How Mexico's Presidential Sash Finally Got Its First Lady

On October 1, in the grand setting of the Chamber of Deputies, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico’s first female President, received the Presidential Sash in a symbolic act that reverberated through Mexico’s halls of power and far beyond its borders. For nearly two centuries, this iconic sash has been reserved for men, a distinguished mark of leadership since Mexico’s first president, Guadalupe Victoria, took office in 1824. This historic transition signals not just the rise of a new leader but a profound shift in Mexico's narrative of power, gender, and governance.

Sheinbaum’s ascent to the presidency shatters a centuries-old tradition, presenting the Presidential Sash as more than a national symbol—it has become a contemporary emblem of change and progress. This ceremonial ribbon, worn by Mexican presidents during official events, represents the authority and continuity of executive power in a way unique to Mexico. Even the United States, though it has its own established protocols and symbols of office, lacks a comparable physical emblem that so tangibly represents the continuity of power.

The Presidential Sash, a striking green, white, and red ribbon adorned with the Mexican coat of arms, has carried significant symbolism since its inception. Every six years, this sash is passed in a formal ceremony, emphasizing not only the change of individual leadership but also the continuity of the nation’s democratic process. For Mexico, the sash embodies more than governmental authority; it encapsulates the legacy, struggles, and aspirations of a nation.

October 1 was no ordinary transition of power. Observers in the Chamber of Deputies and millions more watching across the country recognized this as a watershed moment. The weight of the occasion did not go unnoticed, as Ifigenia Martha Martínez y Hernández, the president of the Congress of the Union, received the sash from the outgoing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and formally handed it to Sheinbaum. Yet it was Sheinbaum who had the final honor: in a symbolic move, she placed the sash on herself, a powerful gesture of self-determination and a personal stamp on this new era of leadership.

For most of Mexico’s political history, women’s roles in government were limited, typically constrained to positions outside the direct seat of executive authority. Despite progress, there remained an implicit societal assumption that leadership at the highest level was a male domain. However, the presence of Claudia Sheinbaum in the highest office challenges these longstanding norms. Her rise is not just a triumph for gender equality in Mexico but signals a shift in the broader cultural and political mindset.

Underpinning this shift is the steady ascent of women in Mexican politics over the past few decades. Female representation in Congress, state legislatures, and municipal governments has steadily increased, thanks in part to legislative quotas and broader societal support for gender parity. This culminated in Sheinbaum’s election, an achievement that will likely serve as a benchmark for future generations of Mexican women aspiring to positions of influence.

Claudia Sheinbaum brings to office a unique perspective shaped by her experience as a scientist, academic, and former mayor of Mexico City. Her policies focus on environmental sustainability, social equality, and public security—issues that resonate with a population eager for effective governance. She has positioned herself as a leader committed to progressive reform and inclusive growth, promising to prioritize initiatives aimed at economic development, education, and environmental stewardship.

Her commitment to these causes reflects the broader challenges Mexico faces today, from economic inequalities to environmental concerns and issues of security. The new administration under Sheinbaum has already signaled that it intends to address these pressing issues with an approach that combines scientific rigor, progressive policy, and inclusive governance.

The Story Behind Mexico's Most Powerful Symbol

Symbols have an enduring role in the collective psyche of societies. They are markers of identity, a way for nations to tell their stories and reaffirm their values. The Presidential Sash in Mexico represents the continuity of authority and the resilience of democratic institutions, even amid political shifts. The sash is not a ceremonial accessory; it is a fundamental part of Mexican political culture, a reminder of the nation’s hard-won autonomy and its enduring commitment to democracy.

Since ancient times, symbols have wielded an almost mystical power. Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey open with a call to the Muse to “Sing, oh goddess, tell us…” invoking the gods to narrate the epic tales of valor. In the same way, the Presidential Sash in Mexico invokes the spirit of past leaders, uniting the deeds of heroes with the responsibilities of the present. In donning it, a President does not simply become the nation’s leader; they become part of an ongoing story, a custodian of national identity.

This October’s transition ceremony was a particularly momentous one. Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman elected to the office of the President in Mexico, ascended to her role with the Presidential Sash as her emblem of authority. In doing so, she takes her place among the figures who have shaped the country’s modern era and carries forward a legacy of political milestones. Her ascendancy marks a new chapter for Mexico, particularly for women, and underscores the evolving dynamics of Mexican society.

Her reception of the sash was more than a personal achievement—it was a moment loaded with historical significance. Sheinbaum, already a figure of considerable influence, assumes office under the watchful eyes of a nation that reveres its symbols. With the sash draped across her chest from her right shoulder to her left side, as specified in Article 36 of the law, she now embodies the Mexican state itself, assuming not just political responsibility but also the weight of national hopes and expectations.

