Samos is a very beautiful island. The villages preserve plenty of the traditional architectural characteristics, while grand mansions and picturesque chapels are scattered around the island. The local customs have been influenced by many Greek areas, as the emigrants came to Samos from many different Greek towns. As in all the Greek islands, the agricultural, naval and religious anniversaries of Samos are celebrated traditionally. In the daily life, the customs are preserved at the feasts in the villages. Students from Samos have written dawn proverbes, poems, songs and every other laographic material. On August 6th, Samos solemnly celebrates the anniversary of the battle in Mikali. There is a litany and swimming tournament, while at the feasts in honour of a saint, "giorti" is served, a combination of stew and wheat. The feasts in Samos involve dancing to the sounds of traditional instruments and the singing of local songs. The girls wear traditional costumes (red scarfs and long dresses in vivid colours) and dance the local dance called "Sirtos", forming a circle. The first dancer is a man, "dancer on Kavos", while the last dancer, also a man, is the "dancer on petala". Following the ancient tradition in art, Samos is known for its folk arts, such as pottery and woven fabrics manufactured on local looms, as well as making rugs and sacs of goat wool.