The Careto tradition is a pre-historical Celtic religious ritual still practiced in some regions of Portugal, namely in the villages of Podence and Lazarim. It currently takes place during Carnival and is one of the oldest traditions being practiced in Portugal today.Caretos are masked young men dressed in suits made of yellow, red, black, blue and green fringe wool quilts, wearing brass, leather or wooden masks and rattles in their belts. Their masks can vary greatly from village to village.They appear in groups from every corner of the village running and shouting excitedly, frightening the people and “robbing” all the wineries. The main target of these masquerade groups are single young girls, who make them climb to the top of walls and verandas.
Having fun at Carnival has been going on for a long, long time in Portugal.
