National Flag of the United Mexican States (1968)

After almost 300 years of Spanish rule, Mexican independence was proclaimed on the 21st of September 1821.

In the same year a flag was adopted containing the colours of the current flag in a diagonal pattern. 

In 1823, the flag was modified to a vertical striped green-white-red design, probably based on the French national flag, with the addition of the Mexican national coat of arms in the centre white panel. 

The basic Mexican tricolour has remained unchanged since 1823; however, the arms have been altered several times and were last amended on the 23rd of November 1968.

The Symbolic Meaning

Green symbolises hope, white represents religion and red symbolises independence and the unity of the nation.

The national coat of arms depicts an ancient Aztec legend. 

God told a band of wandering Aztec Indians that when they came across an eagle eating a snake while perched on a nopal cactus growing out of a rock surrounded by water, they were to create their home. 

In about 1325, such a place was discovered and Tenochtitlan, modern day Mexico City, was founded.