GREECE: Changing of the Guards in Athens

Changing of the guard ceremonies in Athens take place at both the Presidential Mansion and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards are on duty around the clock and change every hour.

On Sundays they raise the Greek flag at the Acropolis at sunrise and lower it at sundown.

The Presidential Guards are ceremonial and were originally founded in 1868 as a part of the Greek army. 

For 60 minutes they stand on guard perfectly still. 

Then at the end of the 60 minutes they work in coordinated pairs to change shifts. 

Note the unique march they coordinate. 

They bring their legs up high and clop them down to move forward.

There is a tale behind this unusual march. 

King Otto from Bavaria held the throne in Greece from 1832, at 17 years old, until 1862. Living in Greece he was homesick and one of the things he missed was the sound of horses. The story goes, that he made his guards walk in this fashion to replicate the sound of horses hooves and so he wouldn't be so homesick.

As for the pompoms, apparently they protected the toes from snow and cold and can also conceal a small knife.

Apparently it is very prestigious to be one of the Honour Guards and perform this hourly ceremony.