Barcelos


Barcelos is a town in northern Portugal most noted for its market held each Thursday and the "legend" of the Barcelos rooster that became the unofficial symbol of Portugal.  It is an easy ride on a local train from Porto.


The legend of the Barcelos rooster takes place in 15th century. A pilgrim passing through Barcelos, was accused of theft, arrested and condemned to hang. He was brought him before the judge who was having dinner. He swore to his innocence and said that the cooked rooster on the table would prove his innocence by crowing at the hour of his hanging. The judge did not believe him, but set aside the rooster, refusing to eat it, just in case. As the pilgrim was being hanged, the roasted rooster appeared and stood up on the table in front of the crowd and crowed. The judged realizing the mistake rushed to free the pilgrim. 

The Barcelos rooster is always vividly colored to symbolize the Portuguese love of life. It is also a symbol of redemption for the Portuguese people,

Barcelos boasts the largest market in Portugal, and people come from miles around to shop for that special item.  Tour buses also come, so the market becomes a mix of kitschy souvenirs and the pottery the town is