Flag of Castilla–La Mancha
The flag of Castilla–La Mancha is one of the representative symbols of the Autonomous Community of Castilla–La Mancha, in Spain, defined by its Statute of Autonomy. The region of Castilla–La Mancha may have formed before its Statute of Autonomy was drafted. The parties present in the so-called "pre-autonomous" region choose to adopt a distinctive symbol for this territory. On 11 January 1980, the board held a meeting in Albacete, Spain in which seven designs were considered. Ultimately, it was Ramón José Maldonado and Cocat, a local herbalist, who presented the final selection. The chosen design portrayed the castle enveloped in a crimson red field and complemented by a white canvas to the right, which stood in memory of the Military Orders of Calatrava, Santiago and Saint John, whose militias conquered, organized, and administered the land of La Mancha and whose banners were always red and white. One alternative design proposal also included the Cross of Saint John. The cities of Señorío Real are symbolized in the first barracks of the flag. The final design of the flag represents the historical origin of the land and was ultimately adopted as the Flag of La Mancha in Ciudad Real, 15 December 1977. The Organic law of 10 August, of the Statute of Autonomy of Castilla–La Mancha (BOE 16 August 1982), comes to consecrate the flag designed by Maldonado, having in its fifth article:
- The flag of the region is made up of a rectangle divided vertically into two equal squares: the first, next to the mast, of crimson red with a castle of gold mauled of saber and ringed of blue and the second, white.2. The flag of the region will fly in public buildings of regional, provincial or municipal ownership, and will appear next to the flag of Spain, which will hold a pre-eminent place; it may also include the representative of the historical territories.3. The Region of Castilla–La Mancha will have its own shield and anthem. A Law of Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha will determine the shield and the anthem of the region.4.
