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ST. JOSEPH’S DAY at the San Juan Capistrano Mission
March 19 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
ST. JOSEPH’S DAY & RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS CELEBRATION
This historic celebration full of tradition, community, and festivity, is celebrated annually on March 19, marking the return of our famous swallows to Capistrano and the coming of spring – a time of renewal and rebirth. Typical highlights of the day include:
• Ringing of the historic bells
• Live Mariachi music
• Community presentations
• Native American Storytelling
• Flamenco dance performance
• History of St. Joseph’s Day and Swallows Legend
• St. Joseph’s Table Hosted by Vicky Carabini, MPF Board Member
• Lecture: The Day that Al Capone, Gangster of the 1930s, Came to Visit the Mission
• Coloring Pages
• Complimentary Tours
• Craft Station for Kids and more!
Celebration Schedule
BELL WALL
9:00 a.m. Daily Ringing of the Historic Bells
In Honor of St. Junípero Serra
11:15 a.m. Mariachi Music
11:45 a.m. Official Bell Ringing Ceremony
“When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano”
performed by Vocalist, Renée Bondi
with accompaniment from Mariachi Tapatio
National Anthem
12:00 p.m. Ringing of the Historic Bells
In Honor of St. Joseph and the Swallows Return
CENTRAL COURTYARD
10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
10:10 – 11:00 a.m. Mariachi Tapatio performing mariachi favorites
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Duende Flamenco performing Latin dances
11:45 a.m. Break for Bell Ringing
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Mariachi Tapatio performing mariachi favorites
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. 6/8 Time A Cappella Group
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Journey’s to the Past featuring Jacque Tahuka Nunez
THROUGHOUT THE MISSION
10:00 – 1:00 p.m. Native American Basket Weaving Demonstrations
Demonstrating traditions of local Native American culture, from the Acjachemen people
10:00 – 1:00 p.m. Interpretive Station Tours: Led by volunteer Mission Docents
Learn about Mission history at the Serra Chapel, Ruins of the Great Stone Church,
the Padres Bedroom and the Industrial Area.
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Lecture: The Day that Al Capone, Gangster of the 1930s,
Came to Visit the Mission
Historian Chris Jepsen debuts shocking evidence supporting the long-doubted story
of Public Enemy #1 in our own backyard
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Complimentary Exclusive Tour with Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
Take a tour and learn all about the Mission conversation through the years.
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Complimentary Swallows Walk and Talk Tour
Take a special tour and learn the history of the swallows.
