Flag of Mexico

Meaning and history of the flag of Mexico

Mexico's flag is a vertical tricolor of equal green, white, and red stripes, with the National Coat of Arms at the center of the white band. The emblem depicts a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a serpent, an image drawn from the Aztec founding legend of Tenochtitlan. The current version of the coat of arms was set by decree in 1968.

Green symbolizes hope and independence, white represents unity and the purity of the faith, and red evokes the blood of the nation's heroes. These meanings were established during the War of Independence, though they have evolved over time. The elaborate central emblem also includes oak and laurel branches tied together with a tricolor ribbon.

Mexico's flag bears an obvious resemblance to Italy's, since both share a vertical green-white-red tricolor layout. The main differences are Mexico's central coat of arms and its slightly darker color tones. Flag Day is celebrated on February 24, and the protocol governing its use is among the strictest in the Americas, regulated by a dedicated federal law.

You can view the flag of Mexico in high resolution above and download it in several sizes for personal, educational or reference use. To explore more, visit the full Mexico profile, its map, or the current local time in Mexico City.