Bandera del Peru Logo PNG
National symbols inspire Bandera el Peru’s logo and embody cultural heritage and pride in history. The red and white stripes of the flag, which have become its basis, unite those who love this land and its traditions, preserving the idea of the people and their path.
Bandera del Peru: Brand overview
The origin of Peru’s national flag, known as the Bandera del Perú, dates back to the country’s struggle for freedom from Spanish rule. Upon declaring independence, General José de San Martín created the original design inspired by the red and white feathers of flamingos on the Peruvian coast. He chose red stripes, representing the sacrifices in battle, and white, symbolizing peace. Later, the Peruvian Republic’s Congress modified the design, switching briefly from vertical to horizontal stripes. Shortly afterward, the flag returned to vertical stripes, establishing the familiar pattern still used today—red stripes on each side and a central white band. Simón Bolívar supported this layout, emphasizing Peru’s distinct identity. Eventually, laws clearly defined the flag’s proportions and official versions, including one with the national coat of arms. Over time, the emblem became important to Peru’s national identity and was prominently featured during historical events and commemorations, including celebrations of independence anniversaries. Today, it continues to unite Peruvians, symbolizing their history, independence, and national pride.
Meaning and History
What is Bandera el Peru?
This national flag has three vertical stripes—red in the center and white on the edges—and is part of the national symbols used in official events, government agencies, and everyday life. White is associated with peace and purity, and red is associated with the struggle for independence. The official flag depicts the coat of arms, reflecting the country’s natural wealth.
1820 – 1822
The first national flag of Peru was created after the country became free from the Spaniards in 1820. It is interesting because of its unusual shape: not standard stripes, but two red triangles on the right and left, with their sharp angles pointing inward and converging in the middle. White areas are formed at the top and bottom, resembling arrows pointing toward each other and the center. The red color symbolized the blood of the heroes who fought for the country’s freedom, while the white color represented the peace that followed victory.
At the flag’s center was a shield containing various images from Peruvian life and nature. The shield was divided into three sections, each representing an important part of the country. The upper section was blue with a bright golden sun and mountains. The sun was not there by chance—Peru is an ancient country, and the Incas considered it the main deity, worshiped it, and saw it as a source of life. That is why it was placed at the top, to show where the power and life of the people originated.
Below the sun were mountains—Andean peaks, snow-covered summits, drawn in shades of gray. The mountains represented protection, stability, and the people’s connection to their homeland, reflecting the country’s rich nature and landscape. Below the mountains were wavy white and blue lines—these were the waters of the Pacific Ocean, which played a crucial role in Peru’s life as a source of food and a trade route.
The coat of arms was ornate, surrounded by laurel branches tied with a yellow ribbon. Laurel branches have always been a symbol of victory, glory, and honor—this was a reminder of the price paid for independence and how dearly Peruvians won their freedom.
The name “Peru” originates from the name of a local indigenous chief, “Birú,” the ruler of a local tribe when the first Spanish explorers arrived in these lands. Over time, the name became associated with the entire territory.
The flag’s shape was very unconventional, with sharp red triangles—such a design is rarely seen today. The white arrows at the top and bottom pointed toward the center of the composition, enhancing the focus on the coat of arms. The shield was painted blue—the clear sky and the sea color—and the images inside the shield were very simple and distinct.
The first Peruvian flag lasted only two years, but it set the direction for all subsequent national symbols: the sun, the mountains, the ocean, and the heroic past—these remain important to the people of Peru to this day.
1822
The second flag of Peru, which appeared in 1822, was different from its predecessor—it was made simpler and clearer. The previous flag was somewhat intricate, with triangles, arrows, and a coat of arms in the center, so this time, they decided to simplify things. It featured three horizontal stripes: red on the top and bottom, with a white stripe in the center. The colors remained the same—red symbolized the blood of heroes, freedom, and struggle, while white represented peace and tranquility.
In the middle of the white stripe, they decided to place the sun—but not just any sun, rather one with a face and long, wavy rays. There was a clear connection to Peruvian history—this was the image of Inti, the sun god, one of the main deities of the Incas, the ancient people who lived in the Andes. Inti symbolized strength, life, and prosperity, and Peruvians have always been proud of their ancient history. The sun had a face looking straight ahead, serious and even a little mysterious. Its many rays twisted as if in motion, giving the image a sense of energy.
A similar sun, by the way, is also found on the Argentine flag, and this is no coincidence. At the time when Latin American countries had just gained independence, they were searching for common symbols and ideas. The sun became a universal sign of freedom and rebirth, understandable to everyone.
