Maracay is a city in north-central Venezuela, near the Caribbean coast, and is the capital and most important city of the state of Aragua. Most of it falls under the jurisdiction of the Girardot Municipality.

Officially established on March 5, 1701 by Bishop Diego de Baños y Sotomayor in the valleys of Tocopio and Tapatapa (what is known today as the central valley of Aragua) in northern Venezuela.

According to the most accepted explanation, it was named after a local indigenous chief, and refers to the "Maracayo" (Felis mitis), a small tiger. Alternative etymologies cite a local aromatic tree called Mara.

The Coat of Arms of Maracay consists in a field divided per fess, the chief per pale.

The Dexter Quarter of the Chief enameled in Or (yellow) shows a spanish conqueror with his nature colors.

The Sinister Quarter of the Chief enameled in Azure (blue) presents five cacao (Theobroma cacao) fruits.

The Quarter of the Base enameled in Gules (red) shows a "Maracayo" (Felis mitis), a small tiger.

As external ornaments: At the top where appears a pennant in Gules (red) where it shows as motto: “Maracaya”, according to the most accepted explanation, it is a reference to the "Maracayo" (Felis mitis), a small tiger.

The blazon has under the Base a pennant in Or (yellow) where appear as mottoes the ephemeris: "5 de Marzo de 1.701" (March 5, 1701) As official date of the foundation of Maracay, "22 de Enero de 1.814" (January 22, 1814) Date when the Liberator Simon Bolivar ascended to Maracay to the rank of city) and "12 Marzo 1.917" (March 12, 1917) Date when the Legislative Assembly of the state Aragua designated to Maracay as the capital of the state.