Flag of Cuba - Subsequent Use of The Flag

Subsequent Use of The Flag

In April 1869, Narciso López's flag was designated the national banner by the Congress of the Republic of Cuba in Arms. López's flag was the model for the flag of Puerto Rico adopted in 1892 by the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee, a pro-independence group that worked under the auspices of Cuban Revolutionary Party.

After the United States seized Cuba from Spain during the Spanish-American War, the Stars and Stripes flew from January 1, 1899, until independence was granted. On May 20, 1902, the Cuban national flag was hoisted as a symbol of independence and sovereignty. It has been used ever since, remaining unchanged after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. During the revolution, Cuban president Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement created a party flag equally divided in red and black, usually in horizontal stripes and often with inscriptions, which is often flown on public buildings.