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Flag Day Argentina – June 20, 2024

Flag Day Argentina is celebrated annually on June 20. Argentinians celebrate ‘el Día de la Bandera Nacional’ (National Flag Day) and mourn the death of its designer, General Manuel Belgrano. He was one of the most important independence leaders and is credited with the design of the Argentine flag. He came up with the design in the location that is now occupied by the city of Rosario. He sadly passed away on June 20, 1820. On this day, let’s celebrate the origins of the flag and the man who designed it.

History of Flag Day Argentina

The Argentinian flag was adopted in 1812 and remains in use today. It is a triband consisting of three horizontal bands of light blue, white, and light blue, each of which is equally wide. The Sun of May was added to the center of the design in 1818.

The flag depicting a sun has been designated as the official ceremonial flag. The version of the flag that does not have the sun is known as the ornamental flag. Even though both forms have the potential to be considered the national flag, the ornamental version must be flown below the official ceremony flag whenever it is flown. During the War of Independence for Argentina, Belgrano was in command of the combat that was taking place close to Rosario. He observed that the armies loyal to the Crown, as well as those fighting for independence, were wearing the same colors, which were yellow and red of Spain.

After coming to this conclusion, Belgrano designed a new flag that included the same colors as the one flown by the Criollos during the May Revolution of 1810. Even though the flag of Argentina is easily one of the most recognizable in the world, its original design was quite different from the one that is used today. The original flag had two vertical stripes, one of which was blue and the other white. On February 27, 1812, the flag was flown for the first time on the Batera Libertad, which was located along the Paraná River.

Flag Day Argentina timeline

1806
The Flag's Origins

The celeste-white-celeste horizontally striped flag is said to have been thought up during the British invasion of Buenos Aires.

1812
Hoisting the Flag

The celeste-white-celeste horizontal striped flag is hoisted for the first time by General Manuel Belgrano.

1816
Gaining Independence

Argentina proclaims independence from Spain on July 9.

1818
The Sun of May

As a nod to the day when the sun famously shone through the clouds, the golden Sun of May is placed in the flag’s center on February 25.

1938
A Nation Celebrates

An official decree is issued stating that National Flag Day is to take place on the third Monday in June.

2010
The New Date

Santa Fe governor Hermes Binner moves the holiday from the third Monday of June to June 20 every year.

Flag Day Argentina FAQs

What does Argentina’s flag represent?

There are three distinct elements represented on the flag: clouds, sky, and the sun.

What does the color blue on the Argentina flag represent?

White clouds emerging through an opening in the blue sky were the inspiration for the colors. During the 1810 liberation demonstration, this is alleged to have happened.

What was interesting about General Manuel Belgrano?

Belgrano had several careers, including being an economist, a lawyer, a politician, and a military leader. He also appears on Argentina’s 10 peso bill.

What is the capital of Argentina?

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina.

What makes Argentina renowned?

Argentina is renowned for its love of Tango, Mate culture, wine, and soccer. The nation gives visitors a distinctive experience with its breathtaking natural scenery in Patagonia and city life in Buenos Aires. 

Flag Day Argentina Activities

  1. Hoist the flag

    The Argentinian flag is hoisted in many places, including residences and businesses, on this day. You can participate by hoisting the flag outside your home or business for the day.

  2. Visit Argentina

    Day celebrations in Argentina take place at a particular spot: the National Flag Memorial (also known as the ‘Monumento Nacional a la Bandera’). This memorial can be found in the city of Rosario, which is located in the province of Santa Fe. This is the location where the flag was first hoisted over two artillery batteries on the famous Paraná River.

  3. Learn the history

    Argentina and its flag have a very rich history. The country's struggle for independence lasted for nearly a decade. The best way to honor the day is to dive deep into the subjects and read about them.

5 Interesting Facts About The Argentinian Flag

  1. The designer

    The flag was designed by General Manuel Belgrano during the country’s independence struggle.

  2. The Sun of May

    Argentina’s independence movement was sparked in May of that year when the Sun of May appeared on the national flag.

  3. The Symbolic Sun Emblem

    The Sun of May is a symbol of the ancient sun god Inti, who was worshiped in Inca culture. The addition of the sun's emblem to the flag occurred in 1818.

  4. The sky-filled symbolization

    The white space separating the blue banners symbolizes the ceding of the clouds and the opening of a blue sky.

  5. A work in progress

    The flag continues to be updated, with the last one being as recent as 2010.

Why We Love Flag Day Argentina

  1. It brings people together

    National Flag Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Argentina. On this day off, people reflect on the challenging routes that led to Argentina's founding and raise a glass to the nation's bright future.

  2. It honors a national hero

    Apart from honoring the national flag, the day also holds an earned accreditation for feting Argentinan hero General Belgrano. He designed the flag and played an instrumental role in the Argentine Wars of Independence.

  3. It lifts the patriotic spirits

    The nation commemorates the sacrifices made by freedom fighters of the 19th century. They pledge to abide by the fundamental duties that ensure the persistence of a vibrant democracy in Argentina.

Flag Day Argentina dates

YearDateDay
2024June 20Thursday
2025June 20Friday
2026June 20Saturday
2027June 20Sunday
2028June 20Tuesday

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