Flag of the Treinta y Tres

The flag of the Thirty-Three Orientals

The Flag of the Treinta y Tres is one of the three official flags of Uruguay, alongside with the Flag of Uruguay and the Flag of Artigas.

Historical background

It pays homage to the disembarkation of the Thirty-Three Orientals at Agraciada Beach, on April 19, 1825.

Symbolism and design

It has three horizontal stripes, the top one blue representing greatness, the central one white as symbol of the Republic and the bottom one red in honor of the blood of those who died for freedom and independence. It carries Uruguay's national motto Libertad o Muerte (Freedom or Death) on the central stripe.

Official standing with other flags

Sacrament of the Thirty-Three Orientals, by Juan Manuel Blanes. The flag is shown in the center of the painting.

The Flag of the Treinta y Tres must be flown alongside the National Flag and the Flag of Artigas in all government buildings on national days.^[1]

Historical lost flag

In 1969 an original flag from the Cisplatine War was stolen by the revolutionary group OPR-33. The flag was taken from the history museum and last seen in 1975, but is considered missing since February of 1969.

References