Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in San Miguel
Enjoy the day!
St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a day to have fun, wear green, decorate with shamrocks, and enjoy traditional Irish foods and beverages like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Guinness beer.
But why is it celebrated in Mexico?
... and where to go
Apart from recent globalization and movement of people of Irish descent to different parts of the world, St. Patrick's day has been celebrated in Mexico for quite some time. In fact, the first year I was here for St. Paddy's Day there was a huge concert and event in the Jardín.
There has long been an affinity for the Irish in Mexico because of the famous San Patricios Battalion.
The Saint Patrick's Battalion / Batallón de San Patricio, later reorganized as the Foreign Legion of Patricios, was a Mexican Army unit which fought against the United States in the Mexican-American War. According to the US version of things, they were deserters. According to a more accurate version, they were heroes who fled poverty and oppression and then faced discrimination and mistreatment and thus became part of the Mexican Army.
The San Patricios participated in several battles during the Mexican-American War, including the Battle of Buena Vista. They were known for their bravery and skill in combat, and they were well respected.
Some of the members of Saint Patrick's Battalion were captured by U.S. forces. Many were tried and sentenced to death. Others managed to escape and settle in Mexico, where they were granted land and citizenship.
The Saint Patrick's Battalion is remembered in both Mexico and Ireland as a symbol of solidarity and resistance against imperialism and oppression. Their story has been commemorated in books, songs, and other forms of cultural expression, and they are honored as heroes in both countries.
So get out there and enjoy the festive day.
There are several bars that are having specials and music!
