Puerto Rico > Puerto Rico Flag

Puerto Rico is a colony in a post-colonial era, a United States territory but not a state.  Residents from the USA have easy access to the island without the need of a US Passport; first time visitors will find many stateside conveniences and rest easy with the safety of being in American protected land, yet enjoy a rich cultural experience that feels more like a different country.

These facts are encapsulated into the flag, we invite you to hang around and take a few minutes to explore this page, created to give readers the highlights of the history of the Puerto Rican flag, which is deeply embedded into the everyday lives of Puerto Ricans, the history is much more than colors and stripes.  We have included music and photo galleries of images taken around the island.  The flag tells tales of past dreams, current life on the island and hopes for the future.

If you visit the Island you will find the flag embedded almost everywhere; from a pair of earrings to graffiti on concrete walls.  You can also find it hanging from windows, car mirrors, restaurants, businesses and all Governmental establishments.  As you drive around the island you’ll see the flag painted on the doors of homes, beautifying walls of abandoned buildings, road bridges, bus stop benches, it is the favorite symbol for artists and inspiring painters to display using the lines of concrete structures in the most creative ways. Just about everywhere you visit around the island, you will find a Puerto Rican flag, but, it was not always so, it came at a price.

Following is a video of the beloved song, Que Bonita Bandera, to the tunes of Plena, an original musical genre of Puerto Rico.

What caused such a national pride?  What made Puerto Ricans demonstrate such a patriarchal display? Is the flag a far-gone dream of freedom from the oppression of the Spaniards back then and now from the United States of America? Or, is it just the flag of a Commonwealth of the United States of America?   Those questions are always at hand when we speak about Puerto Rico’s flag.  To best explain such a phenomena Jorge Dauny in his book “Puerto Rico: What Everyone Needs to Know” named such evident enigma as “transnationalism”. To grasp the sociocultural notion of the islanders when it comes to the national flag we must examine the historical accounts of its origin.

Traveling back in time, it all commenced with the accelerated tyrannical state in which the people of Puerto Rico were living imposed by the oppressive power of Colonial Spain.  The current flag was officially adopted in 1952, but the history of the Puerto Rican flag began back in 1868.

The First Puerto Rican Flag

On September 23, 1868, Puerto Ricans had reached their climax against the maltreatment and oppression of the Spaniards who governed Puerto Rico leading to a revolutionary movement in the town of Lares, the outcry known as “El grito de Lares” for the independence of Puerto Ricans from their Colonist occupants.  During that time, the first concept of the national Puerto Rican flag emerged, the flag of the revolutionaries, deeply symbolizing the ideals of the Grito de Lares revolution.   Independence leader Ramon Emeterio Betances designed the first Puerto Rican flag, inspired by the design of the Dominican Republic’s flag due to the common ideal of being free from Spain and uniting to form the Antillean Confederation.  The flag was embroidered by Mariela Bracetti.   This flag was proclaimed the national flag of the Republic of Puerto Rico by Francisco Ramirez Medina, the first President.

According to Luis Lloréns Torres, a Puerto Rican poet and politician, the white star signifies liberty and freedom, the white cross signifies the yearning for Patria (Homeland) redemption, and the red squares stand for the blood shed by the heroes of the rebellion.  The original flag was celestial blue, locals still prefer the original color; all government offices use the navy blue version which is said was changed to match the American Flag, just as it occurred with the current Puerto Rican flag design.  The original flag is exhibited a the Museum of the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras.

Flags Flown in Puerto Rico as a Spanish Colony

In 1873, a new colonial flag was introduced by the Spanish government, a design which resembled the flag of Spain, with a coat of arms in the center.   This flag was used until 1898 when the island became a possession of the United States as a result of the Spanish – American War.

Following are other flags flown in Puerto Rico under the Spanish imperialism.

Burgundy Cross Flag (Military Flag)

Flag of Kingdom of the Castle – 1492

Flag of Spain 1701-1793

Flag of Spain (1793 – 1873, 1875 – 1898)

First Spanish Republic (1873 – 1874)

The Gag Law

Outlawing the flag ignites the creation of one of the biggest cultural pride parades. 

