"Careto“

The costume of the careto is comprised of a mask, a top, a bottom, a belt, clappers, and shoes. The careto has a key part to play in the carnival of Podence in the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal. He has demonic aspects and his name is likely to derive from the Portugese word for grimace (careta). The careto is part of a foursome which also includes the character of a judge (juiz) and two guardians (guardas), all of whom play pranks on the village’s residents on Sundays and Wednesdays during the carnival period. Fines for fictitious crimes and wedding parodies serve to collect money which is ultimately used to pay for a large party.