what does the puerto rican flag look like
The Puerto Rican flag features a striking design with five horizontal stripes and a prominent blue triangle. It's a symbol of pride for Boricuas worldwide, instantly recognizable for its bold colors and simplicity.
Design Breakdown
The flag consists of five equal horizontal stripes : three red ones alternating with two white ones, running across the width.
On the hoist side (the left edge where the flagpole attaches), there's a blue equilateral triangle that spans the full height of the flag.
At the center of this triangle sits a single large, white five-pointed star , sharp and upright.
Colors and Symbolism
Each element carries deep meaning rooted in Puerto Rico's history and identity.
- Red stripes represent the blood shed by warriors in defense of the island.
- White stripes symbolize liberty, victory, and peace.
- Blue triangle stands for the sky, coastal waters, and the three branches of government.
- White star signifies the island itself, or the commonwealth.
This layout mirrors the Cuban flag but swaps red and blue, a nod to shared independence struggles in the late 19th century.
Quick History
Designed around 1895 by pro-independence exiles like Antonio Vélez Alvarado (or possibly Manuel de Besosa), it was inverted from Cuba's flag to rally against Spanish rule.
Officially adopted as Puerto Rico's flag in 1952 under Law 1, though it flew unofficially earlier.
A fun note: Debates persist over the exact blue shade—original "sky blue" (azul celeste) vs. the darker U.S.-style navy blue post-1952.
Visual Comparison Table
Feature| Puerto Rican Flag| Cuban Flag (for contrast)
---|---|---
Stripes| 5 horizontal (3 red, 2 white) 1| 5 horizontal (3 blue, 2 white) 7
Triangle| Blue, hoist-side 1| Red, hoist-side 7
Star| Single white, centered 1| Single white, centered 7
Proportions| 2:3 (standard) 3| 1:2 (standard) 7
TL;DR: Picture red-white-red-white-red stripes with a blue triangle on the left cradling a white star—like a patriotic shoutout to freedom.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.