The long awaited desired independence from Spain came at the expense of the Imperialism of the United States of America.  The flag of the United States was raised in Puerto Rico on October 18, 1898, when the U.S officially took control of the island during the Spanish-American War.  Puerto Rico became a United States territory in 1917.

This transition brought a new series of events that propel such national pride demonstration.  During the transition, the United States made attempts to Americanize the people of Puerto Rico.  Conversely, the islanders did not adapt to such a notion of redefining their customs and beliefs, which lead to unity of political parties and a greater push for national patriotism.

From the day Puerto Rico was annexed to the United States on December 10, 1898 until 1952,  it was a felony to display the Puerto Rican flag; the flag of the United States was the only flag permitted to be displayed.  Luis Muñoz Marin, then president of the Puerto Rican senate, passed the bill Law 53 of 1948 (Ley de la Mordaza) – in English known as the Gag Law.(1)  Law 53 made it illegal to display or own the Puerto Rican flag, to speak or write about independence of Puerto Rico, to sing a patriotic song, or to meet or hold assembly in favor of the independence of Puerto Rico from the United States.  The bill was signed into law in June 10, 1948 by Jesús T. Piñero, the new appointed governor by the United States.  Anyone who displayed the Puerto Rico Flag or spoke of independence, broke the law and would go to jail for years.(2)

Such restrictive sanctions had a counter-effect in Puerto Rico, through the next few decades, this law propelled many to fight for cultural nationalism. A number of revolts occurred resulting in 28 fatalities: 16 Nationalists, 7 police officers and 1 National Guardsman.(3)  Poet Francisco Matos Paoli from the town of Lares, faced a prison sentence of 20 years, later reduced to 10 years, evidence used against him found by police in his home was a Puerto Rican flag and four speeches about Puerto Rico’s independence; he shared a jail cell with Pedro Albizu Campos.(4)

Although the Gag Law was unconstitutional, it remained until 1957, when it was finally repealed.

The Puerto Rican Parade in New York City is one of the biggest cultural pride demonstrations in the United States and the world.  Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Big Apple and walk through the streets of Manhattan celebrating Puerto Rican pride; one thing stands out, the Puerto Rican flag… it is literally a sea of flags.

People hold the flag, wear the flag and and march with fellow Puerto Ricans that come from all different states songs.  They sing in tune songs like “Que Bonita Bandera, Preciosa and La Borinqueña“.  This spectacular parade roots from Law 53, Puerto Ricans never take for granted their ability to hold, display, wear, embrace or sing to their beloved Monoestrellada flag.

Design and History of the Official Flag of Puerto Rico

How the flag was designed is still somewhat of a mystery with some conflicting facts among historians, there are various anecdotes that explain the process.

Hundreds of participants of the revolution exiled to New York City and the Dominican Republic, most of the revolutionaries suffered execution, most survivors were arrested.  A number of the political refugees formed Comité Revolucionario de Puerto Rico (Revolutionary Committee of Puerto Rico), attached to Comite Revolucionario de Cuba (Revolutionary Committee of Cuba), whose mission was gaining independence and national patriotism for Cuba and Puerto Rico.  Antonio Velez Alvarado (1864-1948), born in the town of Manati, one of the survivors who had exiled to New York City is credited with the design of the Puerto Rican flag.  The design of the current Puerto Rican flag was inspired by the Cuban flag with the colors inverted, due to the close relationship nationalists shared of decolonizating the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico and becoming independent

During gatherings at Chimney Corner Hall in New York City the flag of Puerto Rico, revolutionaries and patriots unanimosuly voted to adopt Alvarado’s design the 22nd day of December of 1895, it was adopted with the passionate heart of one day being able to enjoy full Puerto Rican independence and sovereignty.  This flag was first flown in March 24, 1897, during a revolt in town of Yauco known as the “Intentona de Yauco“, the second and last revolt against the colonial rule of Spain, led by the pro-independence movement.  In July 25, 1952, the flag was adopted as the national flag when Puerto Rico became Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, literally translation is Free Associated State of Puerto Rico).

