A diagonal tricolor of white, green, red, with a thin anchor in the center. Three eight-pointed gold stars are in the canton, and the bottom two corners.
Red, white, and green are the colors of the national army in Mexico. The central emblem is the Mexican coat of arms, based on theAztec symbol forTenochtitlan (nowMexico City), the center of theAztec Empire. It recalls the legend of a golden eagle sitting on acactus while devouring a serpent that signaled to the Aztecs where to found their city, Tenochtitlan.[3]
The Twin Flags of Allende, a pair of flags that were made expressly by the then-captain of theArmy of New Spain,Ignacio Allende, for the armed struggle that would begin on 1 October 1810, but since the date of the armed uprising was brought forward due to the discovery of the conspiracy, the flags had to be used without further preparation Theflag of theArmy of the Three Guarantees, an early use of the colors red, white, and green to represent the cause of Mexican independenceFlag of theFirst Mexican Empire, 1821–23Flag display at the Mexican History Museum ofMonterrey,Nuevo León
Before the adoption of the first national flag, various flags were used during theWar of Independence fromSpain. Though it was never adopted as an official flag, many historians consider the first Mexican flag to be the Standard of theVirgin of Guadalupe, which was carried byMiguel Hidalgo after theGrito de Dolores on 16 September 1810.[4] The Standard became the initial symbol of the rebel army during the Mexican War of Independence. Various other Standards were used during the war.José María Morelos used a flag with an image of the Virgin to which was added a blue and white insignia with a crowned eagle on a cactus over a three-arched bridge and the letters V.V.M. (Viva la Virgen María – "long live the Virgin Mary").[4] The Revolutionary Army also used a flag featuring the colors white, blue and red in vertical stripes. The first use of the modern colors—green, white and red—was in theflag of the unifiedArmy of the Three Guarantees (pictured left) after independence from Spain was won.[5][dubious –discuss]
While similar to the national flag that is used today, the eagle in these arms is not holding a serpent in his talons and a crown has been affixed to the head of the eagle to signify the Empire. Variants of this flag that appeared in this period also included a naval flag that had the tricolor pattern, but it only contained the eagle with the crown above its head. The military also used a similar square flag, but the eagle was larger than the one on the national flag. The national flag was officially decreed byAgustín de Iturbide in November 1821 and first officially used in July 1822.[6] This flag was no longer used upon the abolishment of the empire.[7]
The first national flag was established in 1821, the first year of Mexican recognition of sovereignty. Theimperial government that was set up chose a tricolor flag of green, white, and red and charged with the national coat of arms. The official decree stated that
Sole article:... the national flag and flags of the army shall be tricolor, adopting forever the colors green, white and "encarnado" [flesh-colored red] arranged vertically, with the crowned eagle in the center of the white stripe, according to the following design[8]
The second national flag was adopted after the establishment of the first federal republic in 1823. The new flag was chosen for the republic in April of that year, the only difference being the appearance of the central emblem. The crown was removed from the eagle's head, and a serpent was placed in the eagle's right talon. Another addition to the flag is a branch ofoak andlaurel branches, a tradition that was carried over to the current flag. This flag was discontinued in 1864 upon the dissolution of the first federal republic.[9]
The third national flag was that of theSecond Mexican Empire. Once again, the national flag used the green, white, and red tricolor pattern with the white stripe charged with the national arms. However, the ratio of the flag was changed from 4:7 to 1:2 and four eagles, which had crowns above their heads, were placed at each corner of the flag. The design, which was ordered by the EmperorMaximilian, gave the arms a look similar to the French Imperial arms, but he decided to add a bit of "Mexican flavor" to the flag. The coat of arms was described in a decree issued in November 1865 as:
oval in shape in blue; in the center is depicted the eagle ofAnahuac, inprofile andpassant, supported by acactus, supported, in turn, by a rock sunk on water, and ripping a snake. The border is gold charged by agarland ofencino and laurel. The crest is the Imperial Crown. As supporters, two griffins from our elders' arms, their upper half in black and the lower in gold; behind thescepter andsword insaltire. Theshield is surrounded by thecollar of the Order of the Águila Mexicana, and themotto: "Equidad en la Justicia" [Equity in Justice][10]
Reverse side of the flag
The current national flag was adopted on 16 September 1968, and was confirmed by law on 24 February 1984. The current version is an adaptation of the design approved bypresidential decree in 1916 byVenustiano Carranza, where the eagle was changed from a front-facing to a side-facing position.[5] Before adopting the current national flag, the government used official flags. All of these flags used the tricolor pattern with the only difference being the changes in the coat of arms, which was still charged in the center of the white stripe. One possible reason for the 1968 flag and arms change was thatMexico City was the host of the1968 Summer Olympic Games.[11] Around this same period, the plain tricolor flag that Mexico used as its merchant ensign was also legally abandoned. The reasoning is that without the coat of arms, the flag would become nearly identical to theItalian flag.[12]
