#portugal #carnival #traditional

CARETOS DE LAZARIM | Carnival, Traditions of Portugal

In the town of Lazarim, in the North of Portugal, during Carnival – Entrudo – masked people take to the streets. Their masks are created by artisans, who work with alder wood, devilish figures, animals and bizarre creatures. Each mask is unique, but their costumes are also unique, using materials such as burlap or old fabrics.

The best days are Sunday and Tuesday, where the parade takes place. Nowadays, the Caretos de Lazarim parade around, posing for photographs and striking improvised poses, always accompanied by the sound of bass drums. On Carnival Sunday, in addition to the Caretos de Lazarim parade, there is also the Caretos Guests parade. The day ends with the burning of the donkey, a bale of straw. On Carnival Tuesday, the parade is repeated and the town is full of visitors. After the parade, the wills are read, which are written in secret by the godmothers and compadres. After reading, the bedpan and compadre are burned – dolls that are rigged with fireworks.

We took advantage of going to the Lazarim Carnival to explore the region a little. We stayed in Campo Benfeito and therefore visited the Capuchinhas. A cooperative of 4 women who work with wool, burel and linen. We also discovered some river beaches.

Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/episodesofatrip