The Flag of Puerto Rico
The flag of Puerto Rico is one of the most recognizable symbols in the Caribbean. Five horizontal stripes of alternating red and white, an equilateral triangle on the left in blue, and a white five-pointed star at its center. Simple in design; profound in meaning.
Despite popular misconceptions, the Puerto Rican flag was not based on the United Stated flag. The design of The Flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico reflects the close ties that bound the Cuban and Puerto Rico patriots in the 19th century for the flag which waves over the Capital of San Juan is the Cuban flag color reversed. First created in 1895 by Puerto Rican nationalists fighting for independence, it has outlasted the movement that made it and become the defining emblem of Puerto Rican identity worldwide.
Puerto Rico's flag has evolved through centuries of colonial rule, revolutionary movements, and national identity. While its design has remained largely unchanged since 1892, discussions surrounding its colors continue to reflect the island's rich history and cultural pride.
Overview
Quick Facts
Here are some of the most important facts about the Puerto Rican flag, one of the island's most enduring symbols of identity, history, and national pride.
| Official Name | Flag of Puerto Rico (Bandera de Puerto Rico) |
|---|---|
| Officially Adopted | December 22, 1895 (Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee) |
| Official Flag Since | July 25, 1952 (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) |
| First Raised in Puerto Rico | March 24, 1897 (Intentona de Yauco) |
| Inspired By | The Cuban flag, with its colors reversed |
| Designer | Officially adopted by the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee; the original designer remains the subject of historical debate. |
| Flag Ratio | 2:3 |
| Number of Stripes | Five (3 red, 2 white) |
| Triangle | Blue equilateral triangle |
| Star | White five-pointed star |
| Meaning of the Star | Represents the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the unity of its people. |
| Meaning of the Triangle | Represents the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the three branches of republican government. |
| Meaning of the Red Stripes | Symbolize the blood and courage of those who fought for freedom and the strength of the government. |
| Meaning of the White Stripes | Represent individual liberty, human rights, and the balance that limits governmental power. |
| Blue Color | The original flag used a light sky blue. During the Commonwealth era, a darker navy blue became common. Today, both versions are widely recognized. |
| Flag Day | July 25 |
| Current Status | Official flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. |
| Created In | New York City, New York, United States |
| First Revolutionary Flag | Grito de Lares Flag (1868) |
| Previous National Flag | Flag of Spain (1785–1898) |
| Prohibited | Displaying the Puerto Rican flag was prohibited under Law 53 (La Mordaza) from 1948 until 1952. |
Historical Timeline
Origin & Evolution
Born in exile, raised in revolution, outlawed under colonialism — the Puerto Rican flag has a history as dramatic as the island itself.
1493 — Spanish Rule Begins
Christopher Columbus claims Puerto Rico for Spain
Spain's royal banners became the first European flags flown over Puerto Rico, beginning more than four centuries of Spanish colonial rule.
1506 — Burgundy Cross Adopted
Symbol of the Spanish Empire
The Cross of Burgundy became Spain's principal military flag throughout the Americas and flew over Puerto Rico for nearly 300 years.
1785 — New Spanish National Flag
Spain adopts the red and yellow flag
King Charles III introduced a new national flag that remained in use throughout Puerto Rico until the Spanish-American War in 1898.
1868 — El Grito de Lares
First Puerto Rican revolutionary flag
Mariana Bracetti embroidered the revolutionary flag carried during the Grito de Lares, the island's first major independence uprising against Spanish rule.
1892 — Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee Founded
Puerto Rican independence movement organized in New York
During the struggle for independence from Spain, Puerto Rican exiles established the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee in New York City. Working alongside the Cuban Revolutionary Party, the committee united political leaders and patriots who would later adopt the Puerto Rican flag as the symbol of the island's independence movement.
1895 — Puerto Rican Flag Adopted
Designed by the Revolutionary Committee in New York
Cuban revolutionaries designed their flag in 1849. Puerto Rican patriots — many exiled in New York and Cuba — drew direct inspiration from it. The two flags share the same geometric logic: triangle, stripes, lone star. The colors were swapped: Cuba's red triangle became Puerto Rico's blue; Cuba's blue stripes became Puerto Rico's red.
