Every Sunday, at 11 am, in front of the Parliament Building in Syntagma Square, the Presidential Guard has a celebration.

 

 

The change of presidential guard is done with a band accompaniment...

 

 

...with a parade and under the sound of Greek National Anthem.

 

 

Thousands of tourists and families with children gather every Sunday morning to see this beautiful spectacle!

 

 

In front of the Unknown Soldier's Monument, Evzones wear their traditional costume, a uniform worn by the Greek fighters during the Ottoman domination.

 

 

The Evzones, known as Tsoliades, were founded to make up the Presidential Guard, changing every 1 hour since 1868.  At that time, it was called "Royal Guard" because of the reign.

 

 

Evzones are obliged to be constantly alert and not react, whatever may happen.  Many are those who, at times, are trying to provoke them, so there is always a Presidential Guardsman with military clothes that takes care of the order and the good image of the Tsoliades.

 

 

The Tsoliades' garment refers to the Ottoman rule, with 400 folds of fustanella (skirt) symbolizing the 400 years of Turkish occupation. To complete the sewing of their suit, special craftsmen need 80 days. The shoes (tsarouche) are registered in the camp, by 3 or 4 skilled craftsmen.

Each tsarouche weighs about 1.5 kilos and, in its sole, has 60 nails, so that the Evzones can not glide.

 

 

After they take their positions, all the people approaches to take pictures of them and with them.

 

 

Make sure you will be there at least 15' to 11 beacause of the hundreds of people that will already be there earlier to take the good positions.

 

Don't forget to have a bottle of water with you, especially during the summer as at that time the temperature is high.

 

http://www.athensinfoguide.com/gr/wtsevzones.htm