Newsletter June 2008

A contest is being held by the online Spanish newspaper 20minutos.es to select the world's most aesthetically pleasing flag based on color, symbolism and sheer patriotism.

Peru is a natural contender for top place considering the rich history surrounding the national banner created in 1820. Legend claims that upon awakening from an afternoon siesta, the Spanish ‘libertador’ José de San Martín was awestruck by a flock of ‘parihuanas’, the magnificent red and white flamingos that can still be found in the beautiful Paracas Bay area today. Now a National Reserve, Paracas Bay is internationally recognized for its contribution to the protection of birdlife. In addition to the ornithological inspiration for the Peruvian flag, over 215 different species of birds can be found in the area. The red-white-red vertical stripes on the flag are also said to represent purity as well as the blood of the patriots.

Divided into three parts and framed by a wreath of palm and laurel, the shield in the center of the flag is adorned with figures representative of national pride and wealth. Located in the first quartering is the delicate and graceful vicuña of the Andes, a figure that symbolizes the wealth of Peruvian fauna and denotes liberty, national honor, and heroism. A cinchona tree can be found in the second quartering, whose bark is used to make quinine, the first effective treatment for malaria. Symbolic of the nation’s mineral wealth, in the bottom half of the shield rests a cornucopia filled with gold and silver coins.

The contest began with every flag in the world up for selection. With a momentous reaction, over 100,000 people voted for their favorite flag and over 2,000 comments were left in the first four days that the competition was posted. The five flags with the least number of votes were removed from the contest every two days. When fifty flags were left, the votes were set back at zero, and the voting began again. There are now 25 flags remaining. Currently, Mexico is in first place, followed by Peru.

Click here to vote for Peru

Click here to learn more about our Paracas Bay tours

Source:

20 minutos

Britannica

Wikipedia.org

Livinginperu.com

PAST NEWSLETTERS:

• Newsletter May 2008
• Newsletter April 2008
• Newsletter February 2008
• Newsletter January 2008