Introduction
The flag of Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a distinctive and symbolic banner representing the planned city and its role as the seat of the federal government. Its design is a white rectangle featuring a blue cross that extends to the edges, known as the Cruzeiro do Sul (Southern Cross) constellation. The flag's layout is clean and geometric, with the cross dividing the field into four equal quadrants.
At the exact center of the flag, where the arms of the cross meet, lies the city's coat of arms. This central emblem is a crucial element, adding heraldic detail to the otherwise minimalist design. The color scheme is limited to white, blue, and the colors present in the coat of arms, creating a visually striking and easily recognizable identity.
The flag's design is a direct reflection of the city's founding principles and its unique status within Brazil. It was officially adopted shortly after the city's inauguration, cementing its visual identity from the very beginning of Brasília's existence as the capital.
Meaning & Symbolism
The central blue cross represents the Cruzeiro do Sul (Southern Cross), a constellation prominently visible in the Southern Hemisphere and a key national symbol of Brazil. Its placement on the flag signifies that Brasília, located in the country's interior, is under the same sky that guides the entire nation. The white field symbolizes peace and the desire for harmonious progress in the new capital.
The coat of arms at the center embodies the city's governmental function and its architectural heritage. The shield features key elements like the three arrows representing the executive, legislative, and judicial powers, and the Crown of Brasília, a stylized representation of the National Congress building. Together, the cross and coat of arms merge celestial guidance with the earthly mission of governance.
History of the Brasília Flag
The flag of Brasília was officially adopted on August 26, 1969, nearly a decade after the city's inauguration on April 21, 1960. Its creation was part of establishing the full suite of municipal symbols for the new federal capital. The design is credited to the poet Guilherme de Almeida, who was a renowned heraldist and vexillologist in Brazil.
The flag's adoption formalized a visual identity that had been conceptually linked to the city since its planning stages. The use of the Southern Cross directly connects the flag to the national flag of Brazil, reinforcing Brasília's role as the heart of the federation.
Curiosities
- The flag's designer, Guilherme de Almeida, is considered the father of Brazilian vexillology and also designed the flags for the states of São Paulo and Paraná.
- Unlike many city flags, the flag of Brasília is widely displayed and recognized throughout the city, flown at government buildings and public spaces.
- The specific shade of blue used in the cross is defined in official specifications, though common representations use a deep royal or cobalt blue.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Brasília in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag has official proportions of 7 units in width by 10 units in height. The blue cross is formed by a horizontal and a vertical band of equal width. Each arm of the cross has a width of 2 units, leaving 2.5 units of white space in each of the four quadrants. The city's coat of arms is perfectly centered at the intersection of the cross arms, with its diameter typically spanning the width of the cross arms.
Flags Similar to Brasília Flag
Common Misidentifications
Rarely misidentified due to its unique central coat of arms, but the blue cross on white is reminiscent of other flags featuring Scandinavian or Greek crosses.