The transfer of the Presidential Sash is no mere gesture. Mexico’s laws prescribe the sash’s significance with exacting precision, underscoring its status as an emblem of executive authority. Article 34 of the Law on the National Coat of Arms, Flag, and Anthem states unequivocally that only the President of the Republic may wear the sash, designating it as a privilege exclusive to the highest office in the land. It is a tradition meticulously protected, a way of ensuring the sash retains its potent symbolism.

From the moment the outgoing president hands the sash to the President of Congress, who then passes it to the incoming leader, this fabric transcends its material composition to become the nation itself, invested with a ceremonial power that all present—and all watching—feel profoundly. It is an object, yes, but one deeply imbued with meaning and emotion, a source of pride and a reminder of unity, irrespective of political divisions.

The sash itself, with its tri-color stripes of green, white, and red, represents the Mexican Flag. In its center sits the National Shield, hand-embroidered in gold thread, a testament to the skill and devotion of those who create it. Every detail in its construction is deliberate, designed to honor the heritage it symbolizes and the ideals it represents.

To see the Presidential Sash displayed at the highest podium in the land is to witness a ritual both powerful and enduring, a tradition that reminds citizens of their shared history and collective future. Over generations, the sash has survived various political climates, from shifts in policy to transformations in government, emerging each time as a resilient, steadfast emblem of Mexico’s sovereignty and independence.

And while the sash itself is an object of continuity, it also serves as a canvas for transformation. When Sheinbaum accepted the sash, she also accepted the mantle of evolving what the sash—and the office it represents—can mean for Mexico. Her presidency is emblematic of a new era, where symbols and the ideas behind them are not static but dynamic, adapting to the changing fabric of society. As the first woman to don this symbol of executive power, Sheinbaum’s leadership will bring new dimensions to the sash’s legacy, one that embodies both tradition and progress.

Wearing Tradition and Progress

For decades, the Presidential Sash adhered to a specific order of colors: green at the top, white in the middle—where the National Coat of Arms is prominently displayed—and red at the bottom. This arrangement remained consistent from the presidency of General Plutarco Elías Calles in 1924 until 2010, carrying Mexico through nearly a century of leaders. The colors themselves mirror those of the Mexican flag, embodying the ideals of hope, unity, and the blood of those who fought for independence.

However, in 2010, then-President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa enacted a reform that altered the color arrangement of the sash. The Law on the National Coat of Arms, Flag, and Anthem was amended to switch the top color from green to red, an adjustment that seemingly subtle, carried profound symbolic weight. From that point onward, Calderón wore the Presidential Sash with the red stripe uppermost—a break from historical precedence, but one that carried its own statement of modernization and differentiation from the past. Enrique Peña Nieto, who succeeded Calderón in 2012, continued to wear the sash in this altered order, reflecting a continuity in this modernized approach to tradition.

The change sparked debate in some circles, as it altered a longstanding visual symbol of the executive power. Supporters saw it as a minor adjustment that nonetheless gave the symbol a fresh relevance, while others perceived it as a jarring deviation from a cherished national symbol. Still, the red-green reversal endured as the official design, a symbol of an evolving nation willing to reimagine its traditions.

In 2018, the pendulum of tradition swung back as Mexico’s Congress moved to restore the original order of colors on the Presidential Sash. Legislators re-amended Article 34 of the Law on the National Coat of Arms, Flag, and Anthem, officially reinstating green as the top stripe, white in the center, and red at the bottom. This was more than a simple aesthetic choice; it was a return to historical continuity, seen as reclaiming the traditional symbolism upheld across 17 presidential administrations.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who took office that same year, celebrated the return to the classic design, aligning his administration with the historical roots of Mexican political identity. “The Band will have the colors green, white, and red well placed,” López Obrador declared, underscoring the importance of respecting the original order as laid out in the national flag. For many, this reversal signaled a respect for national heritage, a way of anchoring the presidency within Mexico’s larger historical narrative.

While the Presidential Sash may seem like a minor detail of ceremonial attire, its design carries a weight that extends well beyond aesthetics. As the only official permitted to wear this iconic accessory, the President embodies both the Executive Branch and, in a larger sense, the nation itself. Article 34 of the law emphasizes the uniqueness of the sash, describing it as an emblem of the Federal Executive Power and a presentation of the National Flag. Crafted with three equal-width stripes in green, white, and red, the sash features the National Shield embroidered in gold, resting directly at chest height, with golden fringe finishing the ends. It is a mark of respect, patriotism, and the solemnity of the office.

