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Benfica Commune (Portugal)

Freguesia de Benfica, Concelho de Lisboa, Distrito de Lisboa

Last modified: 2016-08-22 by klaus-michael schneider
Keywords: benfica(lisboa) | crown(marian) | pines(2) |
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[Benfica commune (Lisboa)] 2:3 image by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 26 July 2016
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About the Flag

It is a typical Portuguese communal flag, with the coat of arms centred on a plain blue field.
Source: here
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 26 July 2016

This commune has been plagued by my nearly constant presence since 1987, mostly in 2004-2015. Although the communal flag is quite handsome, it is a seldom sight around the communal territory, only in consistent daily use at the communal headquarters.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 30 July 2016

Coat of arms

[Benfica commune (Lisboa) CoA] image by Sérgio Horta, 23 Aug 2016

Shield Or, two pines Vert set in fess, in chief a Marian crown Azure gemmed Argent. Mural crown Argent with three visible towers (village rank) (here "boroough" seems to be more appropriate) and white scroll with inscription in black capitals "BENFICA - LISBOA"
Meaning:
The crown is representing Our Lady of Succour, the local patron saint and "Queen of Benfica". The pines are representing Parque Florestal de Monsanto, 2/3 of this park are located on the territory of the commune.
Source: this webpage
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 26 July 2016

While that?s the reason why this device was chosen for the arms, just like countless others such saintly tokens in other such arms, it should be noted that Portuguese communes and municipalities officially do not have a catholic patron (indeed they were created in 1820 to enforce church-state separation at local administration level). The continued use of Catholic imagery and denominations is due to tradition, and also happens with army and navy units.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 30 July 2016

Flag and arms published in the official journal Diário da República: III Série on 5/13 May 2005
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 26 July 2016

Presentation of Benfica

The commune's first local government was established in 1836. Benfica, on the city's western edge, is one of the biggest of the 24 communes of Lisboa Municipality. It had 36 821 inhabitants in 2011 and covered 7.9 km².
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 3 Dec 2014

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