The Puerto Rican flag has a rich history that reflects the island's journey through colonization, revolution, and the quest for self-determination. Let's explore the evolution of this powerful symbol, including its various versions, revolutionary flags, and related aspects of Puerto Rican identity.
The First Puerto Rican Flag: Grito de Lares (1868)
The story of the Puerto Rican flag begins with the Grito de Lares (Cry of Lares) rebellion in 1868. This first flag was designed by Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances and embroidered by Mariana Bracetti.
It featured:
-
A white Latin cross in the center
-
Two sky-blue rectangles in the upper quadrants
-
Two brilliant red rectangles in the lower quadrants
-
A white five-pointed star in the upper left rectangle
This flag symbolized:
-
White cross: desire for homeland redemption
-
Red: blood shed by the heroes of the revolt
-
Star: liberty
-
Blue: likely representing the sky and waters of the island1
The Lares flag became the official municipal flag of Lares in 1952, preserving its revolutionary legacy.
The Revolutionary Flag of 1895
In December 1895, a new revolutionary flag was adopted by the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. This flag was designed to show solidarity with the Cuban independence movement and featured:
-
The same design as the Cuban flag, but with inverted colors
-
White stripes and a blue triangle instead of red
-
A white lone star in the center of the triangle
This flag symbolized the union of the Cuban and Puerto Rican struggles for independence1.
The Current Puerto Rican Flag (1952)
The flag we recognize today as the Puerto Rican flag was officially adopted on July 25, 1952. Its design features:
-
Five equal horizontal bands of red (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white
-
A blue isosceles triangle on the hoist side
-
A large, white, five-pointed star in the center of the triangle
The symbolism of this flag includes:
-
Red: bloodshed by brave Puerto Ricans in their quest for freedom
-
White: Puerto Rican triumph, peace, and individual liberty
-
Blue triangle: the three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
-
White star: the Puerto Rican territory, representing "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico"
Evolution of Puerto Rican Citizenship and Passport
The concept of Puerto Rican citizenship has evolved alongside its political status:
-
1508-1898: Puerto Ricans were Spanish nationals
-
1898-1917: After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Ricans became US nationals but not citizens
-
1917: The Jones-Shafroth Act granted statutory US citizenship to Puerto Ricans
-
1952: The current flag was adopted, coinciding with the establishment of Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth
Puerto Ricans use US passports for international travel, reflecting their status as US citizens.
Currency
Puerto Rico has used various currencies throughout its history:
-
Spanish colonial period: Spanish Currency
-
Post-1898: Both Spanish and US currencies were used
-
Current: The US dollar is the official currency
Conclusion
The Puerto Rican flag has evolved from a symbol of revolution to a representation of the island's complex relationship with the United States. Each version of the flag tells a story of Puerto Rico's struggle for identity and self-determination, making it a powerful emblem of Puerto Rican heritage and aspirations.