Each alteration to the sash’s design signals a shift in the philosophy and direction of the nation’s leadership. With the reversal of colors, López Obrador’s administration positioned itself as a bridge between Mexico’s storied past and its future aspirations, emphasizing a reverence for continuity that would carry forward under his leadership and now, potentially, under Sheinbaum’s.

The return to the original color order is especially resonant given Mexico’s long history of rich, vibrant symbolism. The flag and its colors speak to the core ideals of Mexican identity, and by restoring these colors to their traditional places on the sash, the administration signaled an alignment with foundational values. In this way, the sash serves not only as a garment but as a statement—a carefully curated artifact that reflects both the authority and ideology of the wearer.

With Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo now in office, the Presidential Sash takes on yet another layer of symbolism. As Mexico’s first female president, Sheinbaum’s assumption of the sash marks a historic moment for gender equality in Mexican politics. In her acceptance of this symbol of authority, she connects her administration to the national heritage while advancing a narrative of inclusivity and progress.

The decision to maintain the traditional color order—green, white, and red—is significant in her context as well. By wearing the sash in its original form, Sheinbaum honors the legacy of her predecessors while underscoring her commitment to continuity in governance, particularly within a political landscape that has seen frequent shifts in recent years.

Reserved for Power's Most Solemn Moments

Under Mexican law, the Presidential Sash is not to be worn at the whim of the officeholder. Instead, it is an emblem worn only during certain ceremonial milestones, outlined explicitly by Articles 35 and 36 of the Law on the Coat of Arms, the Flag, and the National Anthem, a statute in place since 1984. Enacted during the presidency of Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, this legislation solidified guidelines for the sash’s use, emphasizing that its appearance at public ceremonies underscores the solemnity of the occasion, marking moments when the weight of national leadership rests most palpably on the President’s shoulders.

The occasions requiring the use of the Presidential Sash are select but significant, each ceremony steeped in constitutional tradition. According to Article 35, the sash must be worn in four key situations: first, during the transfer of federal executive power, a solemn rite symbolizing the seamless continuity of governance in Mexico; second, when the President submits the annual report to the Congress of the Union, a constitutional duty that underscores accountability and transparency in executive governance. Third, the President dons the sash during the commemoration of the Grito de Dolores, on the evening of September 15th. This event, recalling the rallying cry for independence issued by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810, connects each President with Mexico's revolutionary spirit and fight for sovereignty. Finally, the President must wear the sash when receiving the credentials of ambassadors and ministers, a symbol of the dignity and sovereignty of the Mexican state in the international arena.

A distinctive aspect of the sash’s placement also finds its legal grounding. Article 36 prescribes that the sash should be draped from the right shoulder to the left side, fastened at the waist. This particular arrangement is meant to underscore its centrality to the state’s power, fitting snugly beneath the jacket, a constant yet understated reminder of the wearer’s role. However, at the ceremony marking the transfer of executive power—a hallmark of democratic stability—the sash is worn uncovered and exchanged openly from outgoing to incoming President, a gesture embodying the continuity of state power beyond individual officeholders.

The origins of the Presidential Sash extend far beyond Mexico’s current constitutional framework, emerging in the early days of the nation’s history under the short-lived reign of Emperor Agustín de Iturbide. From 1822 to 1824, Iturbide, crowned as the first emperor of Mexico, adopted a tricolor sash as part of the ceremonial regalia. His version, however, diverged from the modern sash in design and purpose; his bore religious imagery and denoted affiliation with the Imperial Order of Guadalupe, an organization based on a pyramidical hierarchy with elaborate membership rituals. In this incarnation, the sash was less a symbol of republican governance and more an emblem of the emperor’s rule, one vested in religious and monarchical ideals.

The sash’s evolution into a presidential insignia came with Antonio López de Santa Anna, a pivotal yet polarizing figure in Mexican history. In 1843, Santa Anna, serving as President, formalized the sash’s use as part of the presidential regalia. A decree issued under his administration defined the sash as a symbol exclusively tied to the head of the Executive Branch, solidifying its role within the structure of republican governance. Since then, the sash has retained its place as a physical representation of the office’s authority and the unity of the Mexican state, persisting through changes in political regime and governmental structure.

Mexico’s Badge of Authority

This October, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo took her place in history as Mexico’s first female president, draping the Presidential Sash over her shoulder in a ceremony replete with symbolism. Yet there’s more than meets the eye: beyond the public spectacle lies a quiet dedication to heritage, stitched by the hands of one of Mexico’s own citizens, Evangelina Rentería de la Cruz. Rentería, a seamstress at the Secretariat of National Defense’s Clothing and Equipment Factory, crafted this sash with skill, patience, and a sense of purpose—a reminder that even in the highest offices, the hand of the people is always present.

