Howling Point

  • Home
  • Browse Galleries
  • Search

Swallows Day Parade - March 2022

Photos from the 62nd Annual Swallow Day Parade and Mercado in San Juan Capistrano, California, also known as the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, to celebrate the annual return of the Swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. This has historically been a horse parade, but due to an outbreak of an equine virus, there were no horses this year for the first time in the event's history. I ended up focusing on the creative alternatives people found to overcome the issue, see keyword: 'alternative animal.'
Read More
  • The First Alternative Horse

    The First Alternative Horse

    This was the first of the alternative animals used for the parade, and captured my attention for the theme.

  • Bagpipes

    Bagpipes

    Can't have a parade without bagpipes.

  • Drum Major

    Drum Major

    Someone has to lead the parade.

  • A Herd of Alterna-Horsies

    A Herd of Alterna-Horsies

    Cowgirls making the most of the situation.

  • Variety

    Variety

    There's more than one way to overcome the lack of live horses at the parade.

  • Fabulous I

    Fabulous I

    Spectacular outfit acknowledging San Juan Capistrano's sister city in Italy, Capestrano.

  • 2D Alterna-Horse

    2D Alterna-Horse

    Even lacking a third dimension it showed good spirit.

  • Fabulous II

    Fabulous II

    Another spectacular fashion choice by someone promoting San Juan Capistrano's relationship with its Italian sister city, Capestrano.

  • Another Alterna-Horse

    Another Alterna-Horse

    Can't imagine what this would have been like with live horses.

  • Riding

    Riding

    A few of the alternative horses were actually rideable.

  • Guard Chihuahua

    Guard Chihuahua

    After seeing this guy eyeball the crowd wondering why more of them weren't riding shotgun on the carriages of the Old West.

  • Ancient History or Future Vision?

    Ancient History or Future Vision?

    Yes, there was a group of Jurassic Park / World vehicles in the parade. I don't know if this was a substitute for a horse group, or just people with a broader historical vision. Admittedly wondering how a Baby T-Rex would match up with a Baby Yoda, but I was in the sun too long today.

  • Wild Horses

    Wild Horses

    Looked nice, but I would've liked to see the right one in Mach 5 livery.

  • A smile

    A smile

    Ending the day with a cute smile.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.