SeeCalifornia.com

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIF.–After the swallows have come to nest, and after the big Swallows Day Parade is over, you’d think that the dust would settle down in the quiet little town of San Juan Capistrano. Its biggest claim to fame is an old mission dating back to 1776. The beloved icon, Mission San Juan Capistrano, has big of fans–lots of plans–and time on its hands. One way the mission has decided to celebrate its humble beginnings is through traditional ceremonies that carry on its history–such as bell ringing. It’s very old fashioned–and extremely hands-on!

Bells have played an important part in Mission San Juan Capistrano’s history (and throughout the 21 missions), since Father Junipero Serra first rang them to bless the area in 1776. The daily tolling of the bells allowed people from miles around to keep track of events, including times for work and prayer, and mark important celebrations, such as births, deaths and holidays. Mission San Juan Capistrano is conducting daily ringing of the historic mission bells in honor of Father Junipero Serra… read more and learn about the Camino Real bells.