Peruvian family crafts presidential sash for 75 years, a tradition passed through generations

For over seven decades, a single Peruvian family has held the unique honor of crafting the presidential sash. The Grados family workshop has produced this symbol of presidential authority for 19 leaders, starting with Manuel A. Odría in 1948 and most recently including the president-elect.

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Each change of government represents a new challenge for this family workshop, where the making of the presidential sash continues to be done manually.

This tradition of artisanal craftsmanship continues with Dante Grados, who now leads the family workshop. The meticulous process involves hand embroidery and takes at least 12 days to complete a single sash. The workshop also produces sashes for government ministers, meaning each political transition brings a surge of official orders.

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The process demands precision, hand embroidery, and several days of work to create a piece that is part of the investiture of the President of the Republic and symbolizes the start of a new mandate.

While the Grados family has consistently provided this important insignia, there have been brief interruptions. Notably, the workshop did not receive official commissions during the governments of Juan Velasco Alvarado and Francisco Morales Bermúdez. In more recent times, rapid presidential changes have led to a demand for expedited orders, presenting new challenges for the family business.

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The family adapts to political changes, facing challenges in times of presidential succession.