The American Flag & Pride

The American & Puerto Rican Flags flying over the San Juan Bay in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Although the history of our flag clearly focuses on nationalists desire for independence, if you were to visit Puerto Rico you’ll see that islanders are quite Americanized in many aspects of everyday life, most of the private schools are bilingual, and there are more Puerto Ricans living in the United States than on the island.  Most Puerto Ricans have historically left the island seeking for better job opportunities.  As United States citizens, Puerto Ricans are offended when most mainland citizens are unaware of the fact that Puerto Ricans are citizens as well.  Although Puerto Ricans hold strong cultural pride, they consider themselves just as American as any other U.S. Citizen.  The great American Flag is proudly flown right next to the Puerto Rican flag.

U.S.A., Puerto Rico & Ponce Flags – Alcaldia in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico

In June of 2017, a non-binding statehood referendum took place, an overwhelming percentage of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood.  Puerto Rican, a term just like New Yorkers or Hawaiian, obviously describes the state of origin, all American, residents of the island lack the great privilege of voting for their President.  Puerto Ricans have U.S. Passports, if they live within the 50 states they may vote for President but if they reside on the island, the privilege is lost.  Antonio Rosselló Nevares, the current Governor from Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) (New Progressive Party) is strongly advocating for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state, ultimately the decision is in the hands of the members of Congress.

Out of respect to everyone reading this article, no political arguments are meant to be said.  There are pros and cons to all political sides and beliefs.  The fact is, the majority of Puerto Ricans want Puerto Rico to cease being a territory and have the beloved star of the Puerto Rican flag become part of the great American flag.  Contrary to how the news portray the current status of Puerto Rico and the reasons for becoming a state, most Puerto Ricans feel tremendous American pride and simply wish to enjoy the full rights of their American citizenship.  When you think of all the Puerto Rican American citizens living stateside, the connection to the “mainland” is very clear.

History shows the traditions and cultural pride of Puerto Ricans will not cease whether Puerto Rico become a state or remains a territory of the United States.  The American pride is clear in Major League Baseball, Puerto Ricans have historically played a major role in the sport, they happily play for the American team and hold up the flag, and when nostalgia and Patria (homeland) pride kicks in, they will hold up their beloved Puerto Rican flag.

What does the colors of the Puerto Rican flag mean?

Following are two known facts about the symbolism of the Puerto Rico flag (Gutterman D., 1998).   It was not until the 1950s when the political mentality focus on cultural nationalism “became the ideology of the Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico.” (Duany, 2017)

For the millions of Puerto Ricans who had to leave the island, the Puerto Rican flag takes on a completely new meaning, it becomes the best object to hold when they can’t step on the soil that previous generations farmed with pride or the sand along the shores that served as playgrounds next to turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

While in foreign land or the mainland of the United States, the flag is proudly placed in the homes, as they go in their daily life, the flag brings on memories of great times mixed with nostalgia and melancholy of what life could have been if only they could have stayed in their beloved Borinquen.

Living in the United States for so many years, family and social gatherings almost always included conversations of times in Puerto Rico.  The dining table often ended up turning into a Domino’s table, each piece engraved with the Puerto Rican flag.  Oftentimes, as each domino game piece was thoughtfully placed on the table, so did a memory of times passed in Borinquen would often be shared, some filled with laughter, some with nostalgia and some with dreams of someday returning to the plaza or barrio to play the game.  No matter what corner of the globe life takes a Puerto Rican, the essence of the island goes with them, the flag is the preferred symbol to take along, whether a small pin to keep in the pocket or purse in place of a lucky color, or a life size flag to display in their home.

One song that beautifully describes the feelings of nostalgia is the song by Ruben Blades – Patria.  Patria cannot easily be translated, it is a poetic word that contains strong feelings and bring on memories to those that use it in a sentence, the closest English word in English is “Home country / homeland”, but again it lacks the feel that Patria encompasses.  In the song Patria, “Bandera, Bandera, Bandera” (flag, flag, flag), is used in a sentimental way to summarize all things Patria, the love and memories in the hearts of those that love their “homeland”, the reason why martyrs fought, sacrificed and ultimately died.  As with many translations, the essence of a word is lost, with all due respect to English speakers, the word bandera is just not the same as saying flag, ask any Puerto Rican and they’ll tell you.  The closes patriotric symbol when it comes to feelings of love for “homeland” can be observed and felt when the USA National Anthem is sang…the love, pride and respect can strongly be felt in the air.

