The Careto tradition is a pre-historical Celtic religious ritual that resists in Lazarim – Lamego (90km southeast from Braga), Viseu District and in Podence (northeast of Portugal). This tradition is associated with memories of magical practices related to agrarian fertility cults.

Caretos are masked young men dressed in suits made of yellow, red, black, blue and green fringe wool quilts.

They wear brass, leather or wooden masks painted with vivid colors of yellow, red or black and rattles in their belts.

They appear in groups running and shouting excitedly frightening the people

Only men can be Caretos.

The main target of these masquerade groups are single young girls.

Caretos of Podence have been nominated for the heritage of humanity in 2017.