Many, many years ago, people in a country called Guayaquil dreamed of a future where they could be free. At that time, they did not yet own their own decisions and they wholeheartedly wanted to be able to decide for themselves and build a better place for everyone.

One day a very important date approached: October 9, 1820. That day, the brave residents of Guayaquil decided to unite and fight together to achieve the freedom they longed for. This battle was not only important for Guayaquil, but it was the beginning of many other battles that took place to liberate all that is known today as Ecuador.

To commemorate this great act of courage, they decided to create a flag, a symbol that represented their struggle and their dreams. But what colors would this flag have?

The poet and hero José Joaquin de Olmedo Had an idea. He thought of the ancient shield of Guayaquil, showing the beautiful Guayas River. This river, with its sparkling water, reminded everyone of the desire to flow freely, just like their own lives. Inspired by this shield, Olmedo He decided that the flag should have light blue stripes, like the sky and water, and white, like the foaming waves of the river and the purity of his dreams.

The flag of Guayaquil to print and color. Photo: Courtesy of Juan Riera

And so they created a flag with five stripes: three light blue and two white. In the center they placed three bright stars that represented hope and the bright future they dreamed of building.

Every time the children of Guayaquil look at this flag, they remember the courage of those who fought for freedom and the importance of continuing to dream together. And so the light blue and white flag of Guayaquil flies proudly, telling the story of a courageous people to all who see it!