Mexico Flag: Meaning, Eagle & Snake, History, Ratio & Facts
Explore the Mexican flag’s green-white-red tricolor, eagle-and-snake coat of arms, 4:7 construction, independence-era history, modern design and February 24 Flag Day.
What does the Mexican flag look like?
Mexico’s national flag is divided into three equal vertical bands: green at the hoist, white in the center and red at the fly. The national coat of arms is centered in the white stripe.
Why is there an eagle and snake on the Mexico flag?
The central coat of arms shows a golden eagle on a nopal cactus holding a snake, a scene rooted in the Mexica foundation tradition of Tenochtitlan. Oak and laurel branches complete the emblem. For the legend, historical versions and every element of the coat of arms, see the Mexico eagle, snake and cactus guide.
What do the Mexico flag colors mean?
The historical meanings of green, white and red changed over time. In the 1821 Trigarante tradition, green was linked to independence, white to religion and red to union. Modern civic interpretations vary, so the colors should not be reduced to one universal official meaning. For historical symbolism plus digital color references, see the Mexico flag colors guide.
History of the Mexico flag
The green-white-red tradition emerged in the independence era, with the Trigarante flag of 1821 followed by imperial and republican versions. The eagle changed repeatedly before the modern national flag was formalized in 1968. Read the full Mexico flag history for the complete timeline.
Mexico flag ratio and construction
The national flag uses a 4:7 ratio with three equal vertical bands—green, white and red—and the coat of arms centered on the white band. For dimensions, emblem placement and a practical drawing sequence, see how to draw the Mexico flag.
When is Mexico Flag Day?
Mexico celebrates Día de la Bandera on February 24, a date connected with the Plan of Iguala and the Trigarante flag tradition. See the Mexico Flag Day guide for the observance and its history.
Mexico flag FAQ
What is the ratio of the Mexican flag?
4:7.
What does the eagle on the Mexico flag represent?
It is part of the national coat of arms and connects modern Mexico with the Mexica foundation tradition of Tenochtitlan.
When was the current flag adopted?
The contemporary design was formally established in 1968.
What do the colors mean?
Their meanings changed historically. The 1821 Trigarante tradition associated white with religion, green with independence and red with union; later interpretations differ.
When is Mexico Flag Day?
February 24.
