Haiti Flag: Meaning, Coat of Arms, History, Flag Day & Facts
Explore Haiti’s blue-over-red national flag, the palm-tree coat of arms, revolutionary origins in 1803, the 1986 restoration and the meaning of May 18 Flag Day.
HaitiBlue over red with national arms1What does the Haiti flag look like?
The 1987 Constitution describes two horizontal bands of equal dimensions: blue on top and red below. At the center, a white square carries the arms of the Republic.
The arms feature a palm tree topped by a liberty cap, surrounded by a trophy of arms and the motto L’Union fait la Force.
2What do the colors mean?
The Constitution names blue and red as Haiti’s national colors. Their deeper symbolism comes from the revolutionary tradition of 1803, when the blue and red of the French tricolour were retained after the white band was removed.
3What is in the Haiti coat of arms?
The emblem combines a palm tree, liberty cap, cannons, flags, rifles and other military trophies. Its motto, L’Union fait la Force, means “Unity Makes Strength.”
4How did the Haitian flag begin?
Haitian tradition dates the national flag to 1803 during the final phase of the Haitian Revolution. Jean-Jacques Dessalines is closely associated with the creation of the blue-and-red revolutionary banner.
After independence in 1804, different governments altered the colors, orientation and emblems over time.
5Why was the flag restored in 1986?
The Duvalier government had used a black-and-red vertical flag from 1964. After Jean-Claude Duvalier left power in 1986, Haiti restored the historic blue-over-red republican flag. The 1987 Constitution then defined its modern legal form.
6Why is May 18 Haiti Flag Day?
May 18 is the national observance dedicated to the Haitian flag and its revolutionary heritage. Modern government commemorations continue to present the day as a celebration of unity, sovereignty and national memory.
| National colors | Blue and red |
|---|---|
| Layout | Two equal horizontal bands |
| Central emblem | Arms of the Republic on white |
| Revolutionary origin | 1803 |
| Modern restoration | 1986 |
| Flag Day | May 18 |
| Motto on arms | L’Union fait la Force |
7Haiti flag FAQ
What are Haiti’s official colors?
Blue and red.
What does “L’Union fait la Force” mean?
“Unity Makes Strength.”
When was the blue-and-red flag restored?
In 1986, after the fall of the Duvalier regime.
When is Haiti Flag Day?
May 18.
What is in the center of the flag?
The arms of the Republic on a white square.
