Swallows Day Change Protest Vigil Called Off
A group of Native Americans and other longtime residents say they will no longer hold a candlelight vigil at the city’s Blas Aguilar Adobe to protest the changing of the traditional date of Swallows Day two years ago.
Traditionally, Mission San Juan Capistrano celebrated the birds’ return on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. Then mission officials expanded the festival to include Saturday activities, one of which is downtown’s 40th annual Swallows Day Parade, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.
Most residents have accepted the fact that there are two celebration dates, said Janice Evans, a longtime resident.
Today, Juaneno Indians will show off crafts, displays and exhibits at the historic 204-year-old adobe, just across from the mission.
Juanenos had held the vigil because they were upset that they had not been consulted about the date change, Evans said.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 31806 El Camino Real.
Information: (714) 487-0279.
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