Saturday
Mar242012
swallows day parade
Today is the annual Swallows Day Parade by the San Juan Capistrano mission in Southern California. It's a parade that's been going on for as long as I can remember, and is touted as the nation's longest non-motorized parade. There's lots of horses and high school marching bands and good Mexican food. It's not so crowded that you can't see anything and we like to bring a blanket and some chairs and sit on the grassy area by the New Mission Church (not part of the original mission, but built in the "spirit and likeness" of the original stone church which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812). It makes for a lovely Saturday morning.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
03.24.2012
Reader Comments (9)
it does sound lovely. mission style architecture is one of my very favorites. thanks for sharing.
a little bit of nostalgia on a monday afternoon. loved this. i'm from san clemente, but had a few years living in san juan, dana point, mission viejo growing up. san juan has always had a special place in my heart...especially that part of town. many memories going to the mission, ruby's diner, the franciscan theater, public library, etc etc etc. swallow's is always a fun time of year. i live in sweden now, but long for the summer's when we come home...san juan ALWAYS gets a good visit in. thanks for this.
How lovely to read about this parade! One of our favorite children's books is Leo Politi's Song of the Swallows which takes place on the grounds of this very mission. I had no idea there was such a big, real-life parade there, but it makes me very happy to know that there is. Thanks for sharing!
I miss SJC! Many fond memories at that parade.
Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend. Your photos are so pretty and calming
Stay in the Lines
The mission is amazing, it's so beautiful.
I love the San Juan Capistrano Mission and swallows day - it's always around my birthday (March 18th). Your beautiful photos captured the mission spirit!
Love your photo it's absolutely stunning!
We almost went to that! I think one of the kids was sick...next year we should go together! I've heard it's wonderful!