SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO- March 19th is the traditional date when the swallows return from their winter in the southern hemisphere, to the eaves of Mission San Juan Capistrano. San Juan was one of the first communities in Orange County, and it was once the real center of life, being much larger than its current size. Dana Point, in fact, was formerly known as San Juan Point.

The Swallows Day Parade will begin tomorrow, Saturday, March 20th, at 11:00 AM. The Grand Marshal will be Elarion M. Hernandez, a direct descendant of Sgt. Jose Francisco Ortega, the scout for the first European expedition into the Capistrano Valley. The Parade, which celebrates the return of the swallows to the Mission, will begin at El Camino Real, and end at La Zanaja Street.

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