Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday that has a deep meaning unique to Mexico. Here’s why...
During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), around 200 soldiers in the U.S. Army – many of Irish decent – deserted and joined the Mexican Army. Various explanations of why they chose to do so have been offered. Perhaps they were driven by ideology, since as immigrants who had experienced discrimination they identified with the Mexicans living in the U.S. southern states. Perhaps they deserted for economic reasons, since the Mexican Army reportedly promised higher pay than could be earned in the U.S. Army. Perhaps it was familial ties, since relatively large numbers of Irish had migrated to Mexico during the Great Famine in Ireland.
During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), around 200 soldiers in the U.S. Army – many of Irish decent – deserted and joined the Mexican Army. Various explanations of why they chose to do so have been offered. Perhaps they were driven by ideology, since as immigrants who had experienced discrimination they identified with the Mexicans living in the U.S. southern states. Perhaps they deserted for economic reasons, since the Mexican Army reportedly promised higher pay than could be earned in the U.S. Army. Perhaps it was familial ties, since relatively large numbers of Irish had migrated to Mexico during the Great Famine in Ireland.