Oxford Prep Band Dazzled Crowd

Photographs and Written by: Mary Dona-Paras, MBA

The 57th Annual Swallows Day Parade was a huge success! Enthusiastic crowds flocked into the historic town of San Juan Capistrano on March 21st. Part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, the parade celebrates the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day. Festival highlights included the parade and mercado street faire. Recardo Beas served as this year’s grand marshal.

Over 40,000 people lined up the streets to watch various marching bands, floats, youth groups, and acts perform. The parade is recognized as one of the most competitive parades in the nation. Marching bands from all over have spent countless hours preparing for this. Parade participants included the Redwood Middle School Band, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Pipe Band, USMC 1st Marine Division Band, and Oxford Preparatory Academy (OPA).

Enthusiastic crowds cheered on as OPA’s marching band, color guard, and spirit squad performed. 

Tizoc Ceballos, OPA’s Band Director, worked with the kids from both campuses to get them ready for back-to-back parades: the Swallows Day Parade and Festival of Whales. At the Dana Point’s Festival of Whales Parade held on March 7th, OPA snatched the title Best Musical Group award despite having the youngest band participants.

In addition to the exciting parade, the town bustled with activities such as pancake breakfast, live music, souvenir shops, street food vendors, and several fun activities for kids.

As this year’s Swallows Day Fiesta has come to a close, it’s time for you to mark your calendar for next year’s event. The 58th Annual Swallows Day Parade will be held on March 12, 2016.