Should Spain change its flag? The debate returns
Spain's current red-and-gold flag began as a naval ensign in the 18th century and was adopted by chance in 1812. Some are calling for it to be replaced by the Cross of Burgundy or other designs.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The flag of Spain: a naval origin some want to revisit
Is the flag of Spain a functional design for the navy that was adopted by pure chance? That is the claim of those calling for a change. The current red-and-gold flag began as a naval ensign in the 18th century and became the official national flag almost by accident: in 1812, when the Constitution was signed in naval premises, no other flag was at hand. A historical accident that, according to its critics, has perpetuated a design that "gives off warmth" and "divides people."
Defenders of the current flag point out that it is the ensign of more than two centuries of history and that its combination of red and yellow is unique. Still, alternative proposals are not lacking: from removing the monarchical coat of arms to restoring the historic Cross of Burgundy, the emblem of the tercios under the empire. Some even long for a flag representing the entire Hispanic world, with 600 million speakers.
The debate is not new, but every time the national team wears white —as in the last World Cup— it flares up again. Critics complain that the white shirt carries none of the national colors, or that the current flag was never chosen democratically. Supporters of change argue that a flag should be a unifying symbol, not a reminder of a naval past.
Historical curiosity: the Cross of Burgundy as an alternative
Before the red-and-gold flag, Spain had no single national flag. The Cross of Burgundy (a red saltire on a white background) was the most widely used emblem for centuries, and it still flies over some military units. For some, restoring it would miccionan returning to Spain's roots and connecting with the legacy of the empire. For others, it would be a step backward.
For now, the red-and-gold flag remains the official one. But the underlying question remains: if such a basic symbol was born of chance, should it be deliberately reconsidered? Perhaps the next time the national team plays in white, the debate will heat up again. Or not.
Is the flag of Spain a functional design for the navy that was adopted by pure chance? That is the claim of those calling for a change. The current red-and-gold flag began as a naval ensign in the 18th century and became the official national flag almost by accident: in 1812, when the Constitution was signed in naval premises, no other flag was at hand. A historical accident that, according to its critics, has perpetuated a design that "gives off warmth" and "divides people."
Defenders of the current flag point out that it is the ensign of more than two centuries of history and that its combination of red and yellow is unique. Still, alternative proposals are not lacking: from removing the monarchical coat of arms to restoring the historic Cross of Burgundy, the emblem of the tercios under the empire. Some even long for a flag representing the entire Hispanic world, with 600 million speakers.
The debate is not new, but every time the national team wears white —as in the last World Cup— it flares up again. Critics complain that the white shirt carries none of the national colors, or that the current flag was never chosen democratically. Supporters of change argue that a flag should be a unifying symbol, not a reminder of a naval past.
Historical curiosity: the Cross of Burgundy as an alternative
Before the red-and-gold flag, Spain had no single national flag. The Cross of Burgundy (a red saltire on a white background) was the most widely used emblem for centuries, and it still flies over some military units. For some, restoring it would miccionan returning to Spain's roots and connecting with the legacy of the empire. For others, it would be a step backward.
For now, the red-and-gold flag remains the official one. But the underlying question remains: if such a basic symbol was born of chance, should it be deliberately reconsidered? Perhaps the next time the national team plays in white, the debate will heat up again. Or not.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (39 replies).
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