Welcome to the annual “Festival of the Bells” official site. This one weekend event is the anniversary celebration of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the Mother of California’s 21 Missions. Founded by Blessed Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is located at 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, Ca. 92108. MAP

Each year in mid July, parishioners, volunteers and visitors all gather for one weekend to celebrate the beginning of Christianity in the western United States with food, entertainment, dance and traditional activities like the blessing of the bells and blessing of the animals. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802. The “Festival of the Bells” is a great family event with activities and entertainment for the whole family and is a great opportunity for everyone to visit and learn more of this historic landmark.

For more information on the rich history of the Mission and additional parish information, please visit Mission San Diego de Alcalá’s website at http://missionsandiego.com.

This site was established to provide useful information and resources to volunteers, parishioners and visitors in regards to activities surrounding the “Festival of the Bells”.

"Always go forward...never turn back"
-Bl. Father Junipero Serra