of Malawi, Kenya and South Sudan), although it is not known if the nationalist flag of Martinique is one of these. In 1995, it was controversially raised in the town of Sainte-Anne by nationalist mayor Garcin Malsa. The flag was included as one of the options taken to public vote in 2023, along with many other designs using colours derived from this flag, reaching the last round of voting and ultimately second place. However, as the winner withdrew after the results were announced, and it was one of the final two options voted on in the last round of voting, the flag was considered for adoption by the Assembly on 2 February 2023, and was adopted with 44 votes in favour and one abstention. Snake flag The "snake flag" () features a white cross on a blue field with a white viper (Bothrops lanceolatus), a snake species endemic to the island, in each corner. The symbol dates from an edict issued 4 August 1766, specifying that vessels of the French colony of Martinique and Saint Lucia should fly a version of the French ensign—which at the time was a white cross on a blue field—with L-shaped (for Lucia) snakes in each quarter of the cross. The same design was used for the lesser coat of arms. The snake flag is highly controversial because of its historical use on ships engaged in the Atlantic slave trade. Deputy Jean-Philippe Nilor demanded its withdrawal from public use and even compared it to the Nazi swastika that refers to the Holocaust. In October 2018, the National Gendarmerie stopped using the emblem by order of President Emmanuel Macron. Before the 21st century, the snake flag was largely unused in Martinique. It was mainly erroneously used as a courtesy ensign by yachters and was not available for sale locally. The emoji of the flag is sometimes used by the Québécois as a stand in for Quebec's own flag, as there is no Quebec flag available. Gallery See also Coat of arms of Martinique Flags of French regions References External links Drapeau explications - Flag explanation (French) 1766 introductions Flags introduced in 2023 2023 establishments in Martinique Flags displaying animals Flags of Overseas France Martinican culture Flag controversies