Official Palette
Symbolism
The red and yellow (oro) colors are the historical colors of the Crowns of Aragon and Castile. The coat of arms features the Pillars of Hercules with the motto 'Plus Ultra' (Further Beyond), representing Spain's history of exploration.
History
The red-yellow-red horizontal tricolor was first chosen by Charles III in 1785 to make Spanish ships easily distinguishable at sea. The current version with the constitutional coat of arms was adopted in 1981.
Construction
The flag has a 2:3 ratio. It features three horizontal stripes: red, yellow, and red. The yellow stripe is twice the width of each red stripe (a 1:2:1 proportion), a layout known as a Spanish fess.
Color Meanings
red: Bravery and the Crowns of Aragon and Castile
yellow: Wealth and the radiant sun of Spain
Country Facts
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- October 5, 1981
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Animal, Weapon
Influences
Maritime visibility requirements
Heraldry of Aragon
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The yellow stripe must be twice the width of each red stripe
- The coat of arms must be shifted toward the hoist
Practice
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