On December 22, 1895, in New York City, the Puerto Rican Section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party — led by Dr. José Julio Henna and Roberto H. Todd — adopted the flag at a meeting in Chimney Corner Hall. The triangle was originally light blue (sky blue), and the design directly mirrored the Cuban flag with colors reversed.
1897 — Intentona de Yauco
Current flag first raised in Puerto Rico
During the failed uprising known as the Intentona de Yauco, the Puerto Rican flag was flown publicly on the island for the first time.
1898 — American Sovereignty
Puerto Rico becomes a U.S. territory
The flag first flew publicly during the Puerto Rican campaign. On July 24, 1898, Puerto Rican revolutionary Francisco Ramírez Medina briefly proclaimed an independent republic in Lares and raised the flag. Days later, U.S. forces landed and the Spanish-American War effectively ended Puerto Rican independence aspirations for generations.
Following the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, ushering in a new chapter in the island's history.
1898–1950s — La Mordaza (Gag Law)
Displaying the Puerto Rican flag becomes illegal
The U.S. colonial government banned the display of the Puerto Rican flag. The Ley de la Mordaza (Gag Law) of 1948 made it illegal to display the flag, sing patriotic songs, or speak in favor of independence — punishable by 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Displaying the flag was an act of open defiance.
1952 — Commonwealth Established
Puerto Rican flag officially recognized
Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth (Estado Libre Asociado) on July 25, 1952. The flag was officially adopted by Law No. 1 — but with the triangle color darkened from the original light blue to dark blue (navy/cobalt). The government argued this matched the U.S. flag's blue and made the flag more "official." Many nationalists rejected this change.
1995 — Original Sky Blue Reemerges
Historic color gains renewed recognition
Researchers, historians, and cultural institutions revived interest in the original sky-blue triangle used on the 1895 flag. Many Puerto Ricans now deliberately use the light blue version as a statement of cultural identity and historical accuracy. Both colors remain in active use — the official government flag is dark navy, while the light blue version is widely embraced by the diaspora and cultural advocates.
2017 — Symbol of Resilience
The flag unites Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria
Following Hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rican flag became a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural identity. The historic sky-blue version also gained renewed popularity among artists and civic organizations.
What the Flag Represents (Symbolism)
The Puerto Rican flag consists of 5 alternate red and white stripes. On the left of the flag is a single white five-pointed star resting in a blue triangle.
Three Red Stripes
The blood shed by Puerto Rican patriots and warriors throughout the island's history of resistance — from the 1868 Grito de Lares uprising to the struggle for self-determination in the twentieth century. Red also represents the valor and sacrifice of the Puerto Rican people.
Two White Stripes
Victory, peace, and the purity of the Puerto Rican people's aspirations. The white stripes represent the quest for independence and the hope of a sovereign homeland. Together with the red, the stripes echo the colors of the Cuban flag — a deliberate act of solidarity between two liberation movements.
The Blue Triangle
The equilateral triangle symbolizes the three branches of republican government — executive, legislative, and judicial — as envisioned by the revolutionaries of 1895. Its precise shade of blue is also the most contested element of the flag, discussed in detail below.
The White Star
The lone white star at the center of the triangle represents the island of Puerto Rico itself. La Monoestrellada — the lone-starred one — is the flag's unofficial name. The star's solitude within the triangle speaks to the island's singular identity and its aspiration for self-determination.
History fo the Flag
Origin of the Flag
The Puerto Rican flag's history run deep with pro-independence sentiments from Spanish dominion, and later United States rule - a symbol of pride, defiance, and protest.
To understand the flag's past, we need to go back to the 19th century when the first major Puerto Rican revolt in 1868, known as El Grito de Lares (Cry of Lares). The rebellion took place in 1868, when Puerto Rico's pro-independence movement, frustrated by the lack of political and economic freedom and angered by ongoing repression on the island, staged an armed uprising against Spanish rule.
