Flag of Argentina

The flag of Argentina was approved on February 27, 1812 and consists of three horizontal stripes, with two blue stripes at the top and bottom and a white stripe between them with a 32-rayed sun in the center.

Meaning of the flag of Argentina

The meaning of the colors is somewhat controversial. The white color can symbolize silver, as the first colonizers named the country Argentina, believing that there was a lot of silver there. Blue stripes can symbolize the sky or the waters of the Rio de la Plata. The center of the flag attracts attention with its most striking element - a golden sun with a face inside, radiating rays. This sun, called Sol de Mayo, became the national emblem of Argentina after the revolution. Its image can also be found on coins dating back to 1813, as well as on the flag of Uruguay and some early versions of the Peruvian flag.

• The shade of sky-blue stripes is associated with loyalty and vigilance;
• The white stripe represents the values of peace and solidarity, as well as honesty and commitment to the ideals of the nation;
• The sun, symbolizing the emergence of the nation in a new dawn after the revolution, is the central emblem of the flag. This symbol reflects the vitality of the country and its role as a beacon of inspiration and freedom in the region, its connection to indigenous peoples and the revolutionary fervor of the era.

History of the flag of Argentina

The modern flag of Argentina was designed by Manuel Belgrano, an Argentine politician and revolutionary military leader, during the war of independence from Spain. After the victory, soldiers began to wear the cockade on their helmets as a testament to their victory. The origin of the blue and white color is associated with Napoleon's victory over Spain and the transfer of power to his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Some historians believe that the blue and white colors were adopted by Belgrano to support the Spanish regime. However, the outbreak of the revolutionary war against Spain was aimed at securing Argentina's independence.

In 1806, Manuel Belgrano raised the flag during the British attack on Buenos Aires. But some regions were against the unification of Argentina and had their own flags. In 1815, the province of Cordoba declared itself an independent state and had its own red, white, and blue flag. The flag of Buenos Aires was the only one that represented the country in the international arena. In 1816, the flag officially became the national flag, and in 1818, a solar disk with 32 rays appeared on it, symbolizing the opening of the blue sky from which clouds appear. After independence, a civil war broke out between the Federalists and the Utilitarians. In 1860, the provinces were united, which led to the adoption of the Belgrano flag as the national flag of Argentina. Some historians believe that the colors of the flag were inspired by the colors of the House of Bourbon, which ruled Spain and its colonies, including Argentina, and used blue and white. In November 2010, a presidential decree standardized the flag's aspect ratio and colors.

National Flag Day in Argentina is celebrated on June 20, the day of Manuel Belgrano's death. Belgrano is known for his participation in the struggle for freedom, particularly in the Upper Peru region. The most colorful celebration of Flag Day takes place in Rosario, where the first flag of Argentina was raised in 1812. On this day, government officials give speeches, and police, military, and veterans take part in a parade in honor of the flag. Residents of Rosario have created the longest flag in the world, which is also included in the parade. This celebration honors the flag of Argentina and recalls the country's struggle for independence, which modern Argentines still honor and celebrate today.