The Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building on Syntagma Square in Athens is a fun spectacle worth seeing if you happen to be in the area at 11am every morning. The special military unit, called Evzones, of the Hellenic Army, stands perfectly still before changing positions in front of the Hellenic Parliament. The “big” show is on Sundays at 11 am, when more guards participate in official costumes and perform a more complex ceremony.
Greek guards
While not as dramatic as that “other” Changing of the Guard in London, England, it is fun to watch the synchronized movements of the guards in disguise. The guards are carefully selected for the honor of participating, and most of them are very tall, averaging over six feet three inches in height. They are in good physical shape and are chosen for their strong character. They go through rigorous training for a month, learning to keep their body and mind still. The guards also learn to keep their faces blank and their eyes and face immobile.
Members of this special unit (Evzones), also called Tsoliades, guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier that stands in front of the Parliament Building and the Presidential Mansion. The evzones represent courage and bravery in Greece. Formed in 1868, this unit has acquired several names over the years: today it is called the Presidential Guard.
The ceremony
After being completely still for an hour, the guards change positions in pairs, the two guards synchronizing their movements, performing them as in slow motion. This measured rhythm protects your blood circulation after lying still for 60 minutes. The guards repeat this ritual three times in a 48 hour period. On Sunday, the ceremony is a bit more complex, with the guards donning a more showy costume.
The uniforms
The Evzones wear one type of uniform during the week, and then another that is more flashy on Sunday. The uniforms of the evzones recall different areas and times in Greek history. The weekday attire is reminiscent of the Macedonian fighting soldiers (1904-1908), while the Sunday attire can date back four thousand years to ancient Minoan times when the skirt was the common garment of Cretan men, usually enhanced with a large dagger. glued on the waistband. Along with the pleated skirt or fustanella, the costume also consists of a hat (phareon) with a black tuft, a white shirt with loose sleeves, the phermeli (the vest), and footwear decorated with pompoms (tsarouchia).
Fringes, garters and a belt are also part of the ensemble. Each guard also carries a weapon, which is quite difficult to carry due to its weight, as well as the pressure it applies to the soldier’s body.