The flag used during the uprising, known as the Lares flag, was inspired by the flag of the Dominican Republic and was created by Mariana Bracetti, a leader in the independence movement. Its design reflected the revolutionary ideals shared by Puerto Rican patriots and Caribbean independence movements of the time. Today, it is known as the Flag of Lares and remains an enduring symbol of Puerto Rico's struggle for freedom and self-determination. It continues to be displayed each year during the Grito de Lares commemorations on September 23 and is recognized as one of Puerto Rico's most important historical flags.
The rebellion broke out on September 23, 1868. It was planned by a group led by Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis, from their exile in the Dominican Republic. Betances authored several proclamas, or statements, attacking the exploitation of the Puerto Ricans by the Spanish colonial system and called for immediate insurrection. The revolts bagun in Lares, and spread out to San Sebastian, but the insurgents soon encountered strong resistance from the Puerto Rican militia and retreated back to Lares. Under orders from Governor Julián Pavía, the militia rounded up many of the participants, and the insurrection came to an end. Many local leaders and participants were arrested, and some were executed. Those who survived their prison terms were later released, while others went into exile, especially in New York City.
Although the revolt failed to achieve its main objective, it became a defining moment in Puerto Rican history. The Lares flag remains an important symbol of Puerto Rico's struggle for self-determination. Following the uprising, Spain gradually introduced political reforms that granted Puerto Rico greater autonomy.
Creation of the Flag
Twenty-four years later, in 1892 the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee was founded in New York, a political group affiliated to the Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spanish rule.
Dr. Jose Julio Henna was appointed President, along Juan de Mata Terreforte, vice president; Manuel Besosa and Sotero Figueroa, vowels; Gumersindo Rivas, secretary of minutes (later replaced by Roberto H Todd) and Gerardo Forrest, secretary of correspondence.
As part of their activities, a flag was created to rally support for independence from Spain. The flag was first used on December 22, 1895, when a group of 59 Puerto Ricans led by Dr. Jose Julio Henna, gathered at "Chimney Corner Hall" in Manhattan, New York City to promote the ideal of Puerto Rican independence from Spain. Other members of included participants of El Grito de Lares: Ramon Emiterio Betances, Juan Ruiz Rivera, Juan de Mata Terreforte and Aurelio Mendez Martinez. The flag was soon adopted as a national symbol.
On March 24, 1897, the Puerto Rican flag was used in the Intentona de Yauco (the Attempted Coup of Yauco), the second and final major revolt against Spanish colonial rule in Puerto Rico, staged by the island's pro-independence movement in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Who Designed the Puerto Rican Flag?
The Puerto Rican flag is the result of a collective effort rather than the work of a single individual. Instead, it emerged from the efforts of a group of patriots, intellectuals, and revolutionaries committed to Puerto Rico's independence. While historians continue to debate who first conceived its design, but there is broad agreement that the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee officially adopted the flag at Chimney Corner Hall in Manhattan, New York on December 22, 1895. The individuals below played important roles in creating, promoting, preserving, and documenting one of Puerto Rico's most enduring national symbols.
People Credited with the Design
Francisco González Marín
"Pachín" Marín
Design Candidate • Revolutionary
According to Juan de Mata Terreforte, Marín suggested creating a Puerto Rican flag by reversing the colors of the Cuban flag. Terreforte later presented the proposal to fellow revolutionaries in New York.
Antonio Vélez Alvarado
1864–1948
Design Candidate • Journalist
Vélez Alvarado maintained that the design occurred to him around 1890 or 1891 after he viewed the Cuban flag with its colors visually reversed. He later became one of the individuals most frequently credited with creating the flag.
Manuel Besosa
Design Candidate • Revolutionary
A member of the Puerto Rican revolutionary organization in New York, Besosa was credited by Roberto H. Todd with helping select or determine the final design adopted as the Puerto Rican flag.
