On March 22nd, the 65th Swallows Day Parade was held in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, Southern California. This parade is one of the last remaining non-motorized vehicle parades in the United States, showcasing a picturesque scenery of numerous horse teams and carriages, brimming with traditional charm.
Organized by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, the event also featured a Mercado Street Fair which was open throughout the day. The celebration took place in the downtown area with this year’s theme being “Lassoe and Lace”. Mayor Troy Bourne shared in his remarks, “In no other place in Southern California can you spend a day immersed in history, chasing cowboy culture, and savoring local delicacies while strolling through the city.”
The Swallows Day Parade originated in 1958 to celebrate the annual return of swallows from Argentina, marking the evolution of school carnival activities since the 1930s into the current festival which includes equestrian parades, foot parades, and Western dances. The parade was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2022, the horses were quarantined due to an equine disease outbreak, leading to a horse-less parade.
Michelle Lawrence Adams, Executive Director of the Mission San Juan Capistrano, remarked, “We rang the bells welcoming the swallows back on Wednesday the 19th and actually saw the swallows.” Adams also noted the blooming season, stating, “We posted on Facebook that people can come to visit the church.”
The Mission, established in 1776 by Junípero Serra, one of the nine missions he founded, stands as a historical and cultural landmark. Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar and missionary, founded the mission in the same year the Eastern colonies declared independence, forming the United States.
Thousands of residents from surrounding counties flocked to the town, crowding the streets to catch a glimpse either along the route or from second-story balconies. The parade lasted approximately two hours, with an awards ceremony held at noon, followed by bustling crowds at nearby restaurants and bars.
The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. with the Fiesta Association procession, followed by the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines sponsored by the Mission. The Budweiser Clydesdales, known as the “Gentle Giants”, pulled a red beer wagon, symbolizing the quality and tradition of Anheuser-Busch Companies since 1933 in their second appearance at the Swallows Day Parade.
The Clydesdales in the parade are carefully selected, known for their gentle temperament as they meet millions of festival attendees yearly. These Scottish-bred horses must be at least 3 years old, stand at 6 feet tall at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, have a chestnut coat, and possess white legs and hooves.
The parade also featured bands and cheer squads from local schools, community groups, elected officials, mounted police units, as well as parade contingents representing different cultures like Italian and Mexican styles. Two Chinese American women attending the parade for the first time expressed excitement, previously unaware of the event’s vibrancy.
Maritza, a Spanish-speaking resident living in the community, brought her friends to watch the parade for the second time. She appreciated the exposure to different cultures and their nuances, feeling a sense of inclusivity among everyone present.
One of her friends remarked, “I am thrilled to be here for the first time, this place is so beautiful, I have gained a deep understanding of the people and events here today, it’s a beautiful diverse community.” Seated on the roadside, they enthusiastically clapped and waved, cheering loudly when “Team Taiwan” passed by.
The host introduced “Team Taiwan”, a group composed of Taiwanese-Americans living in the United States where there are over a million Taiwanese-Americans. Taiwan, a beautiful island with a population of 23.9 million, wishes prosperity, peace, love, harmony, strength, and success for the Year of the Snake.
“Team Taiwan” participated for the third time in the Swallows Day Parade, winning second place for the “Hand Drawn Float” among over 130 contingents. The “Boba Milk Tea” within their float was a crowd favorite, with many drawn to its design, display boards, and “I love Boba” balloons.
Nicole, a Spanish-speaking mother, shared, “I love Boba milk tea, the taste of boba balls and milk tea, I’ve been drinking it for at least 10 years.” Her two young daughters chimed in, exclaiming, “I love Boba!”