Simi is considered to be the best preserved neo-classical settlement of contemporary Greece. The town is divided into two parts. "Horio" is the old town built far from the sea out of fear of the pirates, during the Turkish Occupation. The houses were originally Cycladean in style but the new pediments transformed the houses in to neo-classical. "Gialos" on the extension of the town, built in the 19th century, coinciding with the spread of Neo-classicism in the Aegean Sea. Glamorous neo-classical mansion of two or three stories, with pediments, iron balconies and admirable doors, churches with beautiful bell-towers and yards decorated with black and white pebbles are some of the elements indicating the wealth of the islanders. Simi always, maintained a high level of culture. This was the hometown of famous people, such as Ioannis Kalodoukides-Miglis, the famous teacher at the Greek School of Kastro, Demosthenis Haviaras, Michael Katsaras and others, whose contribution to literature and art was invaluable. After the hibernation, the island has come alive in the summer. The Cultural Councils organize art exhibitions, theatrical performances, speeches, attended by both the locals and the visitors. The people of Simi honour their tradition in their own way. The period of Halloween is celebrated with "Kanouzeles", while on the second day of May, they revive the custom of "Koukoumas". The night before young girls visit seven houses where girls with the name "Irini" live. The girls, silently, take water and make a salty pie which is offered the next morning to the single girls, so as they may dream of their future husbands offering them water. The feast, afterwards, includes traditional dances and local songs.