With clear skies Saturday morning, the annual Swallows Day Parade took flight in downtown San Juan Capistrano.
The community wasn’t daunted by the warmth of the day, with crowds lining the streets to watch as floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, community organizations and more marched past, celebrating San Juan Capistrano and the area’s history.
Cowgirl Sage Goodrich, 4, watches the action during the 66th annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
James Jenkins with “Buy My Bikes” rides wheelies on his customized bike during the Swallows Day Parade n San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mission Basilica preschoolers Frankie Kersten, from left, Sophia Black, and Shaun Wychock, all 3, hold hands as they walk with Jina Kersten in the San Juan Capistrano’s 66th annual Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
San Juan Capistrano’s 66th annual Swallows Day Parade is one of the country’s largest non-motorized parades. A horse and rider cruise down the parade route on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade is packed with spectators during the annual event on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ballet Folklorico dancers brighten the parade route with their colorful garb during the San Juan Capistrano annual Swallows Day event on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Patricia Medina and Lucky, with Mini Madness Miniature Therapy, take part in San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
San Juan Capistrano’s 66th annual Swallows Day Parade features a variety of horses and riders in one of the country’s largest non-motorized parades on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
San Juan Capistrano’s 66th annual Swallows Day Parade features this dancing horse and rider in one of the country’s largest non-motorized parades on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Cowgirl Sage Goodrich, 4, watches the action during the 66th annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The parade is old school without vehicles, everything powered by foot or hoof. A hometown festival continued downtown after the parade.
Saturday’s 66th annual Swallows Day Parade capped off a slew of community activities organized each year by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association.
