[Franais] [Deutsch] Franais Deutsch Mission San Juan Capistrano [MISSION PHOTO] The Swallows of San Juan Capistrano ------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are many romantic legends about the Mission. The most popular are about the swallows of Capistrano.The Swallows Festivals are celebrated annually in mid March. Visitors from all over the world come to witness the return of the swallows to Capistrano. Legend says the swallows, seeking sanctuary from an innkeeper who destroyed their nests, took up residence at the old Mission. They return to the site each year to nest, knowing their young can be safe within the Mission walls. Swallows arrive in groups to nest throughout the Capistrano Valley. Nests are made with mud mixed with saliva. They are built in rocky cliffs, caves, or under the eaves of buildings. Swallows feed their young on insects plucked from the air and are a benefit to agriculture. As the town has grown, the swallows have additional nesting sites, but their food supply has dwindled due to fewer agricultural activities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mission San Juan Capistrano Links Mission Homepage Concerts Calendar Art Exhibits Calendar Festivals/Events School Report Map To the Calendar Information Mission/Directions Mission Preservation Mission Membership Program Preservation Tile Living History Days Program Mission San Juan Capistrano (714) 248-2048 Contact us via e-mail [Image] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ All contents COPYRIGHT© 1997 by OCSouth-Online and Mission San Juan Capistrano All Rights Reserved