If you are not Portuguese, here’s the story. This is the traditional “carnaval” of Portugal - a feast that have it’s origins perhaps in the Roman Saturnalia. The original principle was lost in the Catholic translation of this rites but the ‘soul’ of the rites is still present today. What you see in this video are man dressed with the traditional costume and they are called “caretos”. Also of the symbolic image of the return of the Sun and the beginning of longer days can be seen in the colors of their dress. Around their waist, a belt with bells all around to “scare” the winter and announce the return of the light. One of the most curious facts about their behavior is the “capture” of young, unmarried girls. The “Careto” will grab her and he will “shake” her, bumping his bells against her body in an almost erotic dance. There are no interpretations about the symbology of these rites, but it is clear to me that it certainly has to do with fertility, purification and new beginnings. The population say that the “devils” or “caretos” are tamed comparing with the old days (I will write in more detail later). Enjoy!

12 Notes/ Hide

  1. eu-entendo-a-loucura reblogged this from crypticwitchcraft
  2. crypticwitchcraft posted this