Colombian President-elect De la Espriella receives presidential sash ahead of inauguration

Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia's president-elect, received the presidential sash in Cali on Wednesday, a symbolic gesture ahead of his formal inauguration on Friday. The sash, a significant emblem of the nation's leadership, was crafted by renowned artisan Luis Abel Delgado, who has previously created similar insignia for former Colombian presidents Juan Manuel Santos and Gustavo Petro, as well as for leaders of the United States and papal vestments.

The handover ceremony was conducted by a delegation of veterans and reservists. De la Espriella took to social media to express his profound honor, stating, "I receive with deep honor this presidential sash from the hands of our veterans and reservists, a symbol of unity, service, honor, and love for Colombia." He also acknowledged Delgado's decades-long contribution to the country's republican history through his craft.

The formal investiture, where the sash is officially bestowed, will take place during the swearing-in ceremony led by the President of Congress, Senator Honorio Henríquez. The inauguration is scheduled to be held at the Arena USC of the Universidad Santiago de Cali and is expected to be attended by King Felipe VI of Spain, eight Latin American heads of state, delegates from the Netherlands, and a U.S. official delegation.