What Is the Flag of Madrid Spain?

By Robert Palmer

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, has a beautiful flag that is rich in history and symbolism. The flag of Madrid consists of a crimson red background with seven white stars arranged in the form of the Ursa Major constellation. Let’s dive deeper into the meaning behind this iconic flag.

History of the Flag

The flag of Madrid was officially adopted on May 28, 1968, by the City Council. However, its origin dates back to the Middle Ages when Madrid was still a small town. At that time, there were no official flags or symbols representing Madrid.

It wasn’t until the 13th century that Madrid began using its first emblem, which was a simple shield with a bear standing on its hind legs. This motif was chosen due to the abundance of bears in the surrounding forests.

As time passed, this emblem became associated with Madrid and eventually evolved into what we know today as the coat of arms of Madrid – featuring a bear and a madrone tree.

The seven stars on the flag represent Ursa Major (the Great Bear) constellation that can be seen in the night sky above Madrid.

Symbolism Behind The Flag

The red color on Madrid’s flag represents courage and bravery – traits associated with Spanish culture. The seven white stars are symbolic of Ursa Major constellation and represent progress – each star representing one point in progress.

According to legend, during a hunt for bears by King Alfonso XI in 1212, he saw one bear standing up and decided to adopt it as his emblem or coat-of-arms for his kingdom Castilla y León which also included present-day Madrid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Flag of Madrid is not just an ordinary piece of cloth; it represents centuries-old traditions and values that are deeply ingrained in Spanish culture. From its humble beginnings as an emblem of a small town, it has now become an iconic symbol of Madrid and the entire Spain. The simplicity and beauty of the flag make it a perfect representation of the city’s history, culture, and progress.