Galicia Flag

The flag of Galicia, Spain, is a simple yet distinctive white field with a broad diagonal blue band running from the top hoist to the bottom fly. This central band is a defining feature, known as the Banda de Galicia (Galician Stripe). The design is officially described as a white rectangle with a sky-blue stripe crossing it from the upper left corner to the lower right.

At the center of the flag, superimposed on the blue band, is the coat of arms of Galicia. This emblem features a chalice with a host above it, flanked by seven silver crosses on a azure field, all within a golden border adorned with royal crowns. The flag's clean geometry and symbolic central charge make it easily recognizable.

While the civil flag omits the coat of arms, the official version for government and institutional use prominently displays it. The flag's colors and central diagonal element create a strong visual identity distinct from other Spanish regional flags, avoiding common horizontal or vertical bicolor patterns.

The white field symbolizes peace, purity, and the traditional color of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia. The diagonal blue band represents the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea, which border the region, highlighting Galicia's deep historical and economic connection to the sea.

The central coat of arms carries profound historical and religious meaning. The Holy Grail (chalice) and the host are linked to the medieval tradition of the Miracle of O Cebreiro and symbolize Galicia's deep Catholic heritage. The seven silver crosses are commonly associated with the seven historic provinces of medieval Galicia. The royal crowns on the border of the shield reference the region's historical status as a kingdom.

The modern flag's origins are traced to the 19th century and the Rexurdimento (Galician Revival) cultural movement. It was first documented in use by Galician emigrants in Havana, Cuba, in 1891. The design, featuring the white field and blue diagonal stripe, was intended to represent the maritime character of the region.

The flag was officially adopted for modern use by the Galician Provincial Council in 1978, during Spain's transition to democracy. Its status was later confirmed and regulated by the Galician Statute of Autonomy of 1981 and subsequent legislation, solidifying it as the official symbol of the Autonomous Community.