The name “Peru” was given by the Spaniards after the name of the local indigenous ruler, Birú. They heard his name and began to call these lands by it. Over time, “Birú” transformed into “Peru”—the sound was similar and easier to pronounce.
The second flag was more of a national and local creation, without the obvious European influence seen in the first version. It showed that the newly independent country wanted to live in its way, relying on ancient traditions and the Incan heritage. The flag was bright, simple, and understandable to the people, but for some reason, it quickly disappeared—it was replaced within a few months, possibly in search of a better design.
Although it existed briefly, the second flag is important because it represented Peru’s attempt to reconnect with its roots and symbols, rejecting externally imposed traditions. Even though it didn’t last, it reminded everyone of the new country’s link to the ancient Incan culture and became a part of its history.
1822 – 1825
The third flag of Peru also appeared in 1822, but it was significantly redesigned. Instead of horizontal stripes, they made them vertical—placing red on the sides and white in the center. The horizontal scheme was no longer working for them—it could be confused with the flags of other countries, and Peruvians didn’t need that confusion.
The red color remained bright and intense, symbolizing the blood shed by the fighters who defended their freedom from the Spaniards. The white stripe in the middle symbolized peace and tranquility, which were expected after the wars and struggles for independence. The arrangement of the stripes turned out to be successful and became popular—although this version didn’t last long, it set the direction for all future flags of the country.
In the center of the white stripe, the sun of Inti remained—a symbol of the ancient Incas, who worshiped it as their main god. Inti had an unusual appearance: it had eyes, a nose, and even lips. Many rays were thin, wavy, golden-red, radiant, and dynamic. This symbol was a tribute to Incan history and, at the same time, showed that the country was proud of its past and ancient traditions.
In its vertical version, the flag turned out to be bright and memorable, with the sun of Inti as its main decoration. The sun remained for a reason: at that time, many Latin American countries wanted to show unity and independence from Europe by using symbols of ancient local cultures.
The name of the country, Peru, originated from the name of the indigenous leader Birú—a local ruler whose name the Spaniards perceived as the name of the entire territory. Over time, “Birú” transformed into “Peru,” which became firmly established in history.
Even though this flag lasted only three years, it strongly influenced Peru’s future symbols. It was from this design that the tradition of vertical stripes and the respect for the ancient Incan sun symbol began—a symbol that Peruvians still hold with pride and warmth.
1825 – today
The 1825 flag of Peru finally began to resemble the one that was later permanently established and is still recognized today. They stopped experimenting with the stripes and settled on two vertical red stripes on the sides with a white stripe in the center. The red is a tribute to the heroes and their struggle for independence, while the white symbolizes peace, honesty, purity of intentions, and freedom.
The most important feature is the national coat of arms in the center. Previously, the Incan sun was in the middle, a revolutionary symbol, but now they decided to make the imagery more specific and understandable—showing what the country is rich in, what it is proud of, and what it aspires to.
The coat of arms turned out to be interesting and full of details. It is divided into three sections, each with a different background color. In the upper left section, on a bright blue background, stands a vicuña—an animal similar to a llama but smaller and more graceful. This represents Peru’s nature and uniqueness: vicuñas live in the Andes, and their wool is considered valuable and expensive.
On the right, a cinchona tree is depicted on a white background. At the time, this plant was extremely important—it was used in medicine to produce malaria treatments, and Peru was known as the main supplier of this resource. Therefore, the coat of arms reflects that the country is proud of its natural resources and ability to contribute to the world.
In the lower section, on a red background, there is a golden cornucopia spilling out coins. The cornucopia symbolizes abundance and prosperity, and gold and silver have always been symbols of Peru, as the country is rich in mineral resources. In short, it’s a message that there are plenty of resources and that life will be good and prosperous.
The coat of arms is beautifully framed by two branches—a laurel and a palm—tied with a red-and-white ribbon. Laurel represents victory and glory, a reminder of independence and the heroic past. The palm branch adds meaning: it symbolizes victory over hardships and peace. Above the coat of arms, there is also a wreath of oak and laurel leaves, symbolizing strength, honor, and the greatness of the people.
The name “Peru” has a simple origin—the Spaniards gave it after hearing the local chief’s name, Birú. Over time, Birú became Peru, becoming a recognizable and convenient name for the country.
The flag with the coat of arms ultimately solidified the idea of independence and pride in the country’s natural wealth—without revolutionary slogans but with a clear emphasis on what truly makes the nation strong and famous. With this symbol, Peruvians moved forward to live and build a new independent country.
