[1][2] The 29th presidential inauguration took place as usual in the central front of the National Capitol in Bogotá, D.C. Santos was sworn in as presidential oath, after which Garzón was sworn in as vice president[3][4] The ceremony took place in the midst of the attacks carried out by the FARC, days after the inauguration ceremony.

During his walk to the Plaza de Bolívar, the band of the José María Córdoba Military Cadet School performed honors, officially starting the opening ceremony.

Santos received the oath and the presidential sash from the president of the Senate, Armando Benedetti, 15 salutes were fired from the Bridge of Boyacá, by the Colombian Military Forces to greet the new president,[11][12] and then Santos administered the vice presidential oath to Angelino Garzón.

After the vice-presidential oath, Santos continued with his inaugural speech of 32 minutes and 42 seconds.

[13] The president and his family were escorted again by the seven generals of the Military Foreces, who were followed by twelve Navy Pipers.