Irish Mexicans (
Spanish: Irlandés-mexicano or Hibernomexicano;
Irish: Gael-Meicsiceach) are inhabitants of
Mexico that are immigrants from or descendants of immigrants from
Ireland. The majority of Irish immigrants to Mexico were
Catholic.
History
A few Mexican Irish communities existed in
Mexican Texas prior to the
Texas Revolution. They were fully integrated into Mexican society at the time and were linked to their host society through inter-marriage, a shared language, and business ties.[2] When revolution broke out, many Irish sided with Catholic Mexico against Protestant pro-U.S. elements.[3] The Batallón de San Patricio was a largely (ethnically) Irish battalion of U.S. troops who deserted and fought alongside the
Mexican Army against the United States in the
Mexican–American War of 1846 to 1848.[4] Veterans of the battalion were awarded with the Cross of Honor for their service to the Mexican government.[5] In some cases, Irish immigrants or Americans left from
California (the Irish Confederate army of
Fort Yuma,
Arizona during the
American Civil War in 1861) and blended into Mexican society instead.[6]
Álvaro Obregón (O'Brien) was
president of Mexico during 1920–1924 and
Ciudad Obregón and its
airport are named in his honor. Actor
Anthony Quinn is another famous Mexican of Irish descent. There are also monuments in Mexico City paying tribute to those Irish who fought for Mexico in the 1800s.[7]
Louis CK, Mexican born comedian and actor, mother was
Irish American, father was Mexican/Hungarian. CK (Szekely) was partially raised in Mexico City[8]
Margo, Mexican actress and dancer of Irish descent
Mexico portal 1 Jews and Romani originate in the Middle East and South Asia respectively, with most arriving to Mexico via Europe · 2 Primarily arrived via Canada · 3 Originated in what is now the United States