La Bandera Mexicana consists of three vertical bands of green, white and red representing the three guarantees of Iguala: Independence from Spain, the Unity of the nation, and Religion. The three vertical stripes are inspired by the French revolutionary flag. The white band contains Mexico's national emblem: an eagle perched on a cactus holds a snake in its talons and beak. This symbol represented the site upon which to build Tenochtitlán, today Mexico City, as foretold to the Aztecs.