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| Flag |
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In 1850 what was to become the definitive
national symbol was hoisted for the first
time. Encapturing simplicity and perfect
harmony, it combines three colours, red,
white and blue, to form the Cuban flag:
three blue stripes - the states in which
the island was divided at that time -
two white stripes - the force of the idealistic
independence fighter - , a red triangle
- representing equality, fraternity and
liberty, and at the same time, the blood
which had to be spillt during the battles
for independence - and a white star, alone
- as a symbol of the absolute liberty
between other nations - these are what
characterise its beautiful design.
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| Coat
of Arms
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The National coat of arms represents
our island. It is shaped like a pointed
leather shield, and divided into three
sections. In its horizontal upper part,
there is a golden key between two mountains,
and a sun rising over the sea - which
symbolises the position of Cuba in the
Gulf, between the two Americas, amidst
the emergence of a new state. The blue
and white strips, down the left hand side,
represent the situation of the island,
in terms of its division into states,
in the colonial period. Down the right
hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated
by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the
ubreakable character of the Cuban people.
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| Anthem
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"Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os contempla orgullosa
No temáis
una muerte gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria, es vivir.
En cadenas
vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad el sonido
A las armas, valientes, corred".
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Download the National Anthem |
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The
National Anthem was created in Bayamo, out
of the fracas of the battle for independence.
Pedro Figueredo, having composed the melody
in 1867, wrote the words to this battle
hymn, with the sentiments of an independence
fighter, when the insurgent troops took
the city in 1868.
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| The
National Tree
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La Palma Real (The Royal Palm).
Although it's present all over the Caribbean,
it's everywhere at the Cuban country side.
It's a source of wood and materials for
rural construction, the same for hats,
oil and other elements for the tabaco
industry. Because of its erect figure,
bearing any difficult storm, it's the
most respected, symbolizing the strong
character of the Cuban people.
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| The
National Flower
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La Mariposa Blanca (The White
Butterfly), an endemic jasmine
used by Cuban women during the independece
war to transmit messages among the rebel
forces. It's a symbol of purity, fight
and independence. It grows in humid places,
like river shores and lagoons. It could
also be cultivated in gardens and back
yards.
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| The
National Bird
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The National Bird: El Tocororo (Priotelus
temnurus). An endemic bird similar to
a Quetzal, reproduces in its feathers
the colors of the National Flag: red,
blue and white. It's a symbol of freedom,
because inside a cage it dies.
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