THE CUBAN FLAG
The Cuban flag is flown proudly everywhere you go in Cuba.
It was created by Narciso Lopez in 1849, and put together by Emilia Teurbe Tolón.
The origins date from 1849 when various movements to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule emerged, especially among Cuban exiles who lived in the United States.
The design has three blue stripes, representing the three parts that the country was divided into during the independence wars; central, occidental, and oriental areas of the country.
Two white stripes symbolize the purity of the patriotic cause.
The red triangle (of masonic significance) stands for the blood shed to free the nation, which is placed where the star is, symbolizing the sky turned red from the blood shed in battle.
The white star in the triangle stands for independence.
The Stars and Stripes flew from January 1, 1899
This was because the United States seized Cuba from Spain during the Spanish-American War.
On May 20, 1902, the Cuban national flag was hoisted
It was a symbol of independence and sovereignty. It has been used ever since, remaining unchanged after the Cuban Revolution of 1959.
The current, official meaning of the flag states
- the blue stripes refer to the three old divisions of the island
- the two white stripes represent the strength of the independent ideal
- the red triangle symbolizes equality, fraternity and freedom, as well as the blood shed in the island's struggle for independence
- and the white star is meant to symbolize freedom
