ARCHITECTURE
The entire island has been classified as a protected area and the traditional, neoclassical settlement is perfectly preserved. The capital of the island, Symi. consists of the Village and Gialo.
The neoclassical buildings are usually two-story, colorful, with prominent architectural and decorative features gables balconies, neoclassical balconies and fireplaces in the courtyards, while almost all of them have a view of the sea.
Among the public buildings, the tower with the clock from 1880, the stairs of Lirenou, the police building, the customs building and the post office stand out.

Source: South Aegean Region
, Dodecanese Prefecture

FOLK CULTURE The feast of Panormitis (8/11), patron saint of the island, is the most important religious event. On the eve, a high priestly vespers is held, on the day of the feast a high priestly service and litany of the image with the accompaniment of the philharmonic band, and then a meal is offered to all pilgrims.
Among the most important festivals of Symi are:
The Holy Trinity and Agios Ioannis (24/6), Ag. Marina (17/7), Prophet Elias (20/7), Sotiros (6/8) and Panagia (15 and 24/8).
Great island festivals are held on the fifteenth of August in the numerous Panagias of the island, of the Transfiguration and of the Synaxis of the Brigades.
Traditional "Koukoumas" events (2/5):
Unmarried young men and women danced and sang while drinking the "speechless water" around a vase, where they had placed their rings from the day before. The housewife who organized the custom offered a piece of savory pie to each girl. Any girl who saw in her dream which young man offered her water to quench her thirst, that would be the young man she would marry.
The burning of Judas, Easter Sunday afternoon.

Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou

CULTURAL EVENTS
One of the most important Festivals in Greece, with an international character, has been organized in Symi since 1095. Events include every form of art and intellectual production: Concerts, cinema, theater and symposia. The participation of the artists is non-profit and the responsibility of the organization belongs to the Municipality of Symi.

Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou