The 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade

The 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire returns in all its glory on Saturday, March 21 to Downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Street Faire runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the parade starting at 11 a.m. This year’s Swallows Day theme, “Trails, Tails & Traditions – 250 Years!,” relates to The Mission San Juan Capistrano’s celebration of 250 years here in 2026. The parade will feature equestrian groups from all over the state, with wagons, carriages, floats, re-enactment troupes and marching bands — a fun-filled family-friendly event!

Since 1960, the Annual Swallows Day Parade has been one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation. The festivities are a reminder of the city’s equestrian heritage and pays homage to the swallows and their annual return to San Juan Capistrano. The Parade, Fiesta Grande, Hoos’ Gow Day and related events are produced by the all-volunteer organization, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. All funding comes from the community in the form of sponsorships, donations, fundraisers and merchandise sales. The week of Swallows Day offers a trough of happenings. On Wednesday, March 18 from 6 to 10 p.m., the festivities kick-off with the Fiesta Grande at Swallows Inn. Cowboys can compete in a variety of competitions including Best Moustache, Hairiest Man, and Best Beard, while cowgirls vie for Best Outlaw Woman, Best Prairie Girl and other categories. Friday of Swallows Day week includes Hoos’ Gow Day throughout the downtown area. The sheriff and his deputies will be rounding up city slickers not wearing Western gear as well as clean-shaven men, requiring a donation to the Fiesta Association to cover their bail. Come down and check out the hilarious antics. Afterwards at 4 p.m., head over to Los Rios Park with the kids for the 9th Annual Frog-Jumping contest.

The Mercado Street Faire will be happening all day long during Swallows Day, boasting some incredible vendors, live country music, a kid’s zone and plenty of food! The Fiesta Association would like to thank the food vendors who will be serving their delights in the Mercado and the multiple sponsors who helped to support the faire.

For more information on all Swallows Day festivities, please visit www.SwallowsParade.com.