^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

Cantabria (Spain)

by Mark Sensen, 1996-01-02

Cantabrian independence movement

Cantabrian independence movement

(1981)
Jaume Oll�, 1996-01-17

An independence movement exists in the Spanish autonomous territory of Cantabria. It uses a flag named "Labaru Cantabru". In 1977 the UNITED CANTABRIA association (ATROPU) emerged in Santander and proposed establishing this flag for the region. At the time all parties supported the proposal, but by 1978 only two parties maintained their support while the others supported the use of the maritime ensign of Santander, Laredo, Castro -Urdiales, Santona, Ondarribia and Gasteiz (Vitoria) that was red and white. The red and white proposal was finally approved as the regional flag. However, the nationalistic groups maintained their support for Labaru Cantabru, and that has continued to the present day. The central symbol is probably of Celtic origin (one identical appears in the flag of the townof Kilkenny, Eire). It was found in the town of Barros, near Torrelavega, and dates to 400 years before Christ. Other similar symbols have since been found elsewhere. The symbol is known it as "Barro's stela" and is believed that the old Cantabrian people used it as banner in their epic wars against Rome. Currently the original stela is in the Prehistory Museum of Santander. The figure appears in the shield of the autonomia of Cantabria in the lower part.
Jaume Oll�, 1996-01-17