Lazarim CarnivalEntrudo de Lazarim

The Entrudo de Lazarim is a traditional rural carnival held in the village of Lazarim (municipality of Lamego, Douro region) known for its handmade wooden masks (crafted from alder wood) and satirical costumes 1 2. Unlike modern, touristic carnivals, Lazarim’s celebrations feature grotesque mask-wearers (Caretos and Senhorinhas) who roam the village to the beat of drums, engaging in traditional rites like reading of the "testamentos" of the Compadre and Comadre and the final burning of effigies 3 4. The masks, carved by local artisans, depict demons, animals and caricatures and are unpainted (showing raw wood) to emphasize their anonymity and symbolic power 5. The festival culminates in a large parade and bonfire on Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of winter and renewal of the community.

Entrudo de Lazarim is deeply tied to local agrarian and pagan traditions of winter renewal. The carnival signifies a temporary release of social order and communal catharsis through inversion rituals and satire 1 2. Historically, the village’s men and women (termed Compadres and Comadres) used the carnival days to engage in ritualized mutual ridicule before burning their symbolic effigies (the Compadre and Comadre dolls) on Tuesday evening 3 4. The interplay of Caretos (masked men) and Senhorinhas (their female analogues) dramatizes gender and social tensions, in line with longstanding Portuguese carnival customs 5 4.