The Presidential Sash was born of a decree issued by Antonio López de Santa Anna in 1843. Seeking to imbue the office of the presidency with reverence, he established a symbol that would signify the supreme authority of the President, a badge that would make the country’s leader recognizable in public acts. The decree’s articles mandated that the President wear a silk band, six inches wide and bearing the three national colors, draped from the right shoulder to the left side. It also specified that a gold shield, adorned with precious stones and representing the national coat of arms, be worn above the band, symbolizing the office’s power and the wearer’s commitment to uphold the Constitution.

This standard was modified for interim presidents, who were to wear the sash but without the gilded coat of arms. This distinction underscored the difference in authority between a sitting president and an interim one, while still conferring dignity upon the latter role. Over the years, the sash became a fixture in Mexican political life, growing from a simple badge of office to a beloved symbol of national pride and identity.

The Presidential Sash embodies the same timeless significance as mythological symbols of old. In classical Greece, symbols often explained the complexities of the world, as with Ariadne’s golden thread that guided Theseus out of Daedalus’ labyrinth. Today, in a world full of modern “labyrinths”—the challenges of social inequality, economic instability, and political division—the Presidential Sash serves as a guiding emblem. It reminds the nation of its shared history and of a leadership that should strive to lead the people out of these challenges with wisdom and integrity. In a sense, it is Mexico’s own golden thread, its fabric sewn with memories of the past and hopes for the future.

As Claudia Sheinbaum donned the Presidential Sash, the work of Evangelina Rentería de la Cruz came into the spotlight. A seamstress at the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), Rentería has spent the past 17 years in the Sewing Workshop at Sedena’s Clothing and Equipment Factory (FAVE) in Iztapalapa, honing a craft that is both precise and powerful. Selected for her skill, Rentería’s hands have shaped presidential sashes in the past, including those used by Andrés Manuel López Obrador during his administration. But this sash, she knew, was something special. This was the first sash for a female president, and she imbued it with extra care, ensuring the gold-embroidered coat of arms sparkled as brightly as Mexico’s hopes for the future.

Despite her status as a master craftsperson, Evangelina received no specialized training in embroidery. Her artistry came from experience, patience, and pride in her work. She speaks of her craft with humility, emphasizing that inspiration and dedication guided her hands as she stitched the sash. For her, every stitch was a piece of Mexico’s history, a piece of a legacy she could pass down through her craftsmanship.

This is the power of the Presidential Sash: it is not just a symbol of the office but a testament to the Mexican people and the hands that make it. Behind every golden thread lies the story of someone like Evangelina—a story of perseverance, dedication, and pride. The Sash stands as a reminder that leadership is not isolated in the halls of government but rooted in the people, in the citizens who make the symbols of state and who carry the heart of the nation in their labor.

For Claudia Sheinbaum, the moment she placed the sash across her shoulder was more than an assumption of office; it was a historical milestone for Mexico. The sash gleamed at her inauguration, and in its design and adornment was the promise of a presidency poised to break barriers, a presidency that would honor Mexico’s traditions while advancing its place in the world. Her administration, the first led by a woman, carries expectations that go beyond policy and reach into the very identity of the Mexican people.

The Presidential Sash, draped across Sheinbaum’s chest with the shield placed prominently above, underscores the ideals enshrined in the country’s flag: hope, unity, and sacrifice. These are not abstract concepts but guiding values, ones that every president of Mexico must uphold. The sash is therefore a promise made by the leader to the people, a commitment to serve with integrity, to embody the aspirations and strength of the Mexican nation.

A Legacy of Honor and Duty

Over nearly two centuries, the Presidential Sash has evolved, but its essence remains the same. It is an item of clothing, yet it holds within its fibers the spirit of the Mexican Republic and the dreams of its people. In wearing it, each president becomes part of a larger story, one that began long before them and will continue long after. Through reforms, crises, and achievements, the sash endures, a resilient emblem of continuity amid change.

Today, as Mexico navigates its path forward, the Presidential Sash serves as a reminder that leadership is rooted in the collective will of the people, in the respect for history, and in a commitment to the future. Claudia Sheinbaum’s wearing of the sash carries all of these ideas, embodying the progress of a nation that values both tradition and transformation.

Evangelina Rentería de la Cruz’s work on the sash highlights a profound truth: that the symbols of leadership are crafted by the hands of the people, by those who quietly shape history with each stitch, each thread. The Presidential Sash, resplendent in its green, white, and red, is therefore not only a badge of office but a tribute to the hands and hearts of Mexico’s citizens. It is a reminder that even in the highest echelons of power, the touch of the people remains ever-present, weaving the fabric of Mexico’s story—one golden thread at a time.

In-text Citation: (Mondragón, 2024, pp. 16-21)