San Juan Capistrano is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for its historic mission, Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776 by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order. The mission was named after Saint John of Capistrano, a 15th-century Italian priest who resided in the area. San Juan Capistrano is also home to the annual Swallows Day Parade, which celebrates the return of the cliff swallows each spring.