Who created the national flag of Argentina?

Manuel Belgrano created Argentina’s national flag. He introduced its light-blue and white design during the Argentine War of Independence in 1812.

Belgrano was a lawyer, military leader, and prominent figure in the independence movement. He had already helped establish the national cockade in the same colors and argued that patriot forces needed a distinctive banner rather than continuing to use symbols associated with Spain.

The first flag was raised near Rosario on 27 February 1812. The First Triumvirate initially opposed its use because the revolutionary government still claimed loyalty to the captive Spanish king Ferdinand VII. Despite that resistance, the blue-and-white flag continued to be used by Belgrano’s Army of the North.

The flag was formally recognized in 1816, after Argentina declared independence. The Sun of May was added in 1818, creating the ceremonial version commonly seen on official flags. The colors are often said to represent sky and clouds, though historians also connect them to Bourbon royal symbolism and earlier military traditions.