FEBRUARY 20, 2025 — Ribadeo in Galicia, Spain has officially defined its municipal symbols yesterday, according to a press release by the government.
The town’s flag and coat of arms, following a process of consultation and revision, will now be submitted for final approval by the Commission of Heraldry and the Xunta de Galicia.
The newly approved coat of arms is a refined version of the one previously in use, which had never been formally sanctioned. The most notable modification is the change of the star from five points to eight, aligning it with common heraldic practices in Spain and Europe, says El Progresso.
“The stars in almost all coats of arms in Spain and Europe have eight points,” explained Ribadeo’s mayor, Dani Vega, highlighting the recommendation of the Commission of Heraldry to move away from the Anglo-Saxon five-pointed design more typical of the United Kingdom or the United States.
The flag, newly created, incorporates symbols representing Ribadeo’s identity. It features the town’s key emblem, an eight-pointed star, and waves symbolizing the sea. The primary colors are blue and white, with a yellow key as a contrasting element.
A commission was formed to oversee the process, including representatives from all political groups in the Concello, the town’s official chronicler Eduardo Gutiérrez, the Xunta de Galicia, the Commission of Heraldry, the Consello da Cultura Galega, and the Instituto Padre Sarmiento.
Vega emphasized the collaborative nature of the discussions, stating that “something that represents everyone, like a coat of arms or a flag, needed to be approved unanimously.”
The mayor expressed particular appreciation for the contribution of Eduardo Gutiérrez, saying, “We understood that it was important to consider all opinions, and Eduardo Gutiérrez did a magnificent job. I extend my personal gratitude to him.” He also thanked the Commission of Heraldry, the Xunta, and other institutions involved in the process.
With the commission’s approval in place, the next step is for the municipal plenary to formally endorse the symbols before their submission to the Commission of Heraldry. Once published in the Diario Oficial de Galicia, Ribadeo will have its officially recognized flag and coat of arms.
Image: El Progresso
