A day out, and dancing
Today we went for a day out to Kokkinokastro, a beach about 15 minutes up the south-east coast of the island. There are not many bus routes on Alonissos – a few up to the Chora, and then two to Steni Vale, but not ’til 2pm – but there is a company – Aqua travel – that run a trip to a different beach each day of the week. We chose Kokkinokastro as we were told it was pretty – it was, the swimming was good – it was, and it was quiet – it was. It was 6.50 euros each for the round trip, picking up at 10.15, and departing the beach at 4pm
It was very pretty, the beach pebbly (which we like) and the water crystal clear and soon got deep enough to have you out of your depth. One section of the beach was “organised”, and there was a small beach bar, which we didn’t use as we set up camp further along the beach and I was to chilled to make the short walk across the stony shore.
We headed home, showered and headed back out ready for an evening of dance! We had seen signs for Alonissos festival of dance, on the 4th – 6th July, and our (very) limited Greek, coupled with google translate and talking with a taverna owner earlier in the week suggested that the festivities would start at 8pm. We found a table in taverna with a good view of the stage that had been erected, and watch in growing anticipation as circles and numbers were chalked onto the road in front of by the organisers.
By 8.15, we saw some costumed dancers walking into town, but still now sign of action. By 8.30 we could make our meal last no longer, so paid up and went to find a wall near the stage to stand and watch. Eventually, at 9.30 (ish!) the dancers paraded down the main road from the port, and then began dancing on the street behind us, directly in front of where we had been sat. Then, though, the main event began and the all processed, whilst dancing, onto the stage in front of us.
It is hard to estimate how many dancers there were, but would guess circa a thousand, and it took over half an hour for them all to make their way onto, and then off, the stage, all the while dancing to live music. It was a magnificent spectacle, and a privilege to witness and watch.
What information we have found, came from the Alonissos Dance Festival 2025 website I love the words below, translated from Greek
Once upon a time…
people got tired of walking and talking so
They started singing and smiling…
The steps became a dance and the goals a song
and nature rejoiced, it blossomed and a flower emerged…
a blue flower with a sea-like color and a great aroma
which in the Aegean was the most beautiful.
The seed spread and became a great island
until it became known everywhere historically as Ikos.
This birth and the divine gift
We, the descendants of those with the seed, celebrate.
The celebration will be grand like that of kings
and certainly the brightest of the northern Sporades!
– N. Argyriou-