The Puerto Rico flag is also a symbol of political conflict of what Puerto Rico could have been and currently should be, this discussion is currently a popular discussion among Puerto Ricans, the component of the flag that best describes this conflict is the color of the triangle of the flag.

Which is the correct blue of the triangle of the Puerto Rican flag?

The conflict that is still discussed today about the flag is the color of the triangle.  This debacle was resolved when various historians met at Ateneo Puertorriqueño in San Juan to discuss the the conflict.  It was concluded that the original color of triangle of the flag is celestial blue, the same as the Lares flag.  It was discussed that when Puerto Rico became Estado Libre Asociado (Free Associated State), the blue tone of the triangle was not defined.  Most likely when the flag went into production, it was simply made the same blue as the United States.(5)

Political issues aside, both celestial blue and navy blue are used by local and artisans displaying the flag.  The navy blue triangle is more widely used, it is used in all official buildings.

To those that with strong political convictions, the discussion of the color seems to be rooted in opinions of what the status of Puerto Rico ought to be rather than historical correctness.  Those that prefer independence fervently favor celestial blue, those that favor statehood favor the U.S.A. flag’s navy blue.  A few argue that the original color is indigo blue like the Cuban flag since the design of the Puerto Rican flag was exactly like it with the colors inverted.

The new trend seems to be going back to celestial blue.  It seems that no matter which color is on the flag, it changes nothing about the feeling and meaning it holds for Puerto Ricans.  Although a beloved symbol, love and pride does not come from the flag, it comes from the love shared with family and friends, memories made on the island and respect for Patria in the heart.

Whether celestial or navy blue, it is still the Bonita Bandera.

• Día de la Bandera – The 22nd of December is the official Puerto Rican Flag Day (Día de la Bandera). The 22nd of December the flag was raised for the first time in Chimney Corner Hall in the city of New York.  Ateneo Puertorriqueño celebrates Día de la Bandera.  The town of Manati, birthplace of Antonio Velez Alvarado, celebrates Día de la Bandera on the 11th of June, the date the flag was created, two years before it was adopted in 1892.
• Puerto Ricans proudly enjoys the benefits of participating in the Olympics as a nation under their own flag being waved with pride.
• Puerto Rico has the largest national parade demonstration throughout the United States of America, the Puerto Rican flag is the symbol of cultural pride in the parade.

Old San Juan Historic District – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Many homes hang flags from the balconies, they look beautiful next to blooming Bougainvillea flowers that flow over the rod iron railings.

A brand new flag was painted at Calle Imperial, don’t miss it on your walking tour along Calle Norzagaray.

Up until last year, one of the most photographed flags was painted on the door of a decaying building in Calle San Jose, the summer of 2016, a group of artists wanting to express their political opinions gave it a new coat of paint in black and white; the colors express the dark times the island is facing, specifically the negative consequences of PROMESA on the island.

Flags on Beaches around the Island of Puerto Rico

If you explore the beaches around the island you may find a pole with the flag on a rock rising from the water in unexpected spots.  For Puerto Ricans it is a wonderful sight, a place to sit down and appreciate the privilege of being born on such a beautiful place.

Our favorite flags on the beach are located at Survival Beach in Aguadilla and Playa Pastillo in Isabela.  In addition to traditional flag poles, you’ll find fishermen boats painted with flags, the best towns for observing boats are on the west coast of Puerto Rico.  Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla is the most popular, as the name suggests, many fishermen boats crash on the north end of the beach, a great spot for photographers with the sun setting on the water as a background.  The new Malecon in Aguadilla also has some boats, a little further north there are more boats with flags at Rompeolas beach.

The Town of Lares, Puerto Rico

There is a special feeling of patriotism in this small town up in the verdant mountains on the northwest of the island.  People seem to be especially friendly with a quiet and humbling sense of pride.  After all, Lares is the place where the revolutionary Grito de Lares took place, a cry for nationalism that marked and changed the history of the island.

