Two flags. Two stories. One quick guide you can trust.

Ever see two flags and think, “Wait… which is which?” You’re not alone. Let’s make it super easy, super fast, and a little fun.

The quick answer you came for

Mexican flag: Three tall stripes—green, white, red—with an eagle on a cactus eating a snake in the middle.

Puerto Rican flag: Five stripes—red, white, red, white, red—with a blue triangle on the left and one white star inside.

See it in your mind in 5 seconds

• Mexico = “Tall stripes + bird scene.” Think: a book standing up, with a tiny movie in the middle.
• Puerto Rico = “Star in a triangle.” Think: a blue pizza slice with one bright star, pointing into red-and-white stripes.

What the colors say (simple and true)

Mexico: Green stands for hope, white for unity, red for the heroes who fought for the country. The center shows an eagle on a cactus holding a snake—an old Aztec story about where to build a great city.

Puerto Rico: Red stands for bravery and the people, white for peace and freedom, blue triangle for the sky, sea, and the idea of government, and the star for the island itself.

How to tell them apart at a glance

• Look for the picture: If you see an eagle on a cactus with a snake—Mexico.
• Look for the triangle star: Blue triangle with one star on the left—Puerto Rico.
• Stripe style: Mexico’s stripes go up and down. Puerto Rico’s stripes go side to side.

Memory trick you won’t forget

“MEX-ico = MIDDLE movie.” Mexico has a mini picture in the middle.

“PR = Point-and-Ready.” Puerto Rico’s triangle points to the right, with a star ready to shine.

When these flags show up together

You might see both at parades, games, or family parties. People wave them to show pride, roots, and love for culture. Two flags, one corazón gigante.

Fun mini facts to share

• The eagle-on-cactus image comes from a famous legend about finding the right place to build a city.
• Puerto Rico’s single star makes it easy to spot from far away—one island, one star.

Quick recap (you’ve got this!)

• Mexico: Green–white–red, vertical stripes, eagle with snake on cactus in the center.
• Puerto Rico: Red–white horizontal stripes, blue left triangle, one white star.

Now you can spot them in a second—and explain them like a pro.

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