By Kimberley Riccio
Many of the 21 California missions have been restored and are fully functional parishes and schools. These restored missions have church tours, museums and gift shops to explore. They also hold annual festivals with activities for families throughout the year to support and celebrate the parish and community.
Mission San Juan Bautista
The Mission holds its annual fiesta honoring St. John the Baptist during mid-June. The fiesta is free and has live entertainment, food, raffles and games booths.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
The mission holds an annual Mariachi festival in early June. The event is free with a paid admission to the mission. There is food, workshops, puppets and mariachi judging for attendees. The mission holds other events throughout the year such as art exhibits, performances, symphonies and summer programs for kids.
Mission Carols Borromeo de Carmelo
The mission holds an annual Founders Day celebration toward the end of June. Attendees can see dancers, acorn grinding, soap-making, games, cooking demonstrations, Spanish horses and a barbecue dinner.
Mission Basilica San Diego
The mission holds an annual Festival of the Bells in late July. The festival celebrates the founding of the mission, the first of 21 missions in California. The festival includes a talent show, music and food. Admission is free.
Mission San Buenaventura
In early July, the mission holds a street fair. Six blocks of the main street are closed for art, craft, food and drink booths. There are also games and music to entertain.
Mission Delores
Mission Dolores holds events throughout the year including the mission's theater group presentations that bring American folk tales to life. Other events include choral and organ concerts.
Mission San Gabriel Archangel
The Parishes annual fiesta is held in September and begins with the ringing of the bells. The fiesta includes costume contests, history reenactments, food, live entertainment, rides and games for every age group.
Mission San Miguel
The mission holds a Spanish Days at the Rios-Caledonia Adobe festival. The festival includes singers, dancers and an orchestra to provide a historic re-creation of an early-California fiesta. The fiesta is held in early October.
About the Author:
Kimberley Riccio has been writing professionally since 1978. She writes travel articles for various e-magazines and other online publications. Riccio holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Wilmington University, culinary certification from Le Cordon Blu and a Master of Science in cultural sociology from the Defense Graduate Institute.
