Iquique municipality initiates process to create first official flag

The Municipality of Iquique has launched the 'Una Bandera Para Iquique' initiative to establish the city's first official municipal flag. A commission of experts, including historians, academics, and specialists in anthropology, design, and vexillology, has been formed to set the technical criteria for a public contest.

While various versions of flags are currently used in parades and sporting events, none have received official institutional recognition. The commission will not design the emblem directly but will instead develop the technical guidelines for a public competition. Following a technical evaluation of submissions, the final emblem will be chosen through a citizen vote.

Mayor Mauricio Soria Macchiavello stated that the project aims to strengthen local identity and pride. The selected design is expected to reflect the maritime, pampino, and historical components of Iquique and the Tarapacá Region. The commission will soon include Lautaro Núñez Atencio, the 2002 National History Prize winner.