Sones de México Ensemble and the Irish Music School of Chicago are teaming up for a musical performance that tells the story of the St. Patrick’s battalion, a group of mostly Irish immigrant soldiers who fought on the side of Mexico during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.
Led by John Riley, many of the battalion’s members deserted the United States Army and sided with Mexico due to both their common Catholic faith and opposition to an imperial war. The battalion subsequently fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict, most notably that of Churubusco. This performance brings together Mexican and Irish folk music traditions to retell this unique and largely forgotten history—a musical tale that sheds light on the struggles of 19th century North America and tells of cultural conflict, religious faith, war, and sweeping social transformations that shaped the United States through music, song, and dance.