Ķekatas – is an old Latvian tradition. People used to practice Ķekatas from November 10th (St. Martin’s Day) to the beginning/middle of February (Metenifest). Especially at the winter solstice, people went to Ķekatas. They dressed up in various self-made masks and costumes which often depicted evil spirits (devil, death, etc.), animals (wolf, goat, bear, etc.) as well as social masks (beggar, doctor, a village woman, etc.) were also very popular.

By using masks, people wanted to get in touch with the spirits. In addition, Ķekatas represented the struggle between the good and the bad as well as issued the most important topics of society and phases of life at that time.