REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Portugal
YEAR PRINTED: 2005
VALUE: 0.57 euros
This stamp, issued by the Portuguese government in 2005, is one of a set of five celebrating Portuguese masquerading traditions. The mask depicted on this stamp is a Cardador (Cardinal), used in the Carnival of the town of Vale de Ílhavo. The Cardadores march on the Sunday before Carnival (Domingo Gordo), carrying cardas used for spinning wool and satirize public figures in town. Masks are made with wool, coins, cork, cow or ox tails, two bird’s wings, yarn, ribbons, and perfume. The suit consists of women’s underwear: the combination, a tricana scarf, socks, and slippers.
