Tsoliades in Brussels

Since yesterday,the photo of three "tsoliades" dancing in the protest against austerity that took place in Brussels is all around the world.

photo: eu.greekreporter.com

The costume they wear is the national greek costume and it's connected to the fighters of the Greek War for Independence in early 19th century.

The red fez is an ottoman vestiage remain and the fustanella has origins in Balkan area. The original greek fustanella though consists of 400 folds that symbolize the 400 years of greek slavery to the Ottoman Empire. Tsarouhi is a kind of shoe with origins in the Byzantine Empire but later the ottoman influence was big.

In the past, tsoliades were members of the Palace Guard. Today, they are soldiers serving in the Presidential Guard and are selected from the special forces of the greek army.

Their role is mainly ceremonial.

Everyday,at eleven, the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier attracts not only tourists but locals too.

But it's only on Sundays and special occasions that they wear the traditional costume of tsolias.