Kalymnos is a multifaceted, dynamic, and beautiful island with two ridges of high peaks, and the valleys of Pothia (the island’s capital) and Vathi ringed by a shoreline of pristine, tranquil beaches. The islanders are active, lively, and hospitable sponge-divers, fishermen, and even world-famous scientists yet all share an abiding love for their island’s traditions—a love that is evident at the religious folk festivals hosted throughout the year. On June 23-24, bonfires are lit to celebrate the feast of Ai Yiannis T’Atsali. From early afternoon, squat bonfires are built using dried grasses; locals then leap over the flames chanting a rhyme dedicated to Ai Yiannis. Each person tosses a stone into the fire. These pebbles are removed the next day and tossed into the sea. Everyone must then dive into the sea to retrieve their stone and, having drunk the “silent water, no one is allowed to speak until everyone has retrieved their pebble. This pagan custom marks the beginnings of swimming and the pebble, atsali or steel colloquially, is believed to bring health of “steel” to participants. The panigyri of Profitis Ilias July 19-20 is held on the island’s highest peak and involves an overnight communal feast that includes pancakes, music, and frenzied dancing. The Festival of the Tsabouna, a type of bagpipe, is organized by the local association at Argos every July, shortly after the feast of Ayios Pandeleimonas. The revelry lasts all night, with music by tsabouna and violins, the tasty local mououri and local cheeses. On July 26-27, the feast of the island’s patron-saint Ayios Pandeleimonas, is observed with a large panigyri featuring sales booths catering to the pilgrims who arrive through the night. Observances for the August 15 feast of the Dormition of the Virgin around the island commence on the feast’s eve and celebrations on both days include communal feasts, folk music and dancing as well as at Panayia Kyra-Psili at Vathi, Panayia on Telendos, Panayia on Pserimos, and Panayia Arginonton. This is followed by the Honey Festival in Haralambous square at Pothia where guests are treated to crisp deep-fried loukoumades (dough puffs) drizzled with honey. In late May and mid August, the Greek Women’s Lyceum of Kalymnos hosts demonstrations of traditional folk dances in the island’s main square as part of a municipal program of cultural events. The feast of the Cross on September 13 is observed with evening services at the church of Stavros on the peak over Kantouni and at the islet of Stavrou Nera just off the Kalymnos harbor where there is an all-night panigyri with folk music. Every year, from July to September, the municipality organizes free outdoor concerts, readings, recitals, and dances performances featuring local and guest artists. On December 5, the island honors the memory of Ayios Savas of Kalymnos. On the “Cheese Sunday” (Tyrini), which is the third Sunday of carnival or apokries, the “forgiveness dance” is held at Panayia Keharitomeni in Hora before evening services. On Good Friday, it is customary to hold memorial services at all cemeteries before the epitaphios, funerary bier of the Christ effigy, is led around the harbor in candlelight procession. It is also customary to visit the graves of deceased family members and friends on Easter Monday and December 26. On May 21, the feast of saints Constantine and Helen is observed at Telendos while the feast of Ayios Ioannis is observed with a custom known as Fanos—leaping over bonfires set in public squares. On June 23, the eve of the birth of the Ayios Ioannis, there is a panigyri in several locales around the island. The apostles Peter and Paul are memorialized on June 29 at Palionissos, while the feast of Profitis Ilias on July 20 is observed on the mountain bearing his name; the feast of Ayios Pandeleimon is observed with a panigyri at Panormos on July 26-27, the Metamorphosi Sotiros on August 6, and the Apodosis of the Theotokos on August 23 at Kyra Psili Panayia at Arginontas. The start of the church year on September 1 is marked by the sharing of finikia or watermelon. The feast of Panayia Grafiotissa of Pserimos is observed on September 8. The feast of the Holy Cross is observed September 14 at Nera isle and Kantouni at Panormos. The feast of Ayios Nikolaos is observed on December 6 at Pothia and Plateia Christo, while the custom of the firecrackers is revived on Easter.