Flag Day is observed in Bolivia every August 17 to commemorate the anniversary of the creation of the Bolivian flag, which was designed on August 17, 1825, shortly after the country declared its independence from Spain. Although the flag was officially adopted on October 31, 1851, the date of its creation is celebrated as Flag Day. The national flag features a tricolor design of red, yellow, and green stripes, symbolizing the blood shed for independence, the nation's wealth, and the richness of Bolivian nature, respectively. On this day, patriotic parades are held in various cities and towns across the country, where schoolchildren memorize and recite poems dedicated to the flag. Additionally, Bolivia has a naval ensign that includes the state flag and the Wiphala, a square emblem representing native Andean peoples, which was recognized as a dual flag in 2009.