The Origin of the Spanish Flag

However, the design of the current flag, with its red and yellow stripes, was officially adopted on May 8, 1785, by King Charles III as part of a series of naval reforms.

The Spanish Flag, at we know it today

The decision to create a distinct flag with red and yellow horizontal stripes was motivated by the need for a more recognizable symbol for Spanish ships during maritime conflicts. At the time, many European nations had similar naval flags, and the red and yellow colors were chosen because they stood out clearly at sea, making Spanish ships more easily identifiable. The specific shades of red and yellow were derived from the traditional colors of the Spanish monarchy, which had previously used a red banner with the coat of arms of the Spanish monarchy.

Over the years, the flag's design has evolved, especially in terms of the addition of the coat of arms. The modern version of the flag, as we know it today, was established in 1981 following the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which confirmed the use of the flag as a national symbol. The Spanish flag now features three horizontal stripes: red at the top and bottom, with a wider yellow stripe in the center. The national coat of arms appears on the left side of the yellow stripe, incorporating symbols of Spain's various regions, such as the Kingdom of León, the Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile, reflecting the country’s diverse history and territories.