Today, March 19, is the day that the swallows traditionally return to the Spanish mission in the California seaside town of San Juan Capistrano, located between Los Angeles and San Diego.

The celebration of the swallows’ return began early in the 20th century when the Mission’s pastor observed that the birds arrival coincided with St. Joseph’s Day (also March 19). The Mission hosts a Swallows Day celebration each year with music and pagentry, a symbol of spring and rebirth. This year the event was held on March 15 to avoid conflicting with Holy Week, but will return to March 19 in 2009. The Mission will hold a press conference and ring the bells today to welcome the birds.

^{(photo © 2005 Robert A. Estremo/cc license)}

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