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| Flag of Honduras | |
|---|---|
| Name | Flag of Honduras |
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adoption | 9 January 1866 |
| Design | Three horizontal bands of blue, white, blue with five blue five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern on the central white band |
| Designer | Unknown (derived from Federal Republic of Central America flags) |
Flag of Honduras
The flag of Honduras is a national banner featuring three horizontal bands with five stars; it serves as a primary emblem alongside the Coat of arms of Honduras and is displayed at sites such as the Palacio Nacional (Honduras), Tegucigalpa municipal buildings, and international venues including the United Nations and Organization of American States meetings. Adopted in the 19th century, the flag draws lineage from the Federal Republic of Central America and has appeared in diplomatic contexts involving countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
The flag consists of three horizontal bands—azure blue, white, azure blue—with five azure five-pointed stars centered on the white band in an X pattern. Similar motifs appear on flags of the former Federal Republic of Central America, the Flag of El Salvador (1865–1869), and the modern Flag of Nicaragua; the Honduran variant uses a 1:2 proportion and specific shades codified in national specifications. Governmental use often pairs the flag with the Presidential Standard of Honduras and the Coat of arms of Honduras for ceremonial display at locations such as the National Congress of Honduras and the Supreme Court of Justice of Honduras.
Origins trace to the independence period when deputies from provinces such as Comayagua, Yoro, Olancho, and Gracias a Dios participated in movements influenced by the Spanish American wars of independence and the dissolution of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. The Federal banner used by Francisco Morazán and supporters during the Federal Republic of Central America provided the blue-white-blue template adopted by successors. During 19th-century conflicts—like the disputes involving José Santos Guardiola and regional rivals—the Honduran design evolved; by 1866 the present arrangement with five stars, representing the five Central American states, became standardized amid diplomatic exchanges with representatives from Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. Twentieth-century episodes involving administrations of leaders such as Tiburcio Carias Andino and periods of reform under figures connected to the Constituent Assembly of 1936 influenced official specifications and flag law.
Blue bands symbolize Honduras’s maritime access along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean via coastal provinces like Cortés and Choluteca, and evoke solidarity with neighboring states historically linked through the Federal Republic of Central America and leaders like Francisco Morazán. The white band signifies peace and purity, as articulated in proclamations issued during presidencies including those of José Trinidad Cabañas and Marco Aurelio Soto. The five stars represent the five former federal states—Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—an idea promoted by figures such as Manuel Bonilla and echoed in diplomatic correspondence with envoys from El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Official specifications define proportions (1:2), color values, star arrangement, and manufacturing standards administered by agencies like the Secretaría de Gobernación y Justicia (historical precursor institutions). The central stars are five-pointed, arranged in an X (saltire) pattern centered on the white stripe; dimensions were refined in decrees issued during assemblies involving the National Congress of Honduras and cabinet councils under presidents such as Calixto García (Honduras) (historical administrators). Textile production historically used materials procured through contracts with firms in United States ports and regional suppliers in Panama and Guatemala.
Protocol dictates display alongside the Presidential Flag of Honduras and the Naval ensign of Honduras at military installations like Base Aérea Hernán Acosta Mejía and naval facilities at Puerto Cortés. Flag days are observed in coordination with institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Honduras) and municipal governments of cities like San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Regulations cover half-mast procedures for events honoring figures such as former presidents, legislators of the National Congress of Honduras, and judges of the Supreme Court of Justice of Honduras; international display follows standards used in forums like the Organization of American States and bilateral state visits with nations such as Spain, United States, and Mexico.
The flag appears in popular culture, sporting contexts such as matches involving the Honduras national football team and clubs like Olimpia (Honduran football club), and artistic expressions in works by visual artists exhibited at museums like the Museo para la Identidad Nacional (MIN) and festivals in Comayagua. It features in commemorative philately and numismatics, including coins and stamps produced by the Banco Central de Honduras and the Postal Service of Honduras, and is present in protest movements, labor demonstrations involving organizations like the CUTH and civic rallies at plazas such as Parque Central (Tegucigalpa).
Debates have arisen over proposed modifications—from altering star arrangements to adopting alternative color shades—during political campaigns and constitutional conventions involving actors such as opposition parties and administrations allied with leaders like Manuel Zelaya (regional interlocutor) and domestic political groups. Some controversies tied to nationalist symbolism have surfaced during demonstrations in cities like San Pedro Sula and diplomatic incidents at embassies in Washington, D.C.; legislative proposals to codify textile sourcing and manufacturing provenance have been discussed in sessions of the National Congress of Honduras.
Category:National symbols of Honduras Category:Flags introduced in 1866