Andalusia Flag

The flag of Andalusia is a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and green bands, with the Andalusian coat of arms centered on the white stripe. This design is officially described in the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia and is a powerful symbol of the region's identity and self-government. The flag's simple yet distinctive layout makes it easily recognizable and widely displayed across southern Spain.

The central emblem, the coat of arms, features the figure of Hercules between two pillars, a classical motif with deep historical roots in the region. The flag's proportions and color shades are precisely defined by law, ensuring its consistent presentation. Its verdant green hues are particularly associated with the landscape and cultural heritage of Andalusia.

The green stripes symbolize hope and union, while the white stripe represents peace and dialogue, as articulated in the region's anthem. These colors are also historically linked to the Umayyad Caliphate and the Andalusian nationalist movement of the early 20th century, which sought autonomy. The flag thus blends aspirational values with a historical consciousness.

The coat of arms depicts the Greek hero Hercules subduing two lions, with an inscription below that reads 'Andalucía por sí, para España y la Humanidad' (Andalusia for itself, for Spain, and Humanity). Flanking the scene are the two Pillars of Hercules, representing the Strait of Gibraltar. This classical imagery connects modern Andalusia to its ancient past and its geographic role as a bridge between continents.

The modern flag's design is credited to Blas Infante, the 'Father of the Andalusian Homeland', who proposed it in 1918. Infante based the green and white colors on historical standards, including those used during the Umayyad period and by anti-feudal revolts in the region. The design was adopted in its current form with the establishment of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia in 1981.

Its legal status was cemented by the 1981 Statute of Autonomy and reaffirmed in the updated 2007 Statute. The flag was first officially hoisted on the San Telmo Palace in Seville in 1918, and its public display is now a common sight, especially on Andalusia Day (28th of February).