Changing the Guards in Athens – Evzones and Monty Python

On my first day in Athens, I happened to time my walk past the Hellenic Parliament to coincide perfectly with changing the guards. In Athens, this is done in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It's also done with a little bit more style, and dare I say it, eccentric flair than may be seen at other similar ceremonies. Clearly, I couldn't let go of a chance to be cheeky so early on during my time in Athens for TBEX, so I whipped out the camera as quick as I could!

Changing the Guards in Athens

Before I go on, I should perhaps mention that I was witnessing the regular hourly changing the guards in Athens. The more flamboyant display is reserved for Sundays, but I was quite happy with the less crowded experience. The main difference is, that there are more Evzone's on a Sunday (that's the name of the guards btw). Oh, and they wear different coloured skirts. I guess the stockings might be a different colour as well, but I don't really want to think about large groups of men in woolly stockings too deeply to be honest.

Changing the Guards in Athens Video

I've put the video I made of some of the ceremony below. I defy you, yes defy you, to not watch that and think of Monty Python. I mean, it just has to be where they got the Ministry of Silly Walks from! And, whoever choreographed that changing of the guards in Athens ceremony, had to have been taking some low-grade acid. Or been dropped repeatedly on their head as a child. Or both.

Anyhow, a nice fun way to be introduced to Athens for my time here during TBEX. I will make an effort to catch the larger ceremony on Sunday as well, but there is a full on week of other things to do before I get that far. So until then, Yamas!