Organizers and Makers
Juan de Mata Terreforte
1857–1950
Committee Leader • Revolutionary
A veteran of the Grito de Lares and leader within the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee, Terreforte presented the proposed flag design at the 1895 meeting and preserved an important written account crediting Pachín Marín with the idea.
Dr. José Julio Henna
1848–1924
Physician • Independence Leader
Henna was a prominent leader of the Puerto Rican independence movement in New York and helped organize the group of patriots associated with the meeting at which the flag was formally adopted.
María Manuela "Mima" Besosa
Flag Maker • Patriot
Some historical accounts credit Mima Besosa, daughter of Manuel Besosa, with sewing one of the earliest Puerto Rican flags. Other accounts identify Micaela Dalmau as the maker, making this another part of the flag's disputed history.
Historical Consensus: No single designer has been conclusively established. Francisco "Pachín" Marín, Antonio Vélez Alvarado, and Manuel Besosa are the principal figures credited in competing accounts. What is well documented is that the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee adopted the design in New York on December 22, 1895.
Colonial Goverment
From 1948 to 1957, displaying the Puerto Rican flag was a felony offense under Law 53 — the so-called Gag Law (Ley de la Mordaza) enacted by the colonial government. Anyone who displayed the flag, sang the national anthem, or spoke in favor of independence could be sentenced to ten years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The law was used to arrest nationalists, suppress the independence movement, and intimidate the Puerto Rican population. For those years, carrying the blue-and-red flag was not an act of patriotism — it was an act of resistance at serious personal risk. The memory of that prohibition gives the flag's colors — and the specific shade of blue — a weight that goes far beyond aesthetics.
Commonwealth & Dark Blue Adopted
It was not until July 25, 1952, when Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth that the flag was officially adopted as the national flag, but it symbolism was altered to distance the flag from its history, along the blue, it was changed to a darker tone to make it similar to the American flag.
The symbolism is explained thus. The white star stands for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico while the three sides of the equilateral triangle together represent the three branches of the Republican government (executive, legislative and judicial branches). The three red strips symbolize the blood that feeds those parts of the government. The two white stripes symbolizing the rights of man and the freedom of the individual, are a perpetual reminder of the need for vigilance of a democratic government is to be preserved.
The flag is not flown except in company of the U.S. flag. It should always stay to the left of the U.S. flag and both are to be flown at the same height. The Puerto Rican flag should be raised after the United States' flag is risen and put down before the United States' flag.
In 1995 the triangle color was changed again to sky blue. Therefore, there still circulating two versions for the flag, one with the darker blue and another with the lighter blue.
Light Blue or Dark Blue?
The color of the triangle on Puerto Rico's flag is not just a design question — it is a political, historical, and cultural flashpoint that has divided Puerto Ricans for over seventy years.
Light Blue (Azul Claro)
The Original 1895 Design
The original flag created by Puerto Rican nationalists in New York City in 1895 used a sky blue — a soft, bright cerulean. This was the same shade used in Cuba's flag, a conscious act of solidarity between two Caribbean liberation movements inspired by the same revolutionary ideals and, in part, the same designer.
For over 130 years, independence supporters, nationalist organizations, and diaspora communities have carried the light blue flag as the authentic symbol of Puerto Rican sovereignty. The Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) officially uses the sky blue version. When Puerto Ricans paint the flag on murals celebrating resistance and identity, they often choose the original light blue.
Light Blue (Original) Stands For:
- The original 1895 revolutionary flag
- Solidarity with Cuba's independence movement
- Puerto Rican nationalism and independence
- The diaspora's preservation of original identity
- Historical authenticity over political compromise
Dark Blue (Azul Oscuro)
The 1952 Commonwealth Standard
When Puerto Rico's constitution was ratified in 1952 and the island became a Commonwealth (Estado Libre Asociado), the Puerto Rican government officially adopted the flag with a dark navy blue triangle — the same shade of blue used in the United States flag. This standardization aligned Puerto Rico visually with the U.S., reflecting the Commonwealth arrangement.
