The Evzones, Greece’s elite guards, have recently gained renewed attention on social media due to an old YouTube video. This captivating video, which has garnered over 178,000 views on YouTube alone, showcases the Evzones’ distinctive marching style in slow motion. Viewers have playfully dubbed their precise movements a “mid-air foot ballet.” However, the spectacle extends beyond their choreography.
The traditional uniform contributes to their allure. Imagine the scene: white skirts adorned with 400 symbolic folds, each representing a year of Ottoman rule, and their weighty pom-pommed shoes, tipping the scales at over 3 kilograms. It’s a blend of history, elegance, and physical prowess that continues to captivate audiences.
The video, which showcases the guards’ unconventional movements, has piqued interest and elicited amusement online. Beneath the surface, the meticulous parade holds a profound significance.
The Evzones, positioned at the Greek Parliament, dutifully maintain vigilance during one-hour rotations, repeating this cycle three times within a 48-hour period.
With their precise choreography and the distinctive clinking produced by the 60 nails on their Tsarouchia shoes, intentionally recreate the rhythmic cadence of horses.
According to legend, King Otto, yearning for the familiar sounds of his Bavarian homeland, instructed his guards to emulate the echoing hoofbeats as a source of comfort.
Whether it’s the historical weight carried by their attire or their intriguing parade style, the Evzones have captivated the online world, demonstrating that even a routine changing of the guard can ignite viral fascination .
About the Evzones.
The Evzones, steeped in history, hold a distinguished position among Greece’s military. Initially, they served as light infantry and mountain troops within the Greek Army.
Presently, the term exclusively designates the individuals who form the Presidential Guard, a ceremonial unit stationed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, directly facing the Hellenic Parliament.
While their primary responsibilities are ceremonial in nature, the Evzones are entirely composed of volunteers who undergo rigorous selection from the Hellenic Army’s Infantry Corps.
Intriguingly, prospective Evzones are spotted as early as basic training, with a remarkable minimum height prerequisite of 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches).
The Evzones stand out due to their distinctive attire, which has its origins in the clothing worn by klephts, the Greek fighters who defied Ottoman rule.
The most notable element of this uniform is the fustanella, a garment reminiscent of a kilt. As a result, the Evzones have become an iconic representation of Greek soldiers, especially on the global stage.
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