The brightly-colored Barcelos Cock is the most representative of all the pieces produced in the area and several rooster can be admired in the streets of Barcelos. This Galo de Barcelos (like it is kowned in Portuguese) is one of the national symbol of Portugal and symbolizes honesty, integrity, trust and honor.The Legend
According to the legend, an unfortunate Galician man (still called a pilgrim) arrived in the borough coming from Rates. The authorities became immediately suspicious of him. And a crime that had been committed a long time ago fitted him like a glove. It had been a "murder crime": the killer was still on the loose. There was no better solution than to arrest the pilgrim. His claims of innocence were of no use to him: he was soon found guilty and sentenced. Hanging. It seemed as though not even Santiago would help him. Nevertheless, the Galician fervently prayed to the Saint’s Jubilee. After all, was he going on a pilgrimage to the Apostle’s tomb or not?
Was the tomb the final stop or not of a trip that seemed to end there?
May I be cursed if the Saint does not help me!
He asked the executioner to talk to the Judge. It was his last will and the friar made the sign of the Cross on hearing this heresy.
Let the Galician go.
The judge and his friends were having a sumptuous meal and it was, therefore, unwillingly that he received the Galician.
No, you have already been sentenced. You are the killer.
No, repeated the Galician holding the "scallop", I am telling you the truth and to prove it I can assure you that that (well roasted) cock Your "Incellency" are about to eat will sing when you cut it through with those large teeth of yours!
The Judge laughed but he did not eat the fat cock’s thigh. Neither did his guests!
And according to this legend of the "fantastic" of Alto Minho, the cock did sing!
For more information on Barcelos click here.
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