Carnivals in Portugal

250px|thumb|Three caretos in the Carnival at Podence (Macedo de Cavaleiros)|Podence 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 , marking the end of the Winter season, the Careto tradition is among the oldest continually practiced in Portugal.