Flag of Spain

The national flag of Spain, often referred to as La Rojigualda (the Red-and-Gold), is a vivid and potent symbol that encapsulates the rich, complex, and enduring history of a nation defined by diverse cultures, powerful empires, and a deep-seated sense of identity. Its striking design features three horizontal stripes: red on the top, a wider yellow stripe in the middle, and red on the bottom. Placed on the yellow stripe, slightly towards the hoist side, is the Coat of Arms of Spain. This vibrant banner, deeply rooted in the Bourbon dynasty's maritime flags of the late 18th century, officially became the national flag of Spain with the Spanish Constitution of 1978, symbolizing a unified, democratic Spain with respect for its historical heritage.

Dimensions, Colors, and Arrangement of Elements: The Spanish flag's design is precisely regulated by law to ensure its dignified and consistent representation as a paramount national emblem.

• The flag is composed of three horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes are red, while the central stripe is yellow.

• The ratio of the stripes' widths is 1:2:1, meaning the central yellow stripe is twice as wide as each of the red stripes. This distinct ratio gives prominence to the yellow, making it the dominant field.

• The proportions (aspect ratio) of the flag are 2:3. This common rectangular ratio offers a balanced and dynamic appearance suitable for various display contexts.

• The official shades of the colors are crucial for the flag's accurate appearance and specific meaning, as defined by royal decree:

  • The red is a rich, warm red, symbolizing the strength, courage, and valor of the Spanish people. It is often linked to the historical struggles, sacrifices, and blood shed for the nation's integrity and independence. It reflects a vibrant and passionate national character.

  • The yellow or "gold" (sometimes referred to as 'Tejida de gualda' or 'woven with weld') is a bright, clear yellow, representing the sun, prosperity, and the vast riches that Spain amassed during its imperial past. It also signifies generosity and nobility, embodying the enduring spirit and cultural wealth of the Spanish nation.

• The Coat of Arms of Spain is placed on the yellow stripe, one-third of the way from the hoist (left side). It is a highly complex and historically layered emblem that visually narrates centuries of Spanish history and the unification of its various kingdoms:

  • The shield is quartered, representing the historical kingdoms that formed Spain: Castile (a gold castle on a red field), León (a purple lion rampant on a silver field), Aragon (four red palets on a gold field), and Navarre (gold chains on a red field).

  • At the base of the shield, there is a pomegranate flower representing the Kingdom of Granada, the last Moorish stronghold conquered in 1492.

  • In the center, there is an escutcheon of the Bourbon-Anjou dynasty (three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue field), symbolizing the current ruling royal house.

  • On either side of the shield are the two Pillars of Hercules (representing Gibraltar and Ceuta at the Strait of Gibraltar), surmounted by crowns. The pillars are entwined with a red scroll bearing the Latin motto "PLUS ULTRA" (Further Beyond), signifying Spain's historical exploration and expansion beyond the Pillars of Hercules into the New World.

  • The shield is crowned with the Spanish Royal Crown, symbolizing the monarchy. The inclusion of the Coat of Arms on the flag visually affirms Spain's monarchical parliamentary democracy and its deep historical roots, making the flag a profound statement of national identity.

History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption: The evolution of the Spanish flag is a fascinating journey through centuries of dynastic changes, imperial ambitions, and periods of profound political transformation.

• Before the current design, Spain did not have a single, unifying national flag. Various kingdoms and regions had their own banners, and the ruling monarchs often used their dynastic arms on flags. The most common flags featured the Cross of Burgundy (a red saltire resembling two gnarled, roughly-pruned branches on a white field), used from the 16th to the 18th centuries, particularly by the Spanish Empire's armies.

• The direct predecessor to La Rojigualda was created in 1785 by King Charles III of Spain. He ordered a new flag for the Spanish Navy, as the existing white Bourbon flag was too easily confused with those of other Bourbon monarchies (like France and Naples). He wanted a distinct design for Spain's powerful fleet. After submitting several designs, the King personally selected a design featuring a wide yellow stripe flanked by two narrower red stripes. This was purely a naval and military ensign at first.

• The choice of red and yellow was significant. These colors were already widely associated with Spain, particularly through the traditional colors of the crowns of Castile and Aragon, which bore red and gold (yellow) elements in their coats of arms for centuries. This made the new flag easily recognizable as Spanish.

• Over the next century, despite being primarily a naval ensign, the red-and-yellow flag gradually gained popularity on land, particularly during the Peninsular War (1808-1814) against Napoleon, when it became a symbol of national resistance.

• In 1843, Queen Isabella II officially declared the red-and-yellow flag (with modifications to the Coat of Arms) the national flag of Spain for all purposes. This marked the formal transition from a purely military ensign to the official national banner.

