The Changing of The Guard in Athens, Greece

Every hour of every day, one can witness the Changing of the Guard at Hellenic Parliament in Athens, Greece https://santorinidave.com/athens-chan....

Evzones, who are also referred to as Tsolias, represent an esteemed contingent of Greek soldiers who serve as members of the Presidential Guard. This distinguished ceremonial unit is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Hellenic Parliament Building. Additionally, they perform the symbolic act of raising and lowering the national flag every Sunday on the historic Acropolis, further showcasing their dedication to the country’s heritage and traditions.

At the Parliament building, Evzones stand guard in one-hour shifts, three times within every 48-hour period. During each hour, they remain perfectly still until it is time to swap places with another guard. To ensure flawless coordination during the changing of the guard, they work in pairs and execute their movements in slow motion. This not only protects their blood circulation after standing motionless for an hour but also highlights their rigorous military training and the exceptional physical fitness required for these duties.

The Evzones’ distinctive uniforms, rich in historical significance, are meticulously handcrafted, with their design evolving from the attire worn by two groups of warriors — the Kleftes and Armatoloi — Ottoman revolutionaries during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The guards wear more casual versions of the uniform in their daily routine, opting for khaki in summer and navy blue in winter. However, on Sundays and formal occasions, they don the striking formal white uniforms adorned with intricately stitched waistcoats.

The formal white skirt, or foustanella, features exactly 400 folds, symbolizing the 400 years of Ottoman rule over the Greeks. Their pom-pommed leather clogs, or tsarouhia, contain 60 nails in each sole, producing a resonant sound with every graceful step taken — a symbolic reminder that the Greeks are alive and well for their ancestors to hear. Each tsarouchia weighs over one and a half kilograms. The Evzones’ red caps display a Greek coat of arms on the front and a long silk tassel on the side.

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