The national flag is an emblem full of history and meaning for Mexicans, being a prominent symbol on patriotic dates, sporting events, and when they are away from the country. The importance of this national symbol also lies in the meaning of the colors that make up the flag. Green represents hope, white signifies unity, and red symbolizes the blood shed by national heroes.
In ceremonies and special events, the raising of the flag requires a whole ceremony; when it is flown at half-mast, it occurs for a specific reason. Respect for the Flag implies that authorities lower it to half-mast as a sign of respect and solemnity, especially in times of national mourning. This practice takes place when commemorating the death of key figures in national history or during tragedies of great impact.
Since 1984, the Law on the Coat of Arms, the Flag, and the National Anthem has established that, in official buildings, honors must be rendered to the Flag on significant dates such as February 24, September 15 and 16, and November 20. The half-mast raising is carried out on specific dates to honor emblematic figures in Mexico's history, such as the death anniversary of Vicente Guerrero, Francisco I. Madero, Cuauhtémoc, Benito Juárez, and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. In this case, the death anniversary of Vicente Guerrero is commemorated, who was president of Mexico from April 1 to December 17, 1829.
