On July 20th, 1816, a few days after the Declaration of Independence, the Congress of Tucumán officially adopted the blue-and-white flag as the national symbol of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. This decision cemented the emblem created by General Manuel Belgrano as an expression of unity, freedom, and sovereignty for the new nation.

The flag had been raised for the first time on February 27th, 1812, on the banks of the Paraná River, in what is now the city of Rosario. However, it was not until after the Declaration of Independence on July 9th, 1816, that it received official recognition from Congress. Two years later, in 1818, the Sun of May was incorporated into the design that identifies the Official Flag of the Argentine Nation.

The adoption of the flag marked a fundamental milestone in the construction of national identity, consolidating the symbol that represents Argentina both within and outside the country. Its colors and the Sun of May evoke the ideals of freedom, independence, and self-determination that gave rise to our nation.

Every July 20th, we commemorate this historic event, which reaffirms the value of one of our nation’s principal symbols and its significance for all Argentines.