A vintage video showcasing Greece’s distinguished guards, the Evzones, has recently regained popularity across various social media platforms. This footage, now garnering over 178,000 views on YouTube alone, exhibits the Evzones’ distinctive marching style in slow motion. Their precise movements and high kicks, often dubbed as a “mid-air foot ballet” by some observers, have captured significant attention. Beyond their movements, the Evzones’ traditional attire, which includes a white skirt symbolizing 400 years of Ottoman rule with 400 folds, along with their heavy pom-pommed shoes weighing over 3 kilograms, adds to the allure.
This video has sparked interest and amusement online, with numerous individuals remarking on the guards’ unique maneuvers. However, the ceremonial march holds deeper significance. Stationed at the Greek Parliament, the Evzones stand guard for hour-long shifts, repeated three times within a span of 48 hours.
Their synchronized steps and the distinct clinking sound produced by the 60 nails on their shoes, known as Tsarouchia, are believed to emulate the sounds of horses. Legend has it that King Otto, who yearned for the familiar sounds of his native Bavaria, had his guards replicate the sound of horseshoes to alleviate his homesickness.
Whether it’s the historical context of their uniform or their captivating marching technique, the Evzones have captivated the attention of online audiences, demonstrating that even a routine changing of the guard ceremony can become an internet sensation.
Who are the Evzones?
The Evzones represent an elite unit within the Greek military with a rich historical background. Initially serving as light infantry and mountain units in the Greek Army, the term now specifically refers to members of the Presidential Guard. This ceremonial unit is stationed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens’ Syntagma Square, positioned before the Hellenic Parliament.
While primarily ceremonial, these Evzones are all volunteers meticulously selected from the Hellenic Army’s Infantry Corps. Remarkably, potential Evzones are identified as early as basic training, with a minimum height requirement of 1.95 meters (6′ 5″).
The Evzones are instantly recognizable by their distinctive uniform, which harks back to the attire worn by klephts, Greek resistance fighters who opposed Ottoman rule. The most notable component of their uniform is the fustanella, a garment reminiscent of a kilt. This unique attire has solidified the Evzones as a symbol of the Greek soldier, particularly to international audiences.
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