Imagine a large natural pool that instead of water has mud, tons of mud. Bathers float as naturally as pigs in bliss. Everybody seem to move in slow motion covered in blackish clay. Suddenly someone new show up, hesitating to make the first step towards the swamp. ‘No, don’t think twice, come on in’ they shout. ‘This will be an unprecedented experience for you’.
For many of the bathers, this ‘unprecedented experience’ has been perpetually repeated for decades. They come here, in Krinides (Kavala regional unit, Northern Greece), every summer; they step inside the pool and they feel their body light and grateful. This mud doesn’t dirt you, it cleans you and nourishes your skin. Furthermore, besides its cosmetic properties, it can be beneficial for multiple health issues: beyond the obvious dermatological ones (acne, psoriasis), the healing clay of Krinides helps with muscle/skeletal problems and neurological diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia) and can provide relief after surgery.
People have bathed here since ancient times. The nearby archaeological site of Philippi was re-founded by Philip II, Great Alexander’s father. During Roman times it was the most important town of Eastern Macedonia, a true metropolis, because of its strategic position. The Ottomans continue the long tradition of thermalism in this area, but somehow, after the liberation of Greece, the healing practice of mud bathing felt in obscurity.
It was rediscovered in the 20th century due to an accidental event. A shepherd has lost a cow which he thought was dead because she suffered from psoriasis and she was very weak. A month later, the cow appeared in perfect health and … muddy. The time-honored tradition started again. Gradually the site was turned into an organized thermal area and a camping ground, managed by the Municipality of Krinides. Every summer, from May to October, thousands of people of all ages dive into the mud-pool, seeking comfort and beauty.
Extra bonus 1: the mud doesn’t stink.
Extra bonus 2: the cost is definitely affordable.
Elissavet Laloudaki
Elissavet Laloudaki was born in Athens, Greece. She studied Literature in Greece and France, piano and theater. She worked as a journalist for Greek and international magazines (Geo, National Geographic etc). Since 2009 she is a documentary filmmaker.
Massimo Pizzocaro was born in Milan, Italy. He studied Photography in Istituto Europeo di Design (Milan). He has 40 years of experience as a photographer (fashion, commercial, travel). Since 2009 he has been a documentary filmmaker. Elisavet’s and Massimo’s films have been screened in Greek and international festivals, in TV stations, in cinemas and film clubs.
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