Spica on Brazil’s flag represents the state of Pará.
Spica, also called Alpha Virginis, is the bright star placed alone above the flag’s white band. It belongs to the constellation Virgo and symbolizes Pará, a state in northern Brazil. The star’s position is meaningful because the flag’s star field represents the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, the date the republic was proclaimed.
Brazil’s flag contains 27 stars, one for each federative unit: the 26 states and the Federal District. Each star corresponds to a specific state or district and is positioned to reproduce a celestial arrangement. Spica is unusual because it is the only star above the motto band.
A common mix-up is confusing Spica with the Southern Cross, the best-known constellation on the flag. The Southern Cross occupies a prominent central area, but it does not represent Pará. Spica’s individual placement and association with Virgo identify the northern state.