The dark blue version became the official government flag and was used on all official documents, buildings, and representations for decades. It remains the version most commonly reproduced in commercial merchandise, printed materials, and government contexts, and is the version most familiar to international audiences.
Dark Blue (Official) Stands For:
- The 1952 Commonwealth constitution
- Official government standardization
- Alignment with the United States
- Commonwealth and statehood identity
- Decades of official usage and recognition
Why the Color Matters Beyond Design
The 1952 standardization to navy blue did not happen in a political vacuum. It happened when Puerto Rico's Popular Democratic Party, under Governor Luis Muñoz Marín, chose Commonwealth status over independence — and critics argued that changing the flag's blue was part of that repositioning: a visual alignment with the United States at the expense of the original revolutionary identity.
Since then, the shade of blue on a Puerto Rican flag has functioned as an informal political signal. Independence and nationalist organizations tend toward sky blue. Government and statehood contexts more commonly use navy. Many Puerto Ricans use both without attaching political meaning — which is itself a kind of statement about how much Puerto Rico has moved beyond the polarities of the mid-twentieth century.
Hurricane Maria's devastation in 2017 and the inadequate federal response reinvigorated the conversation. As the flag exploded across walls, protests, and social media worldwide, a new generation of Puerto Ricans encountered its history for the first time. The sky blue version, for many of them, became the flag of resistance — the original, the authentic, the one that had been suppressed and reclaimed. The navy blue version, for others, was simply their flag — the one they grew up with, the one that required no explanation.
Both are right. Both flags are Puerto Rico. The debate continues because the question it encodes — what kind of political future should Puerto Rico have? — has not been resolved. It will not be resolved by standardizing a color. The two blues will coexist, as they have for over seventy years, until the political question is answered.
The Swing Back: Recognizing the Original Light Blue
In more recent decades, Puerto Rico has seen a gradual official reappraisal of the original light blue. Scholarly research into the flag's 1895 origins clarified that the founding designers always intended the sky blue version. Cultural organizations, artists, and historians argued for restoration of the original. By the early 2000s, usage of the lighter shade had grown significantly even in official and semi-official contexts.
Today, both versions are widely used and both are widely understood as representing Puerto Rico. Government buildings often fly the dark blue; murals and community spaces often display the light blue. Neither has fully displaced the other. The coexistence of both flags is itself a kind of statement — an unresolved conversation about what Puerto Rico is and what it wants to be.
Common Myths About the Puerto Rican Flag
Myth: Puerto Rico copied Cuba's flag.
Reality
The Puerto Rican flag was intentionally inspired by the Cuban flag because both islands were fighting for independence from Spain. Rather than a copy, it symbolizes the shared ideals of the Cuban and Puerto Rican independence movements.
Myth: Cuba's flag came first.
Reality
Yes. The Cuban flag was designed in 1849 and first used during the 1850 Narciso López expedition. The Puerto Rican flag was officially adopted in 1895 with its colors intentionally reversed.
Myth: Everyone agrees who designed the flag.
Reality
No. Historians continue to debate the flag's original designer. Antonio Vélez Alvarado, Francisco "Pachín" Marín, Manuel Besosa, and others have all been credited with contributing to its design.
Myth: Displaying the Puerto Rican flag has always been legal.
Reality
Between 1948 and 1952, Law 53—known as La Mordaza (The Gag Law)—made it illegal to display the Puerto Rican flag or advocate for independence.
Myth: There is only one official shade of blue.
Reality
The original 1895 flag featured a light sky blue. During the Commonwealth era, government flags commonly adopted a darker navy blue. Today, both versions are widely recognized, and no law establishes a single official color specification.
Myth: The flag has never changed.
Reality
While the design has remained remarkably consistent since 1895, the shade of blue has varied over time, reflecting historical, political, and cultural changes.
Flag Specifications
The official specifications for the Puerto Rican flag were codified in 1952 alongside the adoption of the Commonwealth constitution. The proportions mirror those of the United States flag.
