The flag of the state of Zulia, Venezuela,

consists of two horizontal stripes, an upper

one of blue and a lower one of black. The
yellow sun in the center represents
Maracaibo, the state capital, as the “beloved
city of the sun.” The white ray that crosses
the sun represents the Catatumbo Lightning,
a natural phenomenon that occurs in the lake
of the same name.
The Zulia state anthem, “Sobre Palmas”,
was written by Udón Pérez and its music
was made by José Antonio Chávez. The
lyrics of the anthem exalt the beauty of the
Zulia state, its history and its people. The
music of the anthem is happy and optimistic,
and reflects the spirit of the Zulians.

The shield of the Zulia state also has a

symbolic composition. The first barracks,
yellow, contains a bullring that symbolizes
the Castle of San Carlos de la Barra and the
Zapara Fort, which defended the entrance to
Lake Maracaibo.

The second barracks, blue, contains a ship

that represents the maritime wealth of the
state.
The third barracks, where the lightning bolt
is, represents the strength and greatness of
the Zulians. The setting sun at the top of the
shield indicates the location of Zulia at the
western end of the Republic.