In The Community
Over time, this religious celebration has turned into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, packed with parades, good luck charms like the three-leafed shamrock, green clothes, and all things Irish, including food and drinks, particularly Irish beer. Among the countries that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa.
The reason why so many countries in the world have thriving Irish communities is, of course, immigration. Ireland is no stranger to economic hardship, political unrest, and famine, so Irish people have immigrated by the millions in search of a better life. This is a type of life experience they have in common with Latinos.
Actually, Latinos and Irish people have a lot of connections. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Irish in Latin American countries:
Most of the Irish people who chose Latin America landed in Argentina
Argentina is home to the fifth-largest Irish community in the world and the largest in Latin America. In the 18th century, Buenos Aires welcomed over 50,000 immigrants from outside the English-speaking world. They moved to rural areas, working as cattle ranchers and sheep farmers, and Argentina became their home away from home. Today, their descendants still live in the country, and they have a rich history there.
The Irish built the Cuban railroad
While Cuba isn’t usually associated with Irish immigration, Irish people did immigrate there even before the 1940s potato famine. That’s because Cuba and Latin America, in general, were prime destinations for struggling laborers. One of the waves of Irish immigration to Cuba happened in 1835, when over 370 workers, most of them Irish, were sent from New York to Havana to work on the Cuban Railway Commission. While the Irish were responsible for helping develop Cuba’s infrastructure, many of them died in the process. Moreover, once the railroad was done, they were abandoned there. This led to some Irish influence in Cuba’s economic, political, and cultural development, though the available research on it is minimal.
The Irish supported Mexico during the Mexican-American War
Battle of Buena Vista, lithograph by Currier & Ives, c. 1847
During the Mexican-American War, a group of Irish immigrants, known as the “San Patricios” or “Saint Patrick’s Battalion,” played a major role. They fought alongside Mexican forces against the U.S. and were driven by a common Catholic identity with the Mexicans. The San Patricios were brave and quite skilled in artillery, so they were of great help. Unfortunately, their support wasn’t enough to avoid the turn of the war against Mexico. Eventually, most of the San Patricios were captured at the Battle of Churubusco and punished, which included execution by hanging.
Simón Bolívar asked Irish soldiers for support during independence
Painting of Simón Bolívar by Arturo Michelena 1895
Simón Bolívar, known as the "Libertador" of South America, didn’t have a smooth campaign for independence from Spanish colonialism. He found himself in difficult situations because his army lacked experience, so he asked British and Irish soldiers for support, recruiting them into his army. The British Legions were mostly Irish veterans (1,700 of them) with extensive military and combat experience. They formed several units, such as the Venezuelan Lancers and Venezuelan Hussars. The help of the British Legions was essential in the fight for independence and the birth of the new republics of South America.
An Irish doctor established the first medical school in Buenos Aires
Sculpture in Buenos Aires dedicated to Miguel O'Gorman by the artist Miguel Blas y Fábregas
Born in Ireland, Miguel O’Gorman was a part of the expedition of the first viceroy of Río de la Plata (now Argentina) in 1777. When peace was reached with Portugal, he settled in Buenos Aires at 62 years old and is considered the father of modern medicine in the country. With over 10 years of experience and a medical degree from Paris, he established the Academy of Medicine in Montevideo, the first medical school in Buenos Aires. He also focused greatly on public health measures, introducing the latest vaccination methods to prevent the spread of disease.
Eliza Lynch became the unofficial “Queen of Paraguay”
Born in Charleville, North Cork, Eliza Lynch became a symbol of resilience in Paraguay. She lost her father during the Irish famine and then fled to France with her mother where she married at 16 to a French army officer. In high society, she met General Francisco Solano López, the billionaire heir to the President of Paraguay. They fell in love and went together to South America. Though they never got married, they lived together and she became not only the unofficial “Queen of Paraguay” (loved by the people and hated by the elite), but also one of the wealthiest women in South America. After witnessing López and their son's death in battle, Lynch was imprisoned and deported to Paris, where she spent her remaining days. Eventually, she was posthumously honored for her patriotism, with her remains repatriated to South America.
Cecilia Grierson became the first female physician in Argentina
Irish Argentine Cecilia Grierson was the first woman to obtain a medical degree in Argentina and she went on to accomplish so much more. She had a remarkable life that went beyond medicine because she challenged societal norms and advocated for the inclusion of women in professions like obstetrics. She founded the School of Nurses and Massage Therapists, pioneered specialties like gynecology, and was elected president of the First International Women’s Congress. You may have heard her motto before: “Deeds. Not words,” which perfectly summarizes her legacy.
