Kalymnos is a typical example of a settlement built in the Cycladean architectural style then converted into the neo-classical. The old part of the town surrounding the port is characterised by houses with pediments, slates, and flat roofs. Unlike the Cyclades, where the predominant colour is white, the inhabitants of Kalymnos paint their houses in vivid colours. Like the rest of the Dodecanese islands, Kalymnos developed a local, particular culture. The island is small, thus it never became a centre of literature and art, like Rhodes and Kos, yet it evolved spiritually, artistically and socially with great achievements, most of which were destroyed by strong earthquakes. During the summer, Kalymnos has a festive look. The municipalities and the citizens organise various events, celebrated with famous feasts where people dance local dances to the sounds of a seven-string lyre. In the old days, the locals celebrated the "feast of love" before the fishing boats set sail to collect sponge. A grand feast was held around the table. The decorated boats formed a cross in the port, making three circles to say good-bye as the sailors waved to their beloved people. Today, this feast takes place at Easter, with the traditional sponge-fishery enactments, as all the locals gather around a table in the central square of each village.