The Color of Puerto Rico’s Flag

Puerto Rico’s flag often shows up in social media. Observers will note that is seems to come in different colors, and comments often follow, saying that the wrong flag is being shown.

The example below called out McDonald’s rather than an individual.

Specifically, the controversy usually focuses on the shade of blue being presented.

In this photo, we see the official flag of Puerto Rico, with five red and white stripes and a navy blue triangle with a single white star. It was officially adopted in 1952.

The flag in the photo above shows sky blue rather than navy blue. This variation of the flag is associated with the Independence Party, even though it is being used here at a pro-statehood demonstration.

This flag was first flown in 1897 during the Yauco Revolt, but was presented at a political meeting in New York in 1895. It was a variation of the Cuban flag, suggested by Francisco Gonzalo Marín, though there is controversy about its designer and its origins.

There is controversy about the color as well, since the Cuban flag uses a bright cobalt blue.

Some observers believe that this shade of blue is not quite the navy blue of the American flag, suggesting that this original color scheme was darkened to match the U.S. flag in 1952.

The photo above shows both shades of blue, being carried at a pro-independence demonstration. Some “commonwealth” supporters may use either shade of blue.

Puerto Rico’s Flag Today

Today, as colonialism has received increased attention, there is a stronger focus on the respect, dignity and democratic rights for the people of Puerto Rico, which remains legally a U.S. territory. In past years, Puerto Ricans have moved to the states in droves, essentially voting for statehood with their feet. Puerto Ricans are raising their children stateside, and as these children grow they are opting to pursue their educations and careers in states. Other young adults leave Puerto Rico for stateside opportunities and stay.

Given Puerto Rico’s integration with the rest of the United States, the priority Puerto Ricans place on U.S. citizenship, the seamless travel to and from the mainland, and the ongoing scant support for independence in Island-wide votes on the matter, it may be that the light blue color of Puerto Rico’s alternative flag is coming to mean something more universal than independence. Perhaps  the alternative flag has evolved into a statement for basic human rights.

Is the color important?

It certainly can be. It is important enough for people on social media to drop in and complain about seeing the wrong color. It is important enough that people close to the debate know the sky blue flag is historically associated with independence and the navy or royal blue flag is traditionally associated with statehood — as well as being the official flag.

However, it is fair to say that many people in the States are unaware of this symbolism, and there is little support for Independence among Puerto Ricans today.

The color of the flag does not take a position on the loss of U.S. citizenship that would occur under independence, a point often obscured in the Puerto Rico status debate. These more nuanced discussions, that nonetheless would have a significant impact on Puerto Rico’s future, are left for another day.

For now, the government website specifies the color #0066FF, which is the color shown below.

This color matches neither the U.S. nor the Cuban flag.

Updated on February 9, 2026 to include “Puerto Rico’s Flag Today.”