• The flag underwent various modifications to its Coat of Arms during different political regimes:

  • During the First Spanish Republic (1873-1874), the flag remained red-and-yellow, but the royal crown on the Coat of Arms was replaced with a mural crown.

  • Under the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939), a completely different flag was adopted, known as the Tricolor Republicano. It featured three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and purple (or dark blue), with the republican coat of arms. This flag symbolized a break from the monarchical past.

  • Following the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the establishment of Franco's dictatorship, the traditional red-and-yellow flag was reinstated, but with a new, distinct Coat of Arms featuring an eagle (the Eagle of St. John) and the motto "Una Grande Libre" (One Great Free). This version was in use until 1981.

• With the transition to democracy and the adoption of the new Spanish Constitution in 1978, the traditional red-and-yellow flag was retained, but a revised, simplified Coat of Arms was officially introduced in 1981. This version, reflecting modern Spanish democracy and its historical kingdoms, is the flag used today. Its re-adoption symbolized continuity with Spain's historical identity while embracing democratic values.

Symbolism and Meaning for Residents: For the people of Spain, La Rojigualda is a powerful and multifaceted symbol that evokes deep emotions, pride, and a connection to their shared heritage.

• The red stripes symbolize the passion, courage, and vitality of the Spanish people. They also serve as a poignant reminder of the blood shed by those who fought and sacrificed for the defense and unity of Spain throughout its long and often turbulent history. It speaks to the nation's indomitable spirit.

• The yellow (gold) stripe represents wealth, prosperity, and the golden age of the Spanish Empire. It also signifies the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain, its cultural richness, and the warmth and generosity of its people. It is a symbol of the nation's enduring spirit and optimism.

• The Coat of Arms, in its intricate detail, tells the story of Spain's formation from diverse kingdoms. It represents the unity of the various historical regions (Castile, León, Aragon, Navarre, Granada) under one crown, while acknowledging their unique identities. The Pillars of Hercules with "PLUS ULTRA" symbolize Spain's historical global reach and its forward-looking ambition to go "further beyond" any perceived limits.

• The flag, therefore, represents the unity in diversity that defines modern Spain. It acknowledges the historical autonomy and cultural richness of regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, while affirming their common Spanish identity.

• Displayed prominently on national holidays such as October 12th (National Day of Spain), the flag fosters a strong sense of patriotism, national pride, and a connection to the long, storied past of Spain as a significant global power and a vibrant European nation. It embodies the resilience of the Spanish people and their enduring spirit of nationhood.

Interesting Facts: The Spanish flag is not only visually striking but also carries a fascinating array of historical and symbolic anecdotes.

• Born from the Navy: Unlike many national flags, Spain's Rojigualda originated as a naval ensign in 1785, specifically designed to distinguish Spanish ships from those of other Bourbon monarchies at sea. Its adoption for land use came later.

• The "Golden" Stripe: While often referred to as "yellow," the official color is gualda, which historically translates to "weld yellow" or "golden yellow," emphasizing its precious metallic association and imperial past.

• Evolution of the Coat of Arms: The core red-and-yellow design has remained constant since 1785, but the Coat of Arms has seen numerous changes over the centuries, reflecting different dynasties, republics, and dictatorships. The current version, adopted in 1981, is a symbol of democratic Spain.

• "PLUS ULTRA" Motto: The motto "PLUS ULTRA" on the Pillars of Hercules in the Coat of Arms, meaning "Further Beyond," was a deliberate reversal of the ancient motto "Non Plus Ultra" (Nothing Further Beyond) believed to be inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules, the mythological boundary of the known world. It symbolizes Spain's expansion into the Americas and its adventurous spirit.

• Influence of Castile and Aragon: The red and yellow colors are directly derived from the heraldic colors of the Crowns of Castile (red and yellow) and Aragon (four red palets on a gold field), two of the most powerful medieval kingdoms that formed the basis of modern Spain.

• Symbol of Unity and Diversity: The flag, with its composite Coat of Arms, manages to represent both the historical unity of Spain's diverse regions and the individual identities of those regions (Castile, León, Aragon, Navarre, Granada).

• Francoist Era Flag: During Franco's dictatorship (1939-1975), the flag retained the red-and-yellow stripes but featured a distinct Coat of Arms dominated by an eagle, a powerful symbol of the regime. This version is still occasionally seen but is not the official flag of democratic Spain.

• No Specific Flag Day: Similar to Italy, Spain does not have a distinct "Flag Day." Instead, the flag is celebrated and displayed prominently on the National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España) on October 12th, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.