For over a century, the cliff swallows that make their summer home at Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California have been celebrated both on their return to Southern California and on their departure. Return of the Swallows Celebration Day and International Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day both shine the spotlight on this fascinating migrating bird and the long history it has with this community south of Los Angeles.
When is International Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day?
On October 23 of every year, International Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day is celebrated in San Juan Capistrano, California.
This day commemorates the yearly migration of the cliff swallows from their summer home in California to their winter home in Goya, Argentina.
The cliff swallows typically travel around 5,000 miles to reach their destination. During the migration, they will stop at various places along the way to rest and eat before continuing on their journey.
What day do the swallows come back to Capistrano?
Around March 19, St. Joseph’s Day, the swallows return from their winter home in Argentina to their summer home in San Juan Capistrano where they will mate and raise their young.
St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration Day are recognized with an annual event which was started by Father O’Sullivan in the 1920s.
Every year, on March 19th, mission bells ring out at San Juan Capistrano to mark the return of the swallows to the eaves of the Great Stone Church. The annual festival features mariachi music, vendors, storytelling and presentations on these fascinating birds.
It’s a celebration over a century in the making—and one with a fascinating back story.
How Long Have the Swallows Been Coming to San Juan Capistrano?
The legend of Father O’Sullivan and the swallows is a popular one among backyard bird enthusiasts.
The story goes that Father O’Sullivan, a missionary priest in California, one day saw swallow nests being destroyed at a local shop. When the priest asked the shopkeeper where the swallows would go now that their homes were destroyed, the man said he didn’t know and didn’t care.
Father O’Sullivan turned to the birds and said, “Come on swallows, I’ll give you shelter. Come to the Mission. There’s room enough there for all.”
His kindness was instrumental in helping the local Swallows population avoid starvation. In return, the grateful birds would often nest in his fireplace and entertain him with their songs.
Today, visitors to San Juan Capistrano can still see these same Swallows flying high overhead – a living testament to Father O’Sullivan’s kindness.
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features permanent exhibits with original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. Orange County’s only Mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, The Great Stone Church and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing and promotes faith, education, preservation and cultural event programming.
Celebrating the What Are Some Interesting Facts About Swallows?
- Swallows are able to fly up to 60 miles per hour.
- They can live up to 10 years in the wild.
- They are very social creatures and live in large colonies.
- Each swallow builds its own mud nest.
- Both male and female swallows help care for the young.
- They eat mainly insects, which they catch in flight.
Share Your Photos on Social Media
For October’s celebration, share your photos of swallows on your favorite social media channels with hashtag #SwallowsDepartFromSanJuanCapistranoDay.
For the March celebration, share your photos with hashtag #SwallowsDay.
Whether you are able to enjoy one of these events in person or virtually–or you take a moment to learn if there are swallows near your own home, there’s no doubt that this twice-annual event and the history behind it is as fascinating as these migrating birds!
Pin it to remember International Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day & Return of the Swallows Celebration
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