Barcelos Rooster

The Barcelos Rooster has become Portugal's unofficial national symbol, and can be seen wherever you go throughout Portugal, but why?!

Well, it is all to do with a story from the middle ages, when a serious crime had taken place in the town of Barcelos, which lies close to the Spanish border, and in our beloved Vinho Verde wine region.

A Spanish pilgrim, from neighbouring Galicia, who was passing through the town, was arrested for the crime as he was unknown to the town-folk, and despite his pleas of innocence, was sentenced to death by hanging.

In a bid to avoid his fate, the Galician begged to see the judge, who was holding a banquet with some friends, and was feasting on a roasted rooster. The Galician pointed to the rooster and exclaimed 'to prove that I am innocent, tomorrow when you hang me, this rooster will come back to life and crow'. Needles to say he was laughed out of the room and dragged away.

The next morning, just as the Galician was about to be hanged, lo and behold the Rooster came back to life and crowed! But thankfully as this happened, the noose snapped and the Galician was saved, freed and allowed to go peacefully on his way.

So, it was from this day onwards that the Barcelos Rooster would forever be known as a symbol of justice, fairness, good fortune & a love of life with the will to live through challenges!

Description - Ceramic Barcelos Rooster

Colors* - Blue, Green

Size - 4.5" x 1.75"

*(Colors available on request but may not be always be guaranteed)