There was also a debate in 1984 about how the coat of arms would be depicted on the reverse of the flag. To solve this problem, aPAN deputy proposed a change to the Law of the National Arms, Flag, and Anthem that same year to allow for the eagle to face to the right when the reverse of the flag is displayed.[13] In 1995, the law was changed to include the following:
When the National Arms is reproduced on the reverse side of the National Flag, the Mexican Eagle will appear standing on its right talon, holding with the left one and the beak the curved serpent.[14]
The official design of the Mexican flag can be found in Article 3 of theLaw on the National Arms, Flag, and Anthem, passed in 1984. While the exact shades of the flag have not been defined by law, in 2001 it was reported, through personal communication, toFlags of the World that theInterior Ministry (Secretaría de Gobernación) has suggested the following tones in thePantone system;[15] nevertheless, the ministry has not officially ruled on the matter. So far, there are no official printed documents or statements on the color shades. The Pantone colors listed below were employed by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited in its "Flag Manual".[16] while 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Flag Manual proposed others.[17]
The article dictates what must be featured on the flag and also its proportions. Copies of the national flag which are made according to this law are kept in two locations: theGeneral National Archive (Archivo General de la Nación) and the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia).
Art. 3: TheBandera Nacional is a rectangle divided into three vertical stripes of identical measures, with the colors placed in the following order from hoist to fly: green, white, and red. Centered in the white stripe, the National Coat of Arms has a diameter of three-fourths the width of the white stripe. The proportion of the flag is four to seven (Ratio 4:7). It could carry a rope or tie of the same colors below the truck.
The Mexican tricolor (green, white, red) has been continuously used for a longer time than theItalian one. At the time of the Mexican flag's adoption, the similarly toned Italian tricolor had not been used by any sovereign nation in Europe.[22] Napoleon's puppet stateCisalpine Republic in what would become northern Italy adopted it in 1797, but with horizontal stripes and different proportions from the modern Italian flag.[23]
Due to the common arrangement of the colors, at first sight, it seems that the only difference between the Italian and the Mexican flag is only thecoat of arms of Mexico present in the latter. Both flags use the same colors (green, white, and red), but the Mexican flag has darker shades of green and red (particularly green). Additionally, these flags present a different aspect ratio (proportions): the Italian flag aspect ratio is 2:3 (1 to 1.5), more squarish in shape, while the Mexican flag aspect ratio is 4:7 (1 to 1.75), a longer shape.[24]
The similarity between the two flags posed a serious problem in maritime transport, given that originally the Mexican mercantile flag was devoid of arms and therefore was consequently identical to the Italian Republican tricolor of 1946; to obviate the inconvenience, at the request of theInternational Maritime Organization, both Italy and Mexico adopted naval flags with different crests.[25]
The civil salute given by former Mexican PresidentVicente Fox (2005)
When the flag is paraded in front of a crowd, those in military uniform must present asalute according to military regulations. Civilians who are present give the following salute to the national flag: standing at attention (firms), they raise their right arms and place their right hands on their chests, in front of theheart. The hand is flat and the palm of the hand is facing the ground. This salute is known as theEl saludo civil a la Bandera Nacional ("The Civil Salute to the National Flag"). When the President is acting in the capacity of the Head of theArmed Forces, he salutes the national flag with a military salute. When thenational anthem is played on television to open or close daily programming, the national flag will be shown at the same time.[26] During certain times of the year, the flag is flown by both civilians and government personnel. Mostly, these events coincide withnational holidays and days of significance to the country. During some of these occasions, the flag will be flown athalf-mast to honor the death of important Mexicans. These dates are listed inArticle 18 of the Law of the National Flag, Arms, and Anthem. The national Día de la Bandera (Flag Day) celebration occurs on February 24. On this day in 1821, all the factions fighting in theWar of Independence joined to form theArmy of the Three Guarantees in response to thePlan de Iguala, which was signed byVicente Guerrero and Agustín de Iturbide, declaring Mexico officially an independent country. GeneralVicente Guerrero was the first military official who swore allegiance to the national flag.[5] Another flag tradition is that before every Olympics in which Mexico is a participant, the President hands a flag over to the flag bearer, chosen by their peers, to carry with them to the host city.[27]
The flag songs are dedicated to the flag day, it is a national holiday in Mexico.Flag Day is celebrated every year on 24 February since its implementation in 1937.[28][29] The songs were established byPresident of Mexico GeneralLázaro Cárdenas before the monument to GeneralVicente Guerrero, first to pledge allegiance to the Mexican flag andAgustin de Iturbide:
TheJuramento a la Bandera
¡Bandera de México! Legado de nuestros héroes, símbolo de la unidad de nuestros padres y nuestros hermanos. Te prometemos ser siempre fieles a los principios de libertad y de justicia que hacen de nuestra patria la nación independiente, humana y generosa a la que entregamos nuestra existencia.
