Last modified: 2024-09-02 by daniel rentería
Keywords: mexico | baja california sur | la paz | baja california | cortés sea | california | sudcaliforniano |
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It appears that La Paz does not use a flag.
Daniel Rentería, 26 August 2024
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image from the 17th Council of La Paz on Facebook
The coat of arms of La Paz was adopted shortly after the reinstitution of the municipal government, which was in 1972, in what was then the Territory of Baja California Sur. That year, the council held a contest for the adoption of a coat of arms; out of 37 entries, the winning design was by César Piñeda Chacón, a highly respected teacher who founded many schools in the area. Description of the coat of arms, according to the Encyclopedia of Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico:
The stylized eagle represents the fatherland which shows the Mexican nation and the world the history and economic potential of the municipality of La Paz. The sword and cross motivate the recognition of the Conquest and the evangelization of the region. The golden edging which the claws press against and the silver edging inside symbolize the wealth of the mines of this municipality, whose reserves are in possession of the state and working towards the future of Mexico. The blue stripe of the edge with the fish symbolizes the extensive coastal zone of the municipality with its abundance of many varied species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine life.
In the upper interior field, two rectangles are shown: the left bearing the year 1535, date of the discovery of the territory in the city of La Paz; and in the right the year 1697, in which the evangelization of California was started. The skull of the conquest was lost with time. In the center, uniting these dates, is a dimmed sun, symbolizing the historic past. In the lower half the present is expressed eloquently, in which 1972 marks the new municipal era.
The dented wheel symbolizes the sun of progress which illuminates the municipality of La Paz with its rays. It expresses the motto "Paz y Progreso" [Peace and Progress], showing in its luminous rays the Latin words "Coellum, Aqua et Tellusque Valde Bona" [meaning something like "Excellent Sky, Water and Land"], expressing with it the entire potential of the municipality, with its sky, water, and good and rich land. Finally, the most potent rays which illuminate the outside with four valued pearls, symbolizing the municipal [delegate] seats: La Paz, San Antonio, San José, and Todos Santos.
Sources: Semanario Zeta, Encyclopedia of Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico
Keep in mind that the four pearls are for the delegations in 1972. San José is now part of the municipality of Los Cabos and there are now seven delegations in the municipality; the most
recent one, El Sargento, being created in 2013. Although the coat of arms should be updated (especially since, in a way, it claims a part that is no longer within its boundaries), I am
certain that it will continue to be used for many years.
Daniel Rentería, 26 August 2024
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