There is no doubt that individuals who identify as Latino or Hispanic and those who define themselves as Irish in the U.S. share more similarities than there are leaves on a clover.
For centuries, Latinos and the Irish have found many sympathies, from the Catholic religion to various historical reasons, often finding themselves alongside or in the shadow of a predominantly Protestant and dominant power.
Just one example is the St. Patrick's Battalion, better known in Mexico as the San Patricios. This group of Irish, during the U.S. war against Mexico, chose to change sides. Instead of defending the Stars and Stripes, they opted for a tricolor flag—green, white, and red.
Perhaps due to stories like this, along with other instances highlighting the cultural influence of the Irish and the sympathy felt by people of Latino origin, Hispanics in the U.S. are the ones who most eagerly seek to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
That is what the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports. In a spending study, the NRF says that 7 out of 10 Hispanics plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
In its 2024 Annual St. Patrick's Day Spending Survey, the NRF concludes that 70% of Hispanics will celebrate the patron saint of the Irish this March 17.
"Regardless of if they have Irish heritage, consumers here in the United States are all-in on St. Patrick's Day, with Hispanic Americans as the group most likely to celebrate the holiday," said the NRF in a statement.
After Hispanics, the NRF says African Americans and whites plan to celebrate St. Patrick's, with 62% in both cases. However, the group does not distinguish those who might define themselves as Irish in the US.
"Regardless of Irish ancestry, U.S. consumers go all out for St. Patrick's Day, with Hispanic Americans being the group that celebrates the holiday the most. Whether toasting with a Guinness or a Shamrock Shake, it seems everyone is ready to celebrate the luck of the Irish," says the NRF.
So, how do Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick's? According to the NRF, 82% will wear some green on the day itself, 29% will have a special dinner, and 27% will go to a party at a restaurant or pub.
In terms of the economy, St. Patrick's Day is significant, with over $7.2 billion expected to be spent, mainly on food and beverages (beer, obviously, and whiskey).
So, everybody, get ready to wear something green: Sláinte! Cheers! ¡Salud!
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