The Argentine flag was designed by General Manuel Belgrano during the Argentine War of Independence.
It was first raised on February 27, 1812, in the city of Rosario.
Adoption:
The flag was officially adopted as the national flag on July 20, 1816, shortly after Argentina declared independence from Spain.
Colors and Their Meanings
Light Blue and White:
The flag consists of three horizontal bands of light blue, white, and light blue.
Light Blue (Celeste): This color is said to represent the clear skies of Argentina. Another interpretation links the blue to the Virgin Mary, a highly revered figure in Argentine culture.
White: The white band represents peace and honesty.
Sun of May:
In 1818, the “Sun of May” (Sol de Mayo) was added to the center of the white band.
Sun of May: This sun symbolizes the Inca sun god Inti and is a national emblem of Argentina, representing the May Revolution of 1810, which marked the beginning of the process toward independence.
Symbolism
Sky and Clouds: A popular interpretation is that the blue and white colors represent the sky and clouds, respectively.
Freedom and Independence: The colors are also seen as a symbol of Argentina’s struggle for independence and freedom from Spanish rule.
Variations
Civil Flag: The civil flag consists only of the blue and white bands without the Sun of May.
War Flag: The war flag, used by the armed forces, includes the Sun of May in the center.
The Argentine flag is a significant symbol of national pride and reflects the country’s history, culture, and values.