Rómulo Antonio O'Farrill Jr. became one of Mexico’s media barons
Born in Puebla, Mexico, Rómulo Antonio O’Farrill Jr. was of Irish descent and he became one of the biggest media barons in Mexico. Alongside his dad Rómulo O’Farrill Silva, he set up Mexico’s first TV station in 1949. The family also started a newspaper chain “Novedades de México,” with a sister paper “The News,” which ran until 2002 and was one of the most-read English newspapers in Latin America. O’Farrill became known as a man of vision for growth and development, no matter the challenges.
Ambrose O’Higgins’s son became the first leader of independent Chile
Ambrose O'Higgins, born in Ballynary, Co Sligo in 1720, was an Irish man who became an essential figure in the history of Chile. He rose through the ranks of the Spanish colonial imperial service and went to South America in 1756, where he helped establish communication channels between Argentina and Chile. O'Higgins's career eventually led him to become the viceroy of Lima, the highest royal official in Spanish America. His son, Bernardo O'Higgins, inherited his wealth and ideals, becoming a revolutionary leader and the first ruler of an independent Chile.
William Brown became the father of Argentina’s navy
Born in Foxford, County Mayo, William Brown was a sailor and naval commander who founded the Argentine navy and is considered one of the nation’s heroes. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s fight for independence, securing major victories against the Spanish. Brown served Argentina his entire life in wars that followed their independence from the Spanish and then he became governor of Buenos Aires until he died in 1857. His legacy endures to this day and Admirals of the Argentine Navy wear a replica of his sword.
Lit
Photo by Skye Studios on UnsplashIf something is “lit,” it means it’s amazing, fun, or exciting. A concert, a party, or even a really good meal can all be lit. The term originally referred to being intoxicated, but today, it’s mostly about hyping up an experience. Example: “That concert last night was lit!”
No Cap
Photo by Yang Deng on Unsplash“No cap” is Gen Z’s way of saying “no lie” or “for real.” It’s used to emphasize that someone is telling the truth. The opposite of this is just “cap,” which means to lie or exaggerate. Example: “I swear, this is the best pizza I’ve ever had—no cap.”
Slay
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash“Slay” is all about absolutely killing it—but in a good way. Whether it’s an outfit, a performance, or just the way someone carries themselves, if they “slay,” they’re doing it flawlessly. Example: “You slayed that!”
Shook
Photo by Etty Fidele on UnsplashBeing “shook” means you’re so shocked or surprised by something that you don’t know how to react. It can be used for everything from plot twists in TV shows to real-life drama. Example: “I just found out my favorite celebrity got married, and I’m shook.”
Yeet
Photo by Vinicius Wiesehofer on Unsplash“Yeet” started as a term for throwing something with force but evolved into an exclamation for excitement or enthusiasm. You can yeet a ball across a field, or you can yeet yourself into bed after a long day.
Simp
Photo by Norbert Braun on UnsplashA “simp” is someone who goes above and beyond for someone they’re attracted to, often to the point of being overly submissive or doing too much. It’s mostly used as a joke, but sometimes it can be used to call someone out. Example: “He bought her flowers, wrote her a poem, and carried her books to class? Bro is simping hard.”
Sus
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Short for “suspicious,” “sus” is used when something or someone seems sketchy or not quite right. It became especially popular thanks to the game Among Us, where players had to figure out who was acting shady. Example: “You suddenly wanna be nice to me? That’s sus.”
Tea
Photo by Luke Oslizlo on Unsplash“Tea” is just another word for gossip or juicy information. If someone asks for the “tea,” they want the latest drama. If someone is “spilling the tea,” they’re sharing all the details. Example: “Tell me why Jessica and Kyle broke up, I need all the tea!”
W
Photo by Danny Howe on UnsplashShort and simple, “W” just means a win or success. You can say someone “took an L” (loss) if things didn’t go well, but if they “got the W,” they won in life. Example: “You got promoted? That’s a W for sure!”
Dank
Photo by Luke Peterson on UnsplashOriginally tied to cannabis culture, “dank” has evolved to just mean cool, high-quality, or funny. It’s often used to describe memes, but it can apply to other things too. Example: “That was a dank burger. I need another one.”
Glow-Up
Photo by Candice Picard on UnsplashA “glow-up” is a transformation for the better, usually in terms of looks, confidence, or success. It’s like the “before and after” of self-improvement. Example: “She used to be so shy in high school, but now she’s super confident. The glow-up is real.”
