Happy Swallows Day 2018!
For the last thirty years we’ve lived here, and the
seventeen years before when we spent weekends here, we have assiduously avoided
San Juan Capistrano on Swallows Day. Larry doesn’t like crowds. We’ve never had
kids in the parade. Although friends have marched, we have never even seen it—until
today.
Larry was asked to take pictures of the group from Community
Presbyterian Church where we were members for well over forty years. The church
will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, and they are trying
to get out the word.
They arranged for a wagon with large banners to carry those
who were unable to walk the whole parade route. Another large group walked. Larry
followed the group, going back and forth from the wagon to the walkers taking
photos. I decided to go along with Larry at the last minute. I figured I’d wave
them off and then walk around town until they came back.
However, the group organizers wanted the wagon to be full,
so I was invited to ride along.
I loved seeing all the great costumes of the various groups.
The local Acjachemen (Juaneño) Indians in their native costumes represented
the first people of this area well. The costumes of the Mexican Chinelo dancers
were the most colorful I saw, and there were lots of them.
The traditional
riders’ groups, mounted color guard groups (two of them), the Marines from Camp
Pendleton, groups representing the mission itself, the local theater, and
several local schools, as well as marching bands created a delightful mix of
sights and sounds.
Okay, I’ll admit I
had a great time. I don’t think I need to do it again, but we’ll see next year.
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