Greek Island Odyssey Season 1 Episode 3 Lover's Dance

Greek Island Odyssey is a mini TV series on Smithsonian Channel that takes the viewers on a journey to the stunning Greek Islands. In this season's third episode titled Lover's Dance, the viewers are exposed to the rich cultural heritage of the island of Skopelos.

The episode begins with the host Bettany Hughes giving an introduction about the island's history and how it has been influenced by its neighboring regions. Skopelos, the star of this episode, is known for its pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, and traditional festivals. Bettany then meets with a local historian who walks her through the island's past, detailing how Skopelos has been occupied by different empires throughout history, and how these influences have shaped the island's culture.

The episode then transitions to Skopelos' annual festival, the Panagitsa of Pyrgos, which takes place in the mountain village of Pirgos. Betanny Hughes tags along with the locals, who are getting ready to celebrate the festival. At the Panagitsa of Pyrgos, the locals celebrate their patron saint, the Virgin Mary. Bettany observes the preparations for the feast, which includes traditional Greek music, dancing, and food.

As the festival begins, Bettany is mesmerized by the sea of colors, with local women dressed in traditional clothing and men dressed in white shirts and black pants. The dancing commences, and Bettany gets to experience the authentic Greek island dance, which is an integral part of the festival's celebrations. She dances alongside the locals, who are more than happy to teach her the moves.

In the latter part of the episode, Bettany explores the island's eastern coast and discovers a hidden gem, the Kastani beach. Kastani beach rose to fame after being featured in the hit movie Mamma Mia, which was filmed on the island of Skopelos. Bettany takes a leisurely stroll and enjoys the breathtaking views, turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs. She then meets with a local who shares stories of the filming of the movie.

Lover's Dance takes the viewers on a magical journey to the island of Skopelos, where the tradition is at the forefront of everyday life. Bettany Hughes does a fantastic job of immersing herself with the locals, which allows the viewers to experience the island's traditions and cultural heritage. Overall, the episode is an excellent representation of Greek Island Odyssey's goal of introducing the viewers to the beauty and diversity of the Greek Islands.