The 3 main colors in the Puerto Rico flag are Red, White, and Blue.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Proportions | 2:3 (width to length is 1.5 times the height). Standard flag size is 3 feet x 4.5 feet. |
| Stripes | Five equal horizontal stripes (3 red, 2 white) |
| Triangle | Blue equilateral triangle with the base on the hoist side |
| Star | Single white five-pointed star centered within the triangle |
| Official Blue | Navy Blue - adopted under Law No. 1 (July 24, 1952) HEX: #0A1A6B (approximate) Pantone: 286 C (dark navy to match U.S. flag blue) RGB: 10, 26, 107 |
| Historical Blue | Light Blue used by the 1895 Revolutionary Committee (1895) HEX: #5B92C8 (approximate) Pantone: ~2925 C RGB: 91, 146, 200 |
| Red | #CE1126 (commonly used) Pantone 193 C |
| White | #FFFFFF |
| Legal Authority | Law No. 1 of July 24, 1952 |
| Flag Day | July 24 |
Puerto Rican Flag Etiquette
The Puerto Rican flag is one of the island's most cherished national symbols. While there is no separate, legally binding flag code equivalent to the U.S. Flag Code, the flag is traditionally treated with dignity and respect. When displayed alongside the United States flag, official government ceremonies generally follow U.S. flag protocol.
| Etiquette | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Displaying with the U.S. Flag | The U.S. flag occupies the position of honor during official displays. |
| Same Flagpole | The Puerto Rican flag should fly below the United States flag. |
| Separate Flagpoles | Both flags may fly at the same height, with the U.S. flag to its own right (observer's left). |
| Touching the Ground | Traditionally avoided as a sign of respect. |
| Flying at Night | Recommended only when properly illuminated. |
| Damaged Flags | Worn or damaged flags should be respectfully retired and replaced. |
| Folding | No official Puerto Rican folding method exists, but the flag should always be folded respectfully. |
| Half-Staff | Government buildings follow official proclamations for periods of mourning. |
| Commercial Use | The flag is widely used as a symbol of Puerto Rican identity, but the actual flag should be treated respectfully. |
| Cultural Importance | Beyond protocol, the flag represents Puerto Rican heritage, pride, resilience, and cultural identity around the world. |
Historical Flags
Flag of the United States
The flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag or U.S. flag, is the national flag of the United States. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternate with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S.
The current design of the U.S. flag is its 27th; the design of the flag has been modified officially 26 times since 1777.
Flag of Spain
The "Cross of Burgundy," the Spanish military flag used from the 16th to the 18th century to identify warships, forts, and regiments of troops loyal to the king of Spain is still flies alongside the U.S. and Puerto Rican Flags at El Morro and San Cristobal as a tribute to the local infantry regiment that saw action during the British invasion of Puerto Rico in 1798, the Franco-Spanish war of 1809 and the war of 1812 in Louisiana. The regiment was later disbanded in 1815 by King Fernando VII.
Flag of Cuba
The Cuban and Puerto Rican flags are closely connected in both design and history. The Cuban flag was designed in 1849 by Narciso López and first raised during Cuba's independence movement against Spain. It features five horizontal blue and white stripes, a red triangle, and a white five-pointed star.
Inspired by the close alliance between Cuban and Puerto Rican independence leaders, members of the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee in New York adopted a nearly identical design on December 22, 1895. Rather than copying the Cuban flag, they intentionally reversed the colors, replacing Cuba's blue stripes with red and its red triangle with blue.
The mirrored design symbolized solidarity between the two Caribbean independence movements led by figures such as Ramón Emeterio Betances, José Martí, Juan de Mata Terreforte, and other revolutionaries who envisioned the liberation of both islands from Spanish colonial rule.
Today, the two flags remain among the world's most recognizable examples of related national symbols. While they share the same basic layout, each represents a distinct nation, history, and identity.
Explore Puerto Rico's Historic Flags
Puerto Rico has flown many flags throughout its history—from the Kingdom of Castile and the Cross of Burgundy to the Spanish Empire, the Grito de Lares flag, and the modern Puerto Rican flag. Explore their origins, symbolism, and the historical events they represent.
