Does Madrid Have a Flag?

By Anna Duncan

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its rich culture, history, and architecture. However, when it comes to the city’s flag, there seems to be some confusion.

Some people believe that Madrid does not have a flag, while others claim that there are different variations of the Madrid flag. So, what is the truth? Let’s find out.

The Origins of Madrid’s Flag

Like many other cities in Spain, Madrid has a long and complex history. The first mention of a flag associated with Madrid dates back to the 13th century during the reign of King Alfonso VIII. At that time, the flag was a simple white banner with a red cross in the middle.

Over time, different versions of this flag emerged. In 1967, Madrid adopted an official coat of arms which featured a bear standing on its hind legs eating from a strawberry tree. This emblem became an important part of the city’s identity and was later incorporated into different versions of the Madrid flag.

The Different Variations of Madrid’s Flag

As mentioned earlier, there are different variations of Madrid’s flag. One popular version features three horizontal stripes- red on top, yellow in the middle and red again at the bottom- with the bear and strawberry tree emblem in the center.

Another version is similar but has two stripes instead of three- red at the top and bottom with yellow in between- again featuring the bear and strawberry tree emblem.

It’s important to note that while these flags are commonly associated with Madrid, they are not considered official flags by everyone.

The Official Flag of Madrid

In 1983, after much debate and discussion among city officials and citizens alike, an official flag for Madrid was finally adopted. It consists of seven white stars arranged in a circle on a crimson background- symbolizing Ursa Minor, the constellation of the Little Bear.

The seven stars represent the seven stars of the Ursa Minor constellation and also represent the seven original provinces of Madrid. The crimson background is said to signify bravery and courage.

Conclusion

So, does Madrid have a flag? The answer is yes, it does.

While there are different variations of the Madrid flag that are commonly used, the official flag of Madrid consists of seven white stars arranged in a circle on a crimson background. This flag is an important symbol of Madrid’s culture and history and represents the city’s pride and identity.