mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (circa 1796) and original padres’ quarters.
Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junipero Serra as the seventh of 21 California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance.
Media Contact: Barbara Kimler PR
Photos Credit: Mission San Juan Capistrano
