Every year, the famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano swirl into the sky and head back to their wintering grounds in Goya, Argentina, around October 23rd. This annual event is called the Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day. But what happens when they return?
On March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day, these same swallows return to their spring and summer home in San Juan Capistrano. This event is known as the Return of the Swallows, and it has become a celebrated tradition for locals and visitors alike.
The Legend of the Swallows
The legend of the swallows dates back to 1797 when Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Juan Capistrano. According to legend, he promised that if an earthquake destroyed his mission, God would send a flock of birds to rebuild it. In 1812, an earthquake destroyed much of the mission, but soon after, a flock of swallows returned and began rebuilding it with mud and straw nests.
The Celebration
The Return of the Swallows celebration occurs each year on March 19th at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Visitors can witness this incredible event as thousands of cliff swallows fly into town and begin rebuilding their nests in preparation for spring and summer. There are also many activities, such as live music performances, food vendors, arts & crafts booths, educational exhibits about birds & conservation efforts, and more!
How You Can Help
The Return of the Swallows celebration is an excellent opportunity for people to learn about conservation efforts and how they can help protect these amazing creatures. There are several ways you can get involved:
- Donate money or supplies to local conservation organizations that are working hard to protect birds like cliff swallows;
- Plant native plants in your garden or backyard that will attract birds;
- Participate in clean-up events around your community;
- Educate yourself about bird migration patterns so you can better understand why certain species migrate annually;
- And lastly, spread awareness about this incredible event by sharing photos or stories with friends & family!
Conclusion
The Return of the Swallows celebration is a beautiful reminder that nature is resilient and capable of returning from even the most devastating disasters. It’s also an excellent opportunity for people to unite and celebrate one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena – bird migration! So mark your calendars for March 19th each year so you don’t miss out on this fantastic event!
