Organized by:

Σύλλογος Ευζώνων Προεδρικής Φρουράς – Evzones Association of the Presidential Guard

About the event

The Evzones Association of the Presidential Guard (SEPF), in collaboration with the Presidential Guard, proudly presents the Official Unveiling of the unique, faithful replica of the preserved 1888 Fermeli (Ευζωνική Φέρμελη του 1888)—for the first time in Greek history.

Join us for a ceremony celebrating Greek historical memory and the sartorial heritage of the Hellenic Armed Forces. The Fermeli (vest) is undeniably the most intricate part of the uniform, entirely hand-embroidered with artistic motifs of cultural and folkloric significance, using white or gilt thread.

The 1888 Fermeli—a masterpiece of military attire—was originally worn by the Evzone Infantry Battalions, the Model Evzone Regiment, and the Athens Evzone Regiment from 1888 to 1941. Until recently, no original piece had survived. That changed in 2022, when the nephew of Evzone Panagiotis Kakavas (who served in 1900) made a deeply moving gesture of historical generosity by donating the family’s heirloom Fermeli to the Presidential Guard.

This remarkable donation was hailed by the Evzones Association of the Presidential Guard (SEPF) as an act of selfless devotion to history and national tradition. Thanks to the efforts of the Association, the Presidential Guard, and the meticulous work of curator and researcher Yianna-Marianthi Kaplantzi, a faithful replica of the historic garment has now been created—and will be publicly presented for the very first time.

ACG Welcome Remarks

Metaxia Papageorgiou
Assistant Professor, Archaeology | History Program Coordinator
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Deree – The American College of Greece
Fellow, Institute of Hellenic Culture and the Liberal Arts (IHCLA)
Fellow, Research, Technology and Innovation Network (RTIN)

Opening Remarks

Nikos Gavrilakis, President SEPF
Dimitris Poutouris, Vice-President SEPF

Keynote Speakers:

Yiannis Mylonas, Historian; Researcher; Author
Vasileios Nikoltsios, Retired Army Pharmacist Officer
Yianna-Marianthi Kaplantzi, “The Costumes of the Greeks”

Art director: Christos Christoforidis

REGISTER HERE

The event will be conducted in Greek and is free and open to the public.

Parking is provided, upon availability.