LOUTRA POZAR . . . The Pozar Loutra, (derived from the Slavic "Pozhр" meaning fire, fire or heat) also known as Loutra Loutraki, Loutra Aridaia or simply Loutra, are thermal baths, located near Loutraki in the prefecture of Pella, 13 km west of Aridaia. They are mineral springs, gushing at a temperature of 37°C, with a remarkable chemical composition. The hot water has a thermal effect and is potable. Visitors use it for bathing, toning and relaxation, while the waters help in the fight against circulatory, respiratory, rheumatic, gynaecological and dermatological diseases. The spa town is 3 km from Loutraki and is located in the valley of the stream of Agios Nikolaos. The oldest name of the stream was "Toplitsa", which means in Slavic, in free translation: "Thermopotamos". A complex of about 15 caves has been discovered in the area, with abundant findings of prehistoric times, which are exhibited in the small museum of Loutra. The area has been declared a cave park (Cave park of Almopia) and is the first of its kind in Greece. History Ancient history According to ancient tradition, the baths were considered a place of relaxation and restoration for the Macedonian kings after battles and long wars. There are indications that they were in operation during the reign of Alexander the Great, as well as in Roman and Byzantine times. It is also said that the sarises (spears) of the Macedonian Phalanx were 'boiled' in hot water in order to make them more durable and increase their hardness and strength. Modern history In the 1920s, the baths were officially declared thermal waters, while in 1985 the community of Loutraki took over their management from K. Tympanidis. In the 1990s, the refreshment room and the large outdoor swimming pool were built, which is often used by visitors when the hammams and natural pools are too crowded to accommodate additional people. At the same time, during the same period, the adjacent caves were explored and the first cave park in Greece was founded, while in 2000, the Baths, due to the changes of the Kapodistrias-bill, came under the jurisdiction of the then Municipality of Aridaia, and in 2010, with the Kallikrates-bill, the Municipality of Almopia. During the same period, the Baths were upgraded with the construction of 6 new swimming pools (Alexandrio hydrotherapy centre) and the hammams were renovated. Pozar Festival The Pozar Festival, or in local parlance "Pozaritika", is an annual music festival that takes place every July and is one of the largest in Greece.