This Week In Vexillology #58

Since it's the end of the year, I thought I'd do something a little different a shake things up.  So, I've decided to dedicate the month of December to the flags of some separatist movements around the world, just for a change of pace.   The idea randomly hit me a few weeks back when I was watching a soccer match for the Europa League, I think and somewhat randomly, they were playing in Tiraspol, which is the capitol of the breakaway region of Transnistria. 

I jumped on Wikipedia, did a little digging and came up with what I hope are four interesting, thought provoking flags for the month of December.  And since the holidays are a time for good food and good drinking, I thought, what better place to start than in the northeast corner of Spain with the Estelada, the flag of Catalan Independence.

Interestingly enough, the Estelada comes in two varieties- the blue one seems to be more common but there's also the red Estelada (or the yellow estelada) as well.   The actual flag of Catalonia is known as the Senyera and it is just the four traditional red stripes on a field of yellow.

The Estelada originated in 1928, where it was adopted in the 3rd Article of the provisional Constitution of the Catalan Republic- which was written in Cuba- so if the triangle and star seem a little reminiscent of the flags of Cuba and Puerto Rico, that's by design.   The star in the flag represents freedom and the blue triangle signifies the blue sky of humanity.

The red/yellow version of the flag dates from the 60s, when the Socialist Party (PSAN) split off from the National Front (which had formed to fight to the Francoist Dictatorship) and wanted a flag the represented their socialist ideals- so they changed the star to red.  (These days, per Wikipedia, both are used at the same time today not necessarily because of any socialist stirrings but simply because the red version looks pretty good and is in traditional Catalan colors.)

Chances for independence?  Any time soon, I'd say slim to none...  with both Scotland and Catalonia clamoring for independence, it's in the interest of both Madrid and London to veto EU entry of either new hypothetical country.  (A fact that the Spanish Prime Minister hinted at, throwing cold water on SNP claims of a 'seamless' transition to the EU.)  In the future?  It can't be ruled out- the Catalans share a common history and a common culture that means they would probably do just fine as a country. 

So, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Catalonia!  And remember, until next time, keep your flags flying- FREAK or otherwise!