History
The Fiesta
Association and The Swallows Day Parade
The "Fiesta de las Golondrinas"
is an outgrowth of a school carnival in the 1930s which was held
to celebrate the return of the swallows. Subsequently, the carnival
became a local equestrian parade. The Fiesta Association began
as a committee of the San Juan Capistrano Business Council, which
was later known as the Chamber
of Commerce. Original events consisted
of an equestrian parade, a trail ride, and a western dance. Various
activities have been added and dropped over the years, but the
parade continues on. Eventually, the parade became such a large
production that the Fiesta committee (now Association) assumed
its own identity. The parade is the nation's largest non-motorized
parade and draws interest worldwide.
Since 1987, a number of
other civic organizations have joined with the Fiesta Association
to form a month long celebration known as the "Fiesta de Las Golondrinas."
The many events scheduled for this time of the year pay tribute
to San Juan Capistrano's unique Spanish and western heritage.
Because of the enormous
city growth since its incorporation in 1961, the Fiesta has played
a strong role in helping newer residents assimilate into the community.
In 1995, the City of
San Juan Capistrano made the Fiesta
Association the lead coordinating organization with approval rights
for all Fiesta de Las Golondrinas events.
By
attending and participating in the various Fiesta
events, it is the Fiesta Association's hope that
the newer residents will come to appreciate San
Juan Capistrano's long and interesting history as
Orange County's oldest community.
The Swallows Day Parade
will be held on March 29th, 2008. The Fiesta
de Las Golondrinas celebrates the legend of the return of the
swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph's Day,
March 19th. This event is the reason behind all the festivities.
San Juan
Capistrano Fiesta Association, with its
ever-growing membership, is open to anyone interested in being
part of a dedicated group of people who are still
making history in San Juan Capistrano.