Explore Historical Flags of Puerto Rico
Interesting Fact
Did you know that the original design used a sky blue tone of the triangle in the Puerto Rican flag? But when the flag was adopted officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue very similar to that of the US flag. This fact has raised many issues whether to use a sky blue tone or a dark blue tone in the flag. Recently, with the celebration of the flag's 100 anniversary in 1995 the current administration displayed a flag with the original sky blue tone. Some historians concluded that the reason why a dark blue was used in the 1952 flag was related to the origins of the flag and its relationship with a revolutionary independence movement.
Flag Day
Flag Day is celebrated on December 22. It commemorates when the flag was first raised. On December 22, 1895, a group of 59 Puerto Ricans, gathered at "Chimney Corner Hall" in Manhattan, New York City to promote the ideal of Puerto Rican independence from Spain. The city of Manati also celebrated Flag Day on June 11, the date when the flag was created.
The Puerto Rico flag was voted 7th best out of 71 flags ranked by the North American Vexillological Association in 2001.
Puerto Rican Tradition
Beyond official protocol, the Puerto Rican flag carries deep emotional significance. It is proudly displayed during festivals, sporting events, parades, family celebrations, and throughout the Puerto Rican diaspora. For many Puerto Ricans, displaying the flag is an expression of cultural identity, heritage, and pride regardless of political beliefs.
Continue Exploring Puerto Rico's Symbols
- Puerto Rican Etiquette, Rules, and Guidelines
- Municipal Flags
- Puerto Rican History
- Lares
- Puerto Rican Anthem
- Coat of Arms
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Puerto Rican flag fly with the U.S. flag?
Yes. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the Puerto Rican flag is commonly displayed alongside the United States flag at government buildings, schools, public plazas, and official ceremonies.
Can the Puerto Rican flag fly with the U.S. flag?
Yes. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the Puerto Rican flag is commonly displayed alongside the United States flag at government buildings, schools, public plazas, and official ceremonies.
Which flag should be higher?
Under the U.S. Flag Code, the United States flag should occupy the position of honor when displayed with territorial or state flags. When flown on separate poles of equal height, the U.S. flag is traditionally placed to its own right (the observer's left).
Can the Puerto Rican flag fly below the U.S. flag?
Yes. On a single flagpole, the United States flag is flown above the Puerto Rican flag during official displays. On separate poles, both flags are typically flown at the same height, with the U.S. flag occupying the position of honor.
Can the Puerto Rican flag touch the ground?
Traditionally, no. Like many national flags, it is considered respectful to prevent the flag from touching the ground, floor, or water whenever possible.
Can the Puerto Rican flag be folded?
Yes. Although there is no officially prescribed folding method unique to Puerto Rico, many people fold it carefully in a respectful manner similar to other national flags.
Can the Puerto Rican flag be worn as clothing?
The flag frequently appears on shirts, hats, dresses, and accessories as an expression of Puerto Rican pride. While common in popular culture, many people still believe the actual flag itself should be treated respectfully and not altered or used in ways that could be considered disrespectful.
Can the Puerto Rican flag be displayed at night?
Yes. When flown outdoors after sunset, proper illumination is recommended, following the same practices commonly used for the United States flag.
Is there an official Puerto Rico Flag Code?
Puerto Rico does not have a separate flag code comparable to the United States Flag Code. Official ceremonies generally follow U.S. flag protocol while recognizing the Puerto Rican flag as the island's official territorial flag.
Can the Puerto Rican flag be flown with the U.S. flag?
Yes. The Puerto Rican flag is commonly displayed alongside the United States flag at government buildings, schools, public ceremonies, and private residences. During official displays, U.S. flag etiquette determines the position of honor.
What was the first Puerto Rican flag?
The first flag created specifically to represent Puerto Rico was the Grito de Lares Flag, designed for the 1868 independence uprising against Spain. The modern Puerto Rican flag, adopted in 1895, later became the island's official flag.
Did You Know?
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