A VISITOR’S GUIDE

To Swallows Day

It’s that time of year again when the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. The streets of the historic town are alive with locals and visitors celebrating the Swallows Day Parade in March. People get to enjoy members of organizations and horses walking by, food and drinks and a chance to see familiar faces and, perhaps, make some new friends.

This year marks the 63rd annual Swallows Day Parade for the South Orange County city. Along with the swallows returning, it will also mark the return of horses—which were not able to be included in the 2022 event due to a then-outbreak of an equestrian brain disease.

The parade and Mercado Street Faire on Saturday, March 25, are part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows. The festivities that day will occur in lovely downtown San Juan Capistrano, which has beautiful architecture and great restaurants and businesses. The parade starts at 11 a.m.

To ensure you have the best time, here are some helpful pointers to guide you through the day.

Arrive Early

Take A Shut Tle Bus

Taking a “convenient” shuttle bus is also an option. The shuttle is free and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shuttle bus parking can be found at Fluidmaster (30800 Rancho Viejo Road) and the Capistrano Business Plaza (30250 Rancho Viejo Road, on the east side of Interstate 5.)

The shuttle bus will drop off at the corner of El Horno and La Matanza streets—a quick jaunt to downtown.