Yucatecan Flag and Anthem, a Legacy Few Know About

Yucatán is known for its vast culture. It’s people, beautiful architecture, and natural resources have incredible value. However, there are a few lesser known facts that add an interesting touch to our state. Among them, the Yucatecan anthem and flag. These emblems left a cultural legacy that has remained for years. Would you like to know what part of history they emerged from?

A Bit of History

In 1841, México had a centralist government, which, among other things, did not allow the states to choose their own political leaders. Yucatán faced the Mexican government in an attempt to defend their own sovereignty.

In March 1841, the “Barbachanistas” (commanded by Don Miguel Barbachano and Don Martin Peraza) requested the governor declare Yucatán independent. Although this goal was accomplished, the peninsula did not fully separate from México, but rather, from its centralist government.

This didn’t last long, as the peninsula rejoined the Mexican State on August 17 1848, when they required military support during the Guerra de Castas. This concluded the historic chapter of Yucatán’s separation.

The Yucatecan Flag

The Yucatecan flag was created during this period. Green, white, and red, symbolizing the Three Guarantees that are also used in the national flag.

This flag is split in two sections. On the left side, there is a green canvas with five stars representing the five areas in which Yucatán was divided: Mérida, Izamal, Valladolid, Tekax, and Campeche. On the right side, three horizontal lines: red, white, and red, in this order.

The flag was never officially recognized; however, you will still see it around the state on stickers or t-shirts worn by proud Yucatecans, in memory of this historic chapter.

Yucatán’s Anthem

Yucatán was the first state in the republic to have its own anthem. Written by Manuel Palomeque Solís, the “Himno Patriótico” tells the story of the nation’s achievements and triumphs.

The lyrics were inspired by México’s victory over the French empire and it was read for the first time on July 4 1867 in celebration of Maximiliano de Habsburgo’s execution and the takeover of México City by republican troops. This event took place in the Palacio de Gobierno. On September 15 1867, the composer José Jacinto Cuevas composed the music to accompany the anthem’s verses.

Now that you know a bit more about the history of Yucatán, keep enjoying our beautiful state!

Himno Yucateco
Lyrics: Manuel Palomeque Solís
Music: José Jacinto Cuevas
Al grito de guerra despierta el valor
y el aire se inunda con bélico son.
Haced compatriotas que truene el cañón,
lloviendo metralla sobre el invasor
El cinco de mayo, nos preste su sol
que eclipsa la estrella de Luis Napoleón.
El mundo nos mira, con admiración
y a México envidia su claro blasón.
Vino el águila esclava de Europa
sancionando la infamia con balas
y regresa arrastrando las alas
con escarnio y vergüenza a la vez.
El altivo cóndor del Anáhuac
le dejó los palacios y reales
desafióla en los rudos nopales
y postróla humillada a sus pies.
De los vírgenes bosques aztecas
con el iris flotante en sus cumbres
se exhalaban mortíferas lumbres
entre el eco del bronce tronar.
Reflejados en lagos de sangre
que vogaba el indígena Juárez
al tocarlos alzaba a millares
héroes santos a quien inmolar.
Los primeros soldados del mundo
con los brazos caídos e inertes
confesaron que sólo son fuertes
los que luchan por patria y hogar.
Zaragoza, Escobedo y Arteaga
Salazar, Berriozábal y Díaz
cuyos nombres la fama proclama
han sabido la patria vengar. ¡Libertad!
¿Por qué alejas de Francia
tus encantos, tu noble hidalguía
y juguete de vil tiranía
da a los pueblos ilustres que reír?
Arrastrada al suplicio Polonia
le tendió suplicante la mano
escuchó sus lamentos en vano
e indolente la dejó morir.
Quien así abandona a una hermana
¿Podía a México hacer caridades?
Tan rastreras, tan ruines maldades
un jesuita las debe inspirar.
Ya no se una robar con descaro
e imponer al mas débil el yugo
hoy la víctima paga al verdugo
y aún le debe el favor estimar.
¿De qué sirve a la Francia y al Austria
el haberse llevado nuestro oro
si perdieron en timbre y decoro
cuanto México en gloria ganó?
Si desean alfombrar con laureles
los desiertos de México, vengan
Liberales habrá que defiendan
la consigna que Hidalgo legó.