Argentina Flag: Sun of May, Meaning, History & Facts
Explore Argentina’s light-blue and white flag, Manuel Belgrano’s 1812 design, the 32-ray Sun of May, the 1816–1818 adoption process and June 20 Flag Day.
What does the Argentina flag look like?
The official national flag has three horizontal bands of equal size: light blue at the top, white in the center and light blue at the bottom. A golden Sun of May sits in the center of the white stripe.
The sun has 32 rays, alternating between straight and wavy rays, and reproduces the sun that appeared on Argentina’s first national coinage.
What is the Sun of May?
The golden face at the center is known as the Sol de Mayo, or Sun of May. Argentina’s official national-symbol page describes it as the Inca sun added to the flag in 1818.
The same solar emblem has deep associations with the May Revolution and appears across Argentine national symbolism.
Who created the Argentine flag?
General Manuel Belgrano created the flag on February 27, 1812 at Rosario, on the Paraná River. He used the same light-blue and white colors as the national cockade.
The Congress of Tucumán formally established the light-blue and white colors on July 20, 1816. On February 25, 1818, the sun was incorporated into the central white band.
What do Argentina’s colors mean?
Official government history emphasizes that Belgrano took the light-blue and white colors from the national cockade. Many later interpretations connect the colors with the sky, clouds, Marian symbolism or political traditions, but those explanations should be distinguished from the documented origin in the cockade.
How is the flag standardized today?
Decree 1650/2010 standardized technical characteristics of ceremonial and hoisting flags using IRAM technical standards, including dimensions, fabric, colors and accessories. This was intended to create consistent official reproductions across public institutions.
When is Argentina Flag Day?
Argentina observes Día de la Bandera every June 20, commemorating Manuel Belgrano, who died on that date in 1820. The observance was established by law in 1938.
Argentina flag quick facts
| Created | February 27, 1812 |
|---|---|
| Creator | Manuel Belgrano |
| Official colors established | July 20, 1816 |
| Sun added | February 25, 1818 |
| Sun rays | 32 alternating straight and wavy rays |
| Flag Day | June 20 |
| Modern technical standardization | Decree 1650/2010 |
Argentina flag FAQ
Who created Argentina’s flag?
General Manuel Belgrano.
When was it first raised?
February 27, 1812 in Rosario.
How many rays does the Sun of May have?
32, alternating straight and wavy rays.
When was the sun added?
February 25, 1818.
Why is June 20 Flag Day?
It commemorates Manuel Belgrano, who died on June 20, 1820.
