The flag is one of the symbols of Spain, together with the coat of arms and the national anthem. These symbols have changed over time. The red and yellow flag we know today was first used as the flag of warships and coastal fortifications. Later, it became the flag of the Army and, beginning in 1843, the official flag of the Spanish State.
Other red and yellow flags
Painted red and yellow flag, 19th century
This early 19th century flag could have been located on a coastal fort or perhaps on a ship, because of its large size. It measures 175 centimetres long and 180 centimetres high. It is made of wool and decorated with a central coat of arms showing a Royal Crown and the collar of the Golden Fleece surrounding the symbols of the kingdoms of Castile, Leon and Granada.
One of them is a blue oval with three golden fleurs-de-lis, the symbol of the Bourbon dynasty.
What makes this flag unusual is that this central coat of arms is painted on the fabric instead of embroidered, as is normal
Banner of the Holy Brotherhood of Toledo, 16th century.
A banner is a type of flag used in the army to distinguish different regiments and battalions.
This banner belonged to the Holy Brotherhood of Toledo from the 15th century on. This brotherhood was the first permanent armed force of the Spanish kingdoms, in charge of protecting roads and fields. It is decorated on both sides: on the front (or obverse), it has the coat of arms of the city of Toledo and on the back (or reverse), it has the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs. That is the side shown in the photograph.
Flag of the Carlist Battalion of General Cabrera, 19th century
This flag was used by the battalion led by General Juan Cabrera during the first Carlist War (1833-1836). It is decorated with a sword, skull and bones... much like a pirate flag. This type of decoration on army flags was sometimes used to intimidate the enemy.
