Mexico

Adoption

Colors

Symbols & elements

Coat of arms

The arms depict the Aztec founding legend of Tenochtitlan: the Mexica were to settle where they found a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a serpent. The eagle stands for the Mexican people and the sun; the rattlesnake for the enemies overcome; the nopal cactus, growing from a rock in the middle of Lake Texcoco, for the site of the ancient capital, today Mexico City. Beneath, a wreath of oak and laurel is tied with a ribbon in the national colours — the oak for strength, the laurel for victory.

Construction details

Proportions 4:7. Three equal vertical bands, green at the hoist, white in the middle, red at the fly, with the national coat of arms at the centre of the white: a golden eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a serpent.

Construction sheet

Zoom

Specific rules — Mexico

• The flag is honoured on 24 February (Flag Day) and 16 September (Independence Day).
• Its use is governed by a strict law on national emblems.

Common conventions

• Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
• Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
• Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
• Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
• Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

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