Careto

The Careto tradition is a folk ritual practice of the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region of Portugal, believed to have prehistoric roots in Celtic traditions. The Careto is a masked character garbed with colorful fringe and noisemaking rattles. Part of the observance of Entrudo, marking the end of the Winter season, the Careto tradition is among the oldest continually practiced in Portugal.

Currently integrated with Carnival festivities, the Careto tradition has survived in the Bragança District, particularly the villages of Podence in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Vila Boa de Ousilhão in Vinhais, and Varge in Aveleda, among others. Careto rituals practiced in the village of Lazarim (Lamego, Viseu District) may have later origins.^{[citation needed]}