The underpass that takes you into Lares greets visitors with flags painted on the walls. As soon as you enter the pueblo of Lares (center town), you’ll pass a small placita (square / park) dedicated to Jose Feliciano, born in Lares, with a painted mural of the Puerto Rican flag, a painted portrait and the Lares flag.  Go up the hill and find a place to park, you’ll want to walk around the square and make several stops to photograph the many flags displayed in artistic forms.

At the center of the plaza, there’s a small monument with the bust of Ramón Emeterio Betances with a flag of Lares painted on the column.  Our favorite display of the flag is painted on an old pick up truck humbly detailed Jibaro style; the owner is super friendly, ready to help visitors and answer any question, he sell souveniers, traditional music cd’s and more with… you guessed it, the Puerto Rican and Lares flags as the main theme.  Be sure to visit Mirador (Observation Deck) Mariana Bracetti (The Betsy Ross of Puerto Rico), it is a very nice stop for families, a great place to taste Puerto Rican food at local prices, there is a fun zip line and two observation decks with great views of the valley of Lares and the mountains of Cordillera Central.  The lower observation area has a flag creatively painted on a seating area, an excellent photo-op for families.

Plazas (Squares) of Municipalities

Each municipality has their own flag.  The Alcaldia (Mayor’s office)  is typically facing the Catholic Church at the Plaza (Square), there you’ll be able to observe the Puerto Rican Flag in the center, the U.S.A Flag on the left and the municipality flag on the right.

Municipality officials allow local artists to express their love for Patria, flags can be found painted on murals, light poles, benches and more.  Just at about every plaza, visitors can find souvenir shops with gifts crafted by local artisans.

Sources

– (1) Oficina de Servicios Legislativos – http://www.oslpr.org/2005-2008/leyes/pdf/ley-253-13-Ago-2008.pdf 
– (2) Wikipedia – Gag Law  – Retrieved August 28, 2017 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gag_Law_(Puerto_Rico)
– (3)  http://nersp.osg.ufl.edu/~malavet/seminar/notes04.htm
– (4) Wikipedia – Francisco Matos Paoli – Retrieved August 28, 2017 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Matos_Paoli
– (5) El Nuevo Dia – ¿Cuál es el azul correcto de la bandera puertorriqueña? – Published 12/23/2004 – Retrieved August 26, 2017 – http://www.primerahora.com/noticias/puerto-rico/nota/cualeselazulcorrectodelabanderapuertorriquena-1055126
– Cruz, M. A. (2014). Dream nation: Puerto Rican culture and the fictions of independence (Latinidad: Transnational Cultures in the United States). New Brunswick, New Jersey, and London: American Literatures Initiative.  ISBN 978-0-8135-6548-4 (e-book)
– Duany, J. (2017). Puerto Rico: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN978-0-1906-4872-5 (e-book)

– Gutterman, D. (1998, December 28). Puerto Rico: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico. Retrieved June 09, 2017, from https://flagspot.net/flags/pr.html
– T Moscoso, F., Dr. (2014, September 12). -A brief historical background. Retrieved June 08, 2017 – http://www.enciclopediapr.org/ing/print_version.cfm?ref=06101303
– Wikipedia – Luis L  – Retrieved August 26, 2017 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Llor%C3%A9ns_Torres
– Library of Congress – U.S. Raised the Flag in Puerto Rico October 18, 1898 – Retrieved August 28, 2017 – http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/progress/jb_progress_puerto_1.html
–EnciclopediaPR.org – El Grito de Lares – Retrieved August 26, 2017 – https://enciclopediapr.org/en/encyclopedia/the-grito-de-lares-1868/
– Wikipedia – Flag of Puerto Rico – Retrieved August 26, 2017 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Puerto_Rico
– Professor Pedro A. Malavet – America’s Colony, Chapter 3: Political Culture – Levin College of Law – Retrieved August 26, 2017 – http://nersp.osg.ufl.edu/~malavet/seminar/notes04.htm

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