Anthem:
Its words and music were written by the patriot Pedro (Perucho) Figueredo. It was sung as an inspirational song and war cry for the first time on October 20, 1868 in the township of Bayamo, in eastern Cuba, and was later adopted as Cuba's national anthem.
“Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os contempla orgullosa
No temáis una muerte gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria, es vivir.
En cadenas vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad el sonido
A las armas, valientes, corred”.
English Translation:
To combat, people of Bayamo
For the homeland looks proudly at you.
Do not fear a glorious death,
Because to die for the country is to live.
To live in chains is to live
In dishonor and ignominy,
Hear the clarion's call;
Hasten, brave ones, to battle!
Flag:
The Cuban flag was created by Miguel Teurbe Tolón in 1849. His design incorporates three blue stripes representing the three old divisions of the island (western, central and eastern), two white stripes represent the strength of the independent ideal, and the red triangle symbolizes equality, fraternity and freedom, as well as the blood shed in the island's struggle for independence. Finally, the white star is meant to symbolize freedom and independence.
The flag was briefly hoisted in 1850 at Cardenas but was not officially adopted until May 20, 1902.
Coat of Arms:
The National coat of arms represents the island of Cuba. It is shaped like a pointed leather shield, and divided into three sections. In the chief, a key charging a blue sea between two rocks, symbolizing Cuba’s geographical position as the key to the Gulf of Mexico, with a bright rising sun in the background, which represents the rising new republic. The lower left section shows three blue stripes representing the division of the island during the colonial days. In the right section, a Cuban country scene is dominated by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the unbreakable character of the Cuban people.
A Phrygian cap or liberty cap is located at the top, as a crown symbolizing liberty, with a sole star on it standing for independence.
The shield is supported by an oak branch on one side and a laurel wreath on the other. The oak branch symbolizes the strength of the nation; and the laurel wreath: honor and glory.
Bird:
The Tocororo or the Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus). This bird is endemic to the island. Its plumage is the same colors as the Cuban flag (red, blue and white).
Tree:
The Royal Palm (Roystonea regia). It is a familiar element of the Cuban landscape and symbolizes the unbreakable character of the Cuban people.
Flower:
The White Mariposa or White Butterfly Jasmine (Hedychium Coronarium). Cuban women during the wars for independence against Spain used this flower to pass messages to the battelefields. It represents purity, rebelliousness and independence. It flourishes in humidity. It can be found in the wild along river banks and lagoons but is also a favorite garden flower due to its exquisite scent.