On the island of Kefalonia many local events are held during the year. The most characteristic of which is the celebration of the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece (21 May), the celebration of Rombola in August, the International Choral Festival which is held each summer in Argostoli, cultural events with traditional dance festivals, theatrical performances and the 'barcarolle' in Lixouri, the feast of St. Efimia (11 July), the 'Eortia' organized during the summer months in Sami and include cultural events with music, dance and theater the feast of Saint Gerasimos in Skala (16 August), the feast of Saint Panteleimon in Sami (27 iolyliou) and the feast of the Savior (6 August) in many areas such as Poros, StEfimia and others. Also characteristic feasts of Kefalonia are the carnival events in Argostoli, Skala, Poros and elsewhere. In Markopoulo each year between 6 and 15 August many small snakes, completely harmless, apear in the enclosure of the Church of Panagia, known as the Virgin's snakes.