Every year on May 18, Argentina celebrates Día de la Escarapela — the Day of the Argentine Cockade. It is one of the country’s most heartfelt patriotic holidays, especially meaningful for children and schools. On this day, Argentinians attach a small white-and-sky-blue ribbon shaped like a flower to their clothing — the escarapela, which symbolizes national identity, freedom, and the unity of the people.
The escarapela is a circular or folded ribbon in white and sky-blue colors, representing the Argentine flag. These colors became national symbols during the struggle for independence at the beginning of the 19th century.
It is believed that the cockade first appeared in 1812 thanks to General Manuel Belgrano — one of the key heroes of Argentina’s independence and the creator of the national flag. He proposed using the white-and-sky-blue colors as a symbol of unity among patriots.
For Argentinians, the escarapela is far more than just a decoration. It is a symbol of love for the country, respect for history, and remembrance of the struggle for freedom.
This celebration is especially vibrant in schools. Several days before May 18, children make cockades by hand using paper, fabric, or ribbons. Schools hold themed history lessons, patriotic concerts, performances, and creative workshops.
On the holiday itself, students come to school wearing the escarapela pinned to their chest — close to the heart. Teachers often explain to children that this symbol reminds people of the importance of unity, peace, and love for their homeland.
In many cities across Argentina, schools, government institutions, and citizens decorate themselves with white-and-sky-blue ribbons.
Similarities with Ukrainian Symbolism
For Ukrainians, the tradition of wearing the escarapela feels very familiar and meaningful. Ukraine also has national symbols that people wear with pride — blue-and-yellow ribbons, flags, embroidered vyshyvankas, and patriotic badges.
Just as Argentinians wear the escarapela in May, Ukrainians wear national colors on important days as a symbol of unity and love for their homeland. It is especially touching to see that in both countries, children become the main carriers of patriotic traditions.
The Argentine escarapela reminds us that even a small symbol can unite people, preserve historical memory, and pass on love for the country to future generations.
Photo: from openSources