San Juan Capistrano Return of the Swallows Celebration on St. Joseph’s Day is Saturday March 19 2022.
This is an Orange County Family Friendly Event!
St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration is a world-renowned tradition celebrating the annual return of the famous swallows to Capistrano.
This historic celebration full of tradition, community, and festivity, is celebrated annually on March 19, marking the return of the famous swallows to Capistrano and the coming of spring – a time of renewal and rebirth.
Tickets On Sale at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Festival Admission for Adults is $17.00 (ages 12 to 59).
Festival Admission for Seniors is $15.00 (ages 60 and over).
Students with Valid ID: $17.00
Festival Admission for Children: $12.00 (ages 5 +).
Children 4 and under are free.
Mission Members are Free
Highlights For Families with Children
Hands On Crafts Workshop
Mission Clubhouse (Central Courtyard) at 9:00am-3:00pm
An inspired learning experience featuring four hands-on activity stations.
Coloring Station in Central Courtyard at 9:00am-3:00pm
Mission Store (Front Courtyard)
Shop the Mission Store to browse our custom Swallows souvenirs featuring books,
home décor and more. NEW! Follow the Swallow Bird’s Eye “Sticker Tour,” fun for all ages. participants who complete the sticker tour will receive a free prize. Nominal fee
Food Vendors
3:16 Bakery Shop (Coffee, Pastries, Churros and Cookies)
Swallow’s Nest Cotton Candy (Proceeds support the historic Mission)
9:00am: Daily Ringing of the Historic Bells In Honor of St. Junípero Serra
11:15am: Mariachi Tapatio
11:45am: Official Bell Ringing Ceremony
National Anthem performed by vocalist Darren Huntting
12:00pm: Ringing of the Historic Bells In Honor of St. Joseph and the Swallows Return
CENTRAL COURTYARD
10:00am-10:10am: Welcome and Introduction Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
10:10am-10:15am: Tushmal Singers, performing songs in the Acjachemen language
10:11am: 10:20am: “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” The chart-topping song written by Leon René circa 1930s, performed by
Vocalist, Renée Bondi with accompaniment from Mariachi Tapatio, mariachi band
10:20am–11:00am: Mariachi Tapatio performing mariachi favorites
11:00am–11:45am: Duende Flamenco performing Latin dances
12:15pm-1:15pm: 6/8 Time A Cappella Group performing live songs
1:15pm-1:45pm: Redboy Productions: A Native American Family Dance Company
THROUGHOUT THE MISSION
10:00am-1:00pm: Native American Basket Weaving Demonstrations
Demonstrating traditions of local Native American culture, from the Acjachemen people
10:00am-1:00pm: Interpretive Station Tours: Led by volunteer Mission Docents
Learn about Mission history at the Serra Chapel, Ruins of the Great Stone Church, the Padres Bedroom and the Industrial Area.
1:00pm-1:45pm: Virtual Lecture on the State of the Mission’s Swallows
Presented by Dr. Charles R. Brown, University of Tulsa Lecture (45 min.) plus opportunity for Q&A.
2:00pm-2:45pm: Exclusive Tour with Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
Take a tour and learn all about the Mission conversation through the years.
2:00pm-2:45pm: Garden Tours presented by Volunteer Mission Gardening Angels
Take a tour and learn all about the Mission’s beautiful gardens.
2:00pm-2:45pm: Swallows Walk and Talk Tour
Take a special tour and learn the history of the swallows.
*Schedule of events subject to change
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano
