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A little history
The Cuban flag was designed in 1849 by Miguel and Emilia Teurbe Tolón, a Cuban couple exiled in New York, at the request of General Narciso López, a Venezuelan buccaneer who aspired to liberate Cuba from the Spanish yoke.
Narciso López (1797-1851), a Venezuelan military officer who became a businessman in Cuba after marrying Dolores Frías, a wealthy Cuban landowner and sister of the Count of Pozos Dulces, organized a conspiracy against the Spanish colonial government, known as the Conspiración de la Mina de la Rosa Cubana.
When this was discovered, he was forced into exile in the United States. From New Orleans, López planned a landing to wrest independence from the island. To this end, he recruited North American veterans of the war against Mexico, ready to engage in armed conflict against the Spanish army in exchange for remuneration.
On May 19, 1850, López landed in the town of Cárdenas, near Matanzas in the west of the island, accompanied by 608 men aboard the ship Créole.
This event marked the first time the Cuban flag was raised on Cuban soil. However, due to a lack of popular support, the attempt failed.
A second invasion attempt took place to the west of Havana, in the coastal region of Playitas. Once again, the attempt failed. After several battles, López's forces were dispersed and many men captured. Narciso López himself was arrested and condemned to the torture of the garrote, a method of execution perceived as humiliating compared to the post, reserved for enemies considered honorable.
The Cuban flag was officially adopted on May 20, 1902, the day the Republic of Cuba was established, after the island had gained independence from Spain in 1898.
Significance
The white star, nicknamed " La Estrella Solitaria " ("The Lone Star"), represents independence, freedom and stability. It also symbolizes a star's own light and social and moral equilibrium.
The equilateral triangle embodies equality between men, with its three equal angles.
The parallel stripes illustrate the unity of the nation and fraternity between citizens.
In short, the main elements symbolize :
The star: freedom.
The triangle: equality.
The stripes: fraternity.
The colors of the flag also carry a special meaning:
Blue symbolizes the altruism and nobility of Cuban ideals.
White represents the purity and aspirations of Cubans in their struggle for independence.
Red evokes the blood and courage of the fighters.
These three colors also recall the ideals of the French Revolution: "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité".
Finally, it's important to note that the Cuban flag is designed to be twice as long as it is wide.
Source:Wikipedia - Flag of Cuba