Flag of Spain
Colors
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Meaning & Symbolism
The red and yellow (gualda) were chosen by Charles III in 1785 to distinguish Spanish ships. The coat of arms includes the historical kingdoms: Castile, León, Aragon, Navarre and Granada, with the Pillars of Hercules and the motto "Plus Ultra".
History
The current flag was adopted with the 1978 Constitution and regulated in 1981. The bicolor design dates from 1785 when Charles III chose these colors for the navy. During the Second Republic (1931-1939) a purple stripe replaced the lower red one.
Curiosities
The motto "Plus Ultra" means "Further Beyond" and refers to the discovery of America. The four quarters of the coat of arms represent the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon and Navarre, plus the kingdom of Granada at the bottom.
