News Summary
This weekend, San Juan Capistrano will host the 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair, a vibrant event honoring family, culture, and the return of the swallows. Festivities kick off on Saturday with the parade and an all-day Heritage Barbecue, offering delicious food, music, and activities for all ages. Beyond the parade, new local businesses and art workshops also add to the weekend’s excitement. Join the community in celebrating this beloved tradition filled with joy and fun for everyone!
San Juan Capistrano Gears Up for the 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair
Get ready, San Juan Capistrano! This weekend marks the much-anticipated 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair, a time-honored tradition that breathes life into the city and welcomes back the beloved swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission. The festivities, known as the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, are all about family fun, embracing the spirit of the Old West, and celebrating the remarkable migration of these charming little birds from Argentina.
Parade and Street Fair Details
The excitement kicks off on Saturday, with the parade set to begin at 11 A.M. on Los Rios Street. Expect lively floats, creative costumes, and a joyous atmosphere filled with laughter and cheer as families line the streets to catch the action. Get there early, though, as street closures will start at 10 A.M. to prepare for the fun ahead! Gather your loved ones, grab some snacks, and prepare to enjoy a day like no other.
Heritage Barbecue Event
In addition to the parade, the Heritage Barbecue will be hosting a fantastic all-day celebration from 11 A.M. on Saturday. Food lovers will rejoice in the mouth-watering barbecue offerings, live country music, refreshing beer, and exciting giveaways. This vibrant atmosphere will keep you entertained throughout the day as you savor the delicious eats and soak in the generous spirit of the community. It promises to make for a fantastic backdrop during the festivities.
Fun Beyond the Parade
But wait! There’s so much more happening in the area. If you haven’t already heard, Daiso, a family-owned store offering over 100,000 unique products, opened a new location in Aliso Viejo at 26517 Aliso Creek Rd. The store is open daily from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., so you can easily pop in before or after your weekend adventure!
And for foodies looking for something a bit different, a delightful Greek street food place has opened in Irvine, serving up house-made gyro meats, souvlaki skewers, and traditional desserts. Located at 15333 Culver Drive, Suite 450, the new eatery will be open daily from 11 A.M. to 9:30 P.M.. It’s a great option to explore after the parade!
Art and Music Fun
If you’re looking to engage the creative little ones, there’s a sensory-friendly art workshop for kids inspired by the Laguna Art Museum. This free event takes place on Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. and offers children a chance to create beautiful watercolor cut-out portraits. Encouraging their artistic side has never been more fun!
As if that weren’t enough, the dance season for the Pacific Symphony is kicking off, with a three-ballet package available for purchase starting at $135. Don’t miss the chance to treat yourself to some stunning performances this season!
Celebrate Culture and History
This weekend’s events also hold significance, with the earlier celebration on March 19 for St. Joseph’s Day, where history-based performances and the ringing of historic bells took place at Mission San Juan Capistrano. It showcases the deep community connection felt around here, with mariachi performances, native storytelling, and local culture classes highlighting the event’s festive spirit.
All Access Pass
Tickets for the Mission’s special events are available at varied prices for adults and youth, with free admission for children under four. Plus, public parking is conveniently available nearby. For an even easier visit, consider hopping on the Metrolink or Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano!
So, mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a weekend filled with joy, laughter, and celebration in San Juan Capistrano. The 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair promises to be a wonderful event for all ages!
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Mission San Juan Capistrano Celebrations
- Wikipedia: Swallows of San Juan Capistrano
- South OC Beaches: St. Joseph’s Day Celebration Guide
- Google Search: St. Joseph’s Day Celebration San Juan Capistrano
- NBC Los Angeles: Swallow Parade Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swallows Day Parade
- KFI AM 640: Tim Conway Jr. on Swallows Day Parade
- Google News: Swallows Day Parade San Juan Capistrano
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
