List of Mexican flags facts for kids

The United Mexican States uses many different flags! A flag is a special piece of cloth with colors and symbols that represent a country, a state, a city, or even a group of people. Flags tell a story about history, beliefs, and identity. Let's explore some of the important flags used in Mexico, from its national flag to flags of different regions and groups.

National Flag of Mexico

The national flag is the most important flag for any country. It represents the entire nation and its people. Mexico's national flag has changed several times throughout its history, showing how the country has grown and changed.

The current flag of Mexico is a vertical tricolor (meaning it has three vertical stripes) of green, white, and red. In the middle of the white stripe, you'll see the National Coat of Arms. This symbol shows a golden eagle eating a snake while perched on a prickly pear cactus, which is on a rock in a lake. This image comes from an ancient Aztec legend about the founding of their capital city, Tenochtitlan.

• Green stands for hope and independence.
• White represents unity and purity.
• Red symbolizes the blood shed by national heroes.

Here's a look at how Mexico's national flag has changed over time:

Flag	Date	Use	Description
	1821–1823		This was one of the first flags after Mexico became independent.
	1823–1824		A new design after the first empire.
	1824–1835		Used during Mexico's first federal republic.
	1835–1846		This flag was used when Mexico had a central government.
	1846–1863		A flag used during a time of change.
	1864–1867		Used during the Second Mexican Empire.
	1880–1893		A flag from the late 1800s.
	1893–1916		Another flag from the early 1900s.
	1910	Independence centennial.	This flag was special for the 100-year celebration of independence.
	1910–1911
	1916
	1916–1934
	1934–1968		A version of the flag used for many years.
			The official flag during this period.
	1968–present	Civil use	A version of the flag used by regular citizens.
	1975–present		This is the current official flag of Mexico.

Presidential Flags

A presidential flag is a special flag used to show when the President of Mexico is present or to mark places connected to the President. It's a symbol of the highest office in the country.

Flag	Date	Use	Description
	Unknown–present	Presidential standard of Mexico	This flag represents the President.
		Presidential standard at sea	Used when the President is on a ship.
		Presidential standard (as supreme commander)	Used when the President acts as the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Historical Flags of Mexico

Mexico has a rich history, and many flags were used before and during its journey to independence. These flags tell stories of different eras and important events.

Flag	Date	Use	Description
	1506–1785		This flag was used by the Spanish Empire, which ruled Mexico for many years.
	1785–1821	Flag used by the Spanish Empire in its territories from 1785 to 1821	Another Spanish flag used in Mexico.
	1521–1821	Cross of Burgundy flag used in New Spain from 1521 to 1821	A version of the Spanish flag used specifically in New Spain (colonial Mexico).
	1810	Banner used by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810	This banner was carried by Miguel Hidalgo, a hero who started the Mexican War of Independence.
	1811–1812	Flag used from 1811 to 1812 by Regimiento de la muerte (Death Regiment) after Hidalgo's death in the Independence War	A flag used by a group fighting for independence after Hidalgo's death.
	1812	Flag used in 1812 by José María Morelos at the Independence War	Another important flag from the Independence War, used by José María Morelos.
	1815	Insurgents war flag used in 1815	A war flag used by those fighting for Mexico's freedom.

State Flags

Just like countries have national flags, many of Mexico's 32 states have their own flags! These flags often feature the state's coat of arms on a white background. They represent the unique history and identity of each state.

Municipality Flags

Below the state level, some municipalities (like cities or towns) in Mexico also have their own flags. These flags are special symbols for local communities.

Military Flags

The Mexican armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, also have their own flags. These flags represent their different branches and their important role in protecting the country.

Flags of Annexed Territories

Some regions that are now part of Mexico were once independent or belonged to other countries. These flags represent those historical territories before they joined the United Mexican States.

Political Flags

Different political groups and movements in Mexico sometimes use their own flags. These flags help people recognize the group and what they stand for.

Flag	Date	Use	Description
Current Political Flags
	2006–present	Nationalist Front of Mexico	A flag used by a nationalist political group.
	1937–present	National Synarchist Union	This flag belongs to a long-standing political union.
		Coalition of Workers, Peasants, and Students of the Isthmus	A flag for a coalition of workers and students.
Historical Political Flags
	1905-1918	Mexican Liberal Party	A flag from a past liberal political party.
Other Group Flags
	1994–present	Zapatista Army of National Liberation	This flag is used by a group focused on indigenous rights.
	1996–present	Popular Revolutionary Army	A flag for a revolutionary group.
	2009–2014	Práxedis G. Guerrero Autonomous Cells of Immediate Revolution	A flag from a past revolutionary group.
	1931-1935	Red Shirts	A flag used by a historical group known as the Red Shirts.
	1933-1936	Revolutionary Mexicanist Action	This flag was used by a group promoting Mexicanist action.
	1926-1929	Flag used by the Cristeros during the Cristero War	A flag used during a historical conflict called the Cristero War.

Native American Flags

Mexico is home to many different indigenous (Native American) peoples, each with their own unique cultures and traditions. Some of these groups have created their own flags to represent their heritage and identity.

Flag	Date	Use	Description
		Yucatec Maya people	The flag of the Maya people from the Yucatán Peninsula.
		Mazahua people	The flag of the Mazahua people.
		Mixe people	The flag of the Mixe people.
		Pima people	An unofficial flag of the Pima people.
		Purépecha people	The flag of the Purépecha people.
		Rarámuri people	The flag of the Rarámuri people.
		Seri people	The flag of the Seri people.
		Tohono o'odham people	The flag of the Tohono O'odham people.
		Yaqui people	The flag of the Yaqui people.
		Nahuas	The flag of the Nahua people.
		Mayo people	The flag of the Mayo people.
		Tzotzil people	The flag of the Tzotzil people.
		Zapotec peoples	The flag of the Zapotec peoples.

Other Flags

Here are a few other interesting flags that have been used in Mexico's history.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Banderas de México para niños

• Coat of arms of Mexico
• Himno Nacional Mexicano
• Flags of North America