The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Hello and welcome to my blog about my recent visit to the Evzones and the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.
As soon as I arrived in the city, I knew that this was an experience I couldn’t miss. The Evzones are an elite unit of the Greek military, and their ceremonial duties include performing the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I had heard so much about this iconic tradition, and I was excited to see it for myself.
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I arrived at the Parliament building just in time for the ceremony to begin. The guards, dressed in their ornate uniforms, were impeccably drilled and marched with precision as they changed shifts. The ceremony is a symbol of respect for the fallen heroes of Greece.
As I stood there in the sweltering heat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for this beautiful country and its rich history. The Evzones are known for their unique and ornate uniforms, which include a traditional fustanella skirt, a white shirt, a red fez, and long white socks. They also wear a special pair of shoes with pom-poms on the toes called tsarouhia.
“The exact origins of the tsarouhia are not clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional footwear worn by the mountain-dwelling people of Epirus, a region in northwestern Greece. The shoes may also have been influenced by the boots worn by Ottoman Janissaries, the elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire, who occupied Greece for over four centuries.”
The ceremony itself is a carefully choreographed performance that involves a series of precise and elaborate moves. As the guards marched back and forth in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they stopped and performed a series of movements that included stamping their feet and changing their positions. It was a truly unique and fascinating spectacle to witness.
The Evzones are an elite unit of the Greek military, and they are known for their unique and ornate uniforms. The uniform includes a traditional fustanella skirt, which is made up of 400 pleats and symbolizes the 400 years of Ottoman occupation in Greece. The Evzones also wear a white shirt, a red fez, and long white socks, as well as a special pair of shoes with pom-poms on the toes called tsarouhia.
The ceremony itself is a carefully choreographed performance that involves a series of precise and elaborate moves. As the guards march back and forth in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they stop and perform a series of movements that include stamping their feet and changing their positions. The ceremony is a symbol of respect for the fallen heroes of Greece, and it is meant to honor their sacrifice and the country’s rich military history.
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Some of the key moves that the Evzones perform during the ceremony include:
- The “tsoliades” step: This is a slow, measured step in which the guards march forward, lifting their legs high and stamping their feet down with each step. The tsoliades step is meant to symbolize the determination and strength of the Greek people.
- The “kentima” step: This is a quick and energetic step that is similar to a military march. The guards perform the kentima step as they change positions during the ceremony.
- The “stamp”: This is a dramatic move in which the guards stamp their feet down hard and hold their position for several seconds. The stamp is meant to show the guards’ determination and respect for their duty.
- The “step back”: This move involves the guards taking a step back and then stamping their feet again. It is meant to symbolize their determination to defend their country.
Being an Evzone, a ceremonial guard in the Greek military, is a prestigious and demanding role that requires a high level of physical fitness, discipline, and dedication. To become an Evzone, candidates must go through a rigorous selection process that includes several rounds of physical, mental, and medical tests.
The Evzones are an elite unit of the Greek military, and they are known for their impeccable drill and precision. As such, the selection process is designed to identify the most physically and mentally capable candidates who are able to meet the high standards required for this demanding role.
To be eligible to become an Evzone, candidates must meet certain basic requirements, including:
- Being a male Greek citizen between the ages of 18 and 25
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Having completed military service or being exempt from military service due to medical reasons
- Meeting the required physical and medical standards for the role
In addition to meeting these basic requirements, candidates must also pass a series of physical, mental, and medical tests. These may include a physical fitness test, a medical exam, and a psychological evaluation.
Once selected, Evzone candidates undergo a rigorous training program that includes physical training, drill practice, and instruction in the traditions and history of the unit. Upon completion of their training, Evzones are sworn in and begin their duties as ceremonial guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.
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Overall, becoming an Evzone requires a high level of physical fitness, discipline, and dedication, as well as a deep appreciation for the rich military history and cultural traditions of Greece. It is a demanding but rewarding role that is highly respected in the country.
Incidents with the Evzones
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One such incident occurred in 2016, when a man approached the guards and attempted to grab the rifle of one of the Evzones. The man was subdued by the guards and arrested by the police.
In another incident in 2018, a group of young men approached the guards and tried to disrupt the ceremony. The men were also arrested by the police.
These incidents are relatively rare, and the Evzones are trained to maintain their composure and discipline in the face of potential threats. The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is an important tradition in Greece, and the Evzones are responsible for upholding the dignity and honor of the ceremony.
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As I stood there watching the Evzones perform the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and respect for these ceremonial guards. Their impeccable drill and precision was a testament to their dedication and discipline, and it was clear that being an Evzone was a demanding but rewarding role.
As I left the Parliament building after the changing of the guard ceremony, I took the opportunity to explore the nearby Syntagma Square. This bustling hub of activity is located in the heart of Athens, and it is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other points of interest.
After taking in the sights and sounds of the square, I decided to stop and have a bite to eat at one of the many outdoor cafes that dot the square. I enjoyed a delicious Greek salad and a refreshing iced coffee as I watched the world go by.
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After lunch, I strolled around the square, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant and lively part of the city. There are several interesting landmarks and points of interest in the square, including the Greek Parliament building, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, and the Old Royal Palace, which is now home to the Greek National Gallery.
Be sure to explore around here and enjoy the fantastic street performers in Athens, hope you enjoy the blog. Please leave any comments in the section
The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens takes place every hour on the hour, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The ceremony lasts for about 30 minutes.
In addition to the hourly changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, there are also several special ceremonies that take place throughout the year. These ceremonies are often marked by larger crowds and more elaborate displays of military pageantry.
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One of the most significant special ceremonies is the Changing of the Presidential Guard, which takes place on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Presidential Mansion. This ceremony is a more formal and elaborate version of the changing of the guard ceremony, and it involves a larger number of guards and more intricate drill movements.
Another special ceremony is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on national holidays and other significant days in the Greek calendar. These ceremonies are often marked by the presence of high-ranking officials and military leaders, and they may include additional elements such as a marching band or a wreath-laying ceremony.