Translation:The Oath to the Flag
Flag of Mexico! Legacy of our heroes, symbol of the unity of our parents and our siblings. We promise to always be loyal to the principles of liberty and justice that make our homeland the independent nation, humane and generous to which we give our existence.
TheToque de Bandera
Se levanta en el mástil mi bandera como un sol entre céfiros y trinos muy adentro en el templo de mi veneración, oigo y siento contento latir mi corazón Es mi bandera, la enseña nacional, son estas notas su cántico marcial. Desde niños sabremos venerarla Y también por su amor, ¡vivir! Almo y sacro pendón que en nuestro anhelo como rayo de luz se eleva al cielo inundando a través de su lienzo tricolor inmortal nuestro ser de fervor y patrio ardor. Es mi bandera, la enseña nacional, son estas notas su cántico marcial. Desde niños sabremos venerarla Y también por su honor, ¡morir!
Translation:The Salute to the Flag
My flag rises in the mast like a sun between winds and warbles very inside in the temple of my veneration, I hear and feel my heart happily beating It's my flag, the national standard, These notes are its martial canticle. From childhood we'll know how to venerate it and also for its love, to live! Venerable and sacred banner that in our yearning like a ray of light rises to the sky flooding through its immortal three-colored canvas our being of fervour and homeland ardour. It's my flag, the national standard, these notes are its martial canticle. From childhood we'll know how to venerate it and also for its honor, to die!
The following pledge of fidelity is taken every February 24 and any day whenever new flags are given to institutions in accordance with the form established by Article 3 of the Law on the National Arms, Flag, and Anthem:[30]
Summons: Ciudadanos: Vengo en nombre de México, a encomendar a vuestro patriotismo, esta bandera que simboliza su independencia, su honor, sus instituciones y la integridad de su territorio. ¿Protestáis honrarla y defenderla con lealtad, patriotismo y constancia?
Response:¡Sí, protesto!
Challenge:Al concederos el honor de ponerla en vuestras/sus manos, la Patria confía en que, como buenos y leales mexicanos, sabréis cumplir vuestra/su protesta.
Summons: Dear citizens: I come in the name of Mexico, to confide to your patriotism presenting this flag that symbolizes its independence, its honour, its institutions and the integrity of its territory. Do you pledge to honour and defend it with loyalty, patriotism and constance?
Response:Yes, I pledge!
Challenge:As it concedes you the honour of putting this flag in your hands, the Fatherland is confident that you, as good and loyal Mexicans, will know to fulfill your pledge.
The pledge taking is taken on this day in apresentation of colours ceremony to units of the Armed Forces, National Guard, law enforcement and emergency organizations, as well as public schools and colleges of the Secretariat of Education.
