Greek Presidential Guard Anniversary: Evzones Mark 157 Years

The Greek Presidential Guard's anniversary arrived on December 12, 2025. This elite unit, famous for its Evzones, celebrated 157 years since its founding. President Konstantinos Tasoulas joined the guards for a special event in Athens. He shared a traditional meal and honored their long history.

The Greek Presidential Guard ceremonial unit, often called the Evzones, was established on December 12, 1868, through a royal decree. It started as an elite battalion named the Agema, blending combat and palace guard duties. However, today it focuses solely on the ceremony, symbolizing Greece's resilience and pride.

Evzones stand guard around the clock at key sites. They protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square and the Presidential Mansion. Additionally, their precise routines captivate tourists and locals alike.

Greek Presidential Guard Anniversary Celebration Details

President Tasoulas shared a meal with Evzones and guard members during the anniversary event. The luncheon featured traditional fasolada, a simple yet symbolic bean soup. Participants toasted, and Tasoulas posed for photos with the uniformed guards.

He spoke warmly about the unit. "I feel happy to join you today," he said. Tasoulas noted the founding in 1868. The guard changed names over time due to political shifts. Yet, its high standards stayed the same. Moreover, Greeks everywhere admire the Evzones deeply.

Lieutenant Colonel Konstantinos Bousis, Commander of the Presidential Guard, gifted the President of the Republic a pair of handmade black tsarouchia, a traditional symbol linked to the Epirus region. The gesture reflected respect and a sense of shared heritage.

The lunch brought together members of the Military Office, the Presidential Guard, the Evzones, civilian laboratory staff, and soldiers serving in the Command Company of the Presidential Guard.

President Konstantinos of the Republic released an official statement.

I am happy to be with you today, on the occasion of the 157th anniversary of the establishment of the Evzone Corps. As you know, because you are all volunteers here, the Evzone Corps was founded on this day, in 1868, by royal decree, which provided for the utilization of excellent non-commissioned officers who had distinguished themselves in their careers to create an exemplary corps of palace guards. Since then, the years have passed. We have had the Balkan wars, the change of regimes, the Palace Guard's name has changed, and it has become the Presidential Guard, until 1935. We had another regime change, a new name change, until the name was stabilized with the change of government and the referendum of December 1974, so since then, for 51 years you have been the Presidential Guard, which guards the historical and unparalleled in terms of national messages, monument to the unknown soldier, guards the Presidential Palace and also guards the Tzavela camp, where you are settled. The Presidential Guard may have changed names over time, following the regime's adventures of the modern Greek state, but what has not changed is the high ethos and the deep appreciation, admiration, and love with which the Greek people surround it.

We all know that both here and in Syntagma and every Sunday at 11 o'clock when we have the established official ceremony of changing the guard and on the liberation anniversaries of the cities of Greece, but mainly on the anniversaries when the Hellenism abroad, the Hellenism of the Diaspora invites and proudly you, in New York, in Melbourne, in Boston, in Chicago, this love, this appreciation, this embrace that Greece and Hellenism give you is unique and I think you deserve more. Because you remind every Greek man and woman of a journey that is related to the roots of Greece, to the aspirations of Greece, to the wars of Greece, to the misfortunes of Greece, to our lows but also to our heights, which the heights of Greece brought the country to this size and to these brilliant prospects that it has today. So you are, voluntarily, I emphasize, in capital letters, identified with the history of the country, identified with the most moving, the proudest, the bravest thing that the Greek army has to show in the eyes of Greek society. So be well, take care of yourselves, you, your officers, your superiors, may they all be well, and continue to honor your uniform and your mission. Happy birthday to everyone, and every success in your work.

Evzones Uniform and Its Meaning

Evzones stand out for their distinctive uniforms. The white fustanella skirt has 400 pleats. These represent years under Ottoman rule. The red cap shows bloodshed for freedom. Its black tassel means tears of loss.

The heavy tsarouchia weigh about three kilos each. Pompons once hid small blades. Blue and white parts match the Greek flag. Craftsmen make everything by hand. Soldiers must meet strict rules to wear it. For instance, they need the right height and strong character.

Guards train hard to move perfectly. They stay still for hours in any weather. This discipline impresses visitors daily.

The Famous Changing of the Guard

People love the changing of the guard ceremony. It happens every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However, the formal, elaborate weekly changing of the guard ceremony takes place on Sundays at 11 a.m. The entire battalion marches from the barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, led by a military band.

Evzones move slowly and exactly. They honor fallen soldiers this way. Crowds gather in Syntagma Square to watch. The ritual links past and present.

Guards watch over the Tomb, the Presidential Mansion, and other important sites. They raise the flag on the Acropolis every Sunday and on special occasions. They also travel abroad to America, Australia, and Germany for ceremonial duties.

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Why the Greek Presidential Guard Anniversary Matters

The anniversary of the Greek Presidential Guard reminds everyone of bravery. Evzones trace their roots to light infantry fighters in the independence wars and Balkan conflicts.

In 2025, this 157th anniversary reinforced ties between leadership and the military. Events like this luncheon highlight continuity in Greek heritage.

As a living symbol, the Greek Presidential Guard continues to fascinate. It guards monuments while preserving the nation's memory of sacrifice and freedom.

Photo gallery celebrating the 157th anniversary of The Greek Presidential Guard, captured by Pantelis Xystros / Greek City Times.

Photos Copyright Nick Bourdaniotis, Pantelis Xystros, and presidency.gr