February 24th: Flag Day in Mexico

On February 24^th, Mexican Americans across the country will celebrate a unique holiday in honor of traditional Mexican heritage. Known as "El Dia de la Bandera" (Flag Day), Mexican Americans will pay tribute to the flag of the native country of their ancestors; Mexico. In honor of the Mexico Flag Day, let's examine the fundamental meaning behind the unique design of the Mexico Flag.

In its current design, the Mexico Flag was approved for use on September 16, 1968. With a Coat of Arms prominently displayed on the center white, vertical stripe, this most current version of the Mexico Flag is a welcome site to many Mexican Americans. In addition to the white, vertical stripe, the Mexico flag also is designed with two additional vertical stripes, one green and positioned to the far left and the other red and positioned to the far right. With this three color combination, green, white and red, the Mexico flag is vibrant and eye catching!

Just as the design of the Mexico Flag has changed over time, so has the tradition and symbolism behind the three colors of the flag; green, white and red. Historically, the green vertical stripe of the Mexico flag was intended to represent the independence of Mexico. Today, this vertical green stripe, positioned to the far left of the Mexico flag, is a symbol of hope for the future of Mexico. For Mexican Americans, observing the Mexico flag, eating foods rich in green coloring, such as jalapenos, is common on El Dia de la Bandera.

To the right of the green vertical stripe, on the Mexico flag, is the white stripe. Also vertical, it is the white stripe of the Mexico flag which holds the Coat of Arms representing the founding of the nation's capital, Mexico City, by the Aztec people and formerly known as Tenochtitlan. In addition to the symbolism of the Coat of Arms, the whiteness of the vertical stripe represents unity of the Mexican people and purity of culture.

And, finally, the red vertical stripe, to the far right of the Mexico flag, initially symbolized the union of the European people with the American people through use of the Mexico lands. Today, this red vertical stripe, of the Mexico flag, represents the commitment to religion on which many Mexico citizens faithfully practice.

This February 24th, observe El Dia de la Bandera as an honor to the Mexican American citizens who have made a profound impact in the culture and diversity of the United States.