Ever wonder why you see the Puerto Rican flag everywhere—on homes, cars, clothes, tattoos, murals? 🇵🇷 It’s not just pride… it’s resistance. From 1898 to 1952, Puerto Ricans were stripped of their right to fly their own flag. Under La Ley de la Mordaza (Gag Law) of 1948, it was a crime—punishable by up to 10 years in prison—to display the Puerto Rican flag, sing patriotic songs, or even speak of independence. So when you see the flag flying today, know this: it’s not just decoration—it’s defian