Cuban flag

America

Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. It really began to flourish after the revolution of 1959.

This is what Cuba’s modern flag looks like:

Флаг Кубы
Flag of the Republic of Cuba

History of the flag

The current version of the symbol of Cuba was conceived in 1848, but the Cubans could not realize their desires at that time, as at that time they were still under the power of Spain. The world powers represented by the U.S. and Spain for many years fought for the right of ownership of the island. From 1898 to 1902 Cuba was under the power of the USA and then the official symbol of America (at that time there were 45 states) was applied.

Флаг Кубы
The flag of Cuba under U.S. rule (1896-1908)

In 1902, Cuba achieved independence, and the state symbol was a version of the flag with a star. Its design was borrowed from the symbol of the state of Texas (USA), also called “Lone Star”.

Флаг Кубы
The flag of Texas or the lone star flag

In the mid-19th century, many Cubans wished that the island would unite with America. This fact is probably the reason why the colors of the Cuban symbol coincide with the colors of the American flag, and the stripes and star are used.

Previously, the flag was a little lighter:

Флаг Кубы
Cuban flag before the change of light blue stripes to a darker shade.

Description

The Cuban flag is a rectangular cloth, the sides of which have a ratio of 1 to 2. It depicts five equal horizontal stripes alternately alternating between two white and three blue.

An equilateral triangle of red is depicted on the left edge (at the staff). One side of it coincides with the width of the cloth. In the central part of the triangle is a five-pointed white star.

Building the Cuban flag

Флаг Кубы
The construction of the flag of Cuba.

Flag colors

The Cuban symbolism uses three colors: blue, white, and red.

Meaning of colors and flag symbol

The official version explaining the meaning of the colors of the flag is as follows:

  • blue stripes – Cuba divided into three parts by the Spaniards;
  • white stripes – desire for independence;
  • red triangle – blood spilled for Cuban independence, as well as freedom, fraternity, equality;
  • The white star symbolizes freedom.

A modern explanation is also sometimes used for the blue stripes, which refers to the three historical periods of the country: before 1902; from 1902 to 1959; after 1959.

Other Flags

During the struggle for Cuban independence, various movements and communities had their own versions of symbols. The first version consisted of three stripes: green, purple-red, and white.

Флаг борьбы за независимость в Кубе
The flag of the struggle for independence in Cuba

There were several communities in the twenties:

  • “Bolivar’s Sun and Rays;
Флаг сообщества «Солнце и лучи Боливара»
The Sun and Rays of Bolivar community flag
  • “Cuban Rose;
Флаг сообщества «Кубинская роза»
The flag of the Cuban Rose community
  • “The Havana Club.
Флаг сообщества «Гаванский клуб»
Havana Club Community Flag

For a short time another symbolism was adopted, associated with the uprising of 1868, but not subsequently approved because of intrigues among the leaders of the uprising.

Флаг Кубы
The flag of rebellion in Cuba

In 1952, General Batista decided to use a different symbolism that he had used twenty years earlier during the military coup.

Флаг Кубы
Flag during a military coup

Similar flags

Флаг Кубы
Flag of Puerto Rico

General information about Cuba

Official language Spanish
Capital Havana
Territory 110 860 km²
Population 11 061 886 people
Currency peso (CUP, 192)

convertible peso (CUC, 931)

Phone Code +53

Map of Cuba

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