There are two variants of the national flag that are mostly used by the state andfederal governments, the difference between the national flag and the variants are the designs of the coat of arms. In the first variant, which is used by thePresident of Mexico and secretaries of federal bodies, the entire coat of arms is coloured gold, with the exception of the tricolour ribbon, which is green, white and red, and with the stone, lake and talons of the eagle coloured in silver. In the second variant, the entire coat of arms is coloured gold, even the ribbon, lake, stone and talons. The second variant is used mostly by the state governments and federal bodies who are not able to use the first variant.[31]
In Article 3 of the Law on the National Arms, Flag and Anthem (Ley sobre el Escudo, la Bandera y el Himno Nacionales) also describes that the national flag can be decorated with a specialtie called acorbata (cravat). Thecorbata is composed of a bow, two ribbons of different length and both ribbons are attached with a golden tassel calledfringe. Thecorbata is placed on the top of the flag at the point where the truck is, and the colours of the corbata match that of the national flag. Organizations and political parties can adopt their owncorbatas, such as theNational Action Party (PAN), which uses a whitecorbata with blue fringes.[32]
In Article 3 of the Flag Law does not give an official symbolism to the colors, other meanings may be given to them. Other groups have used the national colors as part of their own logos orsymbols. For example, theInstitutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) political party has adopted the national colors as part of their logo. Another political party, theParty of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), also had the national colors as part of their logo, but changed them in the 1990s after a controversy surrounding impartiality issues, while the PRI did not.[33] Severalstates, such asQuerétaro andHidalgo have incorporated either elements of the national flag, or even the entire flag, into their coat of arms.
The image of the flag is protected under law. A special permit is needed to broadcast its image. In February 2010,MTV Mexico was forced to delay the premiere of the "Pinewood Derby" episode ofSouth Park (which featured exaggerated portrayals of multiple world leaders, including then-Mexican presidentFelipe Calderón) as it did not receive clearance before airtime (it aired two months later when the permit was eventually issued).[34]
In 2008, Mexican pop singerPaulina Rubio was fined for posing nudewrapped in the flag in a photo shoot for a Spanish magazine.[35]
Other flags were flown as Mexican flags, either designed to intimidate the enemy or to act as identification. These flags were considered without subsequent formal documentation as national flag and temporally situated; Flag of Francisco I. Madero (9 February 1913), Flag of Doliente Hidalgo (2 January 1812), Flag of José María Morelos y Pavón, Flag of Francisco Villa, Flag of Siera Battalion, Flag of Jalisco Battalion, Libres de Puebla Battalion, Artillería Mina Battalion, Oaxaca Battalion, Toluca Battalion, Flag of Chihuahua Battalion, Flag of Durango Battalion, Flag of San Lorenzo Battalion, Flag of Lanceros Battalion, Flag of San Luis Potosí Battalion, Flag of Aguascalientes Battalion, Flag of Galeana Battalion (22 May 1864), Flag of San Blas Battalion (24 September 1846), Flag of Tres Villas Battalion, Flag of Milicias Battalion, Flag of Remixto Battalion, Flag of Quautla Battalion, Flag of 201 Squadron, Etc.[36]
In 1999, President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo started a program erecting giant flags across the country. Directed by theSecretariat of National Defense, thebanderas monumentales (monumental flags) were placed in various cities and spots, most of which are of great significance to the nation. In a decree issued on 1 July 1999, by Zedillo, the flags were to be placed inMexico City,Tijuana,Ciudad Juárez, andVeracruz. The decree also stipulated for the flags to measure 14.3 by 25 meters (47 by 82 ft), which are raised on flag poles that are 50 meters (160 ft) high. After these initial monumental flags were created, cities such asEnsenada,Nuevo Laredo andCancún were reported to have their own monumental flags. Smaller flags, calledbanderas semi-monumentales, have been erected in smaller towns and at various educational institutes.[37]
As of 22 December 2010, the biggest Mexican flag in the world is now located inPiedras Negras,Coahuila.[38] Located at the Gran Plaza (Great Plaza) right across from International Bridge I connecting Piedras Negras withEagle Pass, Texas. The pole is 120 meters (390 ft) in height and weighs 160tonnes (180short tons) making it the tallest one in Latin America and one of the tallest in the world. The flag measures 60 by 34 meters (197 by 112 ft) and weighs 420 kilograms (930 lb).[39]
Mexico's first largest monumental flag was the one located at theMirador del Obispado inMonterrey city with a pole of 120 tonnes (130 short tons) and 100.6 meters (330 ft) in height. The flag measures 50 by 28.6 meters (164 by 94 ft) and weighs 230 kilograms (510 lb), four times the size of most other monumental flags at the time. It is located at the top of theCerro del Obispado (Bishopric Hill) at an altitude of 775 meters (2,543 ft) above the sea level (city's altitude 538 meters or 1,765 feet).[40]
^Ghisi, EnricoIl Tricolore Italiano (1796–1870) Milan: Anonima per l'Arte Della Stampa, 1931; see Gay, H. Nelson in The American Historical Review Vol. 37 No. 4 (pp. 750–751), July 1932JSTOR1843352
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