Periodt
Photo by Sigmund on UnsplashUsed to emphasize a statement, “periodt” is like slamming the door on a conversation—there’s no debate. It’s an exaggerated way to say “and that’s final." Example: “Pineapple does NOT belong on pizza, periodt.”
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The Power of Vicks Vaporub
Better known as "Vivaporu," this powerful potion could supposedly cure everything from a headache to a broken heart. It was your abuelita's answer to all ailments. Got the flu? Vivaporu. Twisted your ankle? Vivaporu. Existential crisis? Well, you get the picture.
The Fear of La Chancla
Disney's Coco
Ah, la chancla - the infamous flip flop, often wielded by moms and abuelas, ready to fly at the speed of light to discipline a misbehaving child. It was a symbol of authority that taught you how to toe the line...pun intended.
Telenovelas as a Family Affair
You know you grew up Latino when your family's schedule revolved around the air times of their favorite telenovelas. Your abuela's tears during a dramatic episode were as gripping as the overly shocking on-screen action.
The Magic Word, "Ahorita"
This elusive term could mean in five minutes, five hours, or even five days. This vague time frame was somehow universally understood, but only added to the confusion of our non-Latino friends.
Sancocho Sundays (for many Latinos as this is a regional Caribbean-inspired dish)
Photography by Culinaria Nativa del Tatamá
The tantalizing smell of a simmering pot of sancocho filling the house on a Sunday was the epitome of comfort and family time. It didn't matter if the weather was 100 degrees outside - sancocho was a year-round delight. If you're Mexican, substitute for caldo, pozole, or menudo.
Cascarones at Easter
Photography by David
The thrill of smashing what took hours of painstaking work to create beautifully decorated, confetti-filled eggs on the heads of unsuspecting cousins during Easter celebrations. The glitter aftermath? Priceless.
Living in a Novela
Conversations with your tías could sometimes feel like you're in a telenovela, complete with dramatic plot twists, excessive hand gestures, and long pauses for effect.
El Cucuy and La Llorona
Promotional poster for "Cucuy the Boogieman" movie
Forget the boogeyman, these legendary creatures were the ones who kept you in check during your childhood. Their tales were the classic scare tactics, cautioning you against staying out too late or not going to bed on time.
Fabuloso Everything
Before there were fancy scented candles, there was Fabuloso. This cleaning product was the perfume of your home, leaving an undeniable smell of a clean house.
Dancing is Non-negotiable
Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Cumbias, Rancheras...you were probably dancing before you could walk. From family gatherings to Christmas parties, dancing wasn't just expected; it was required.
The Invasion of Tupperware
Photography by James Salvas
Any large gathering meant you were going home with a random assortment of Tupperware filled with leftovers, from arroz con pollo to frijoles negros.
Blasting Music on Cleaning Day
Saturday morning cleaning sessions weren't complete without a booming soundtrack of Latin hits. The louder Marc Anthony or Marco Antonio Solis sang, the faster you mopped. And if you were trying to sleep in, the more you wondered if you'd ever be able to actually get some extra sleep on the weekend.
Quinceañeras
Sweet sixteen wasn't a thing. It was a grand quinceañera - a dazzling celebration of culture, family, and the journey to womanhood, or nada.
Morning Rituals with Cafecito
Coffee wasn't just a morning beverage; it was a rite of passage. Sipping on the strong, sweet elixir as a family, often accompanied by pan dulce, was an experience that shaped your mornings and energized your day.
The Power of the Sobremesa
The art of lingering around the table after a meal, sharing stories, and cracking jokes. A simple dinner could easily extend into the wee hours of the night.
Being Late is On Time
Arriving "fashionably late" was just a normal part of family gatherings. An invitation for 6 PM? It was universally understood that meant 7 PM or later.
No Secret is Safe
News traveled faster than light in your family. Before you even got a chance to announce something, everyone already knew. The chisme express was always running. From engagements to pregnancy announcements, your family was the original social media.
The Respect for Saints and Spirits
A house full of religious icons, saints, and the ever-watchful ojo protector. Your childhood was a blend of Catholicism and ancient superstitions.
Packed Cars on Road Trips
Photography by Mark Hodson
Family road trips weren't just for your immediate family. They also included cousins, aunts, uncles, and sometimes even neighbors. And don’t forget, everyone always brought enough food to feed a small village and hand-me-downs to give away.
Love is Louder
Above all, the loudness wasn't just about volume. It was about passion, vibrancy, and love. From booming laughter to fiery debates, everything was done full-heartedly.
Here's to the loving chaos, the unforgettable memories, and the strong sense of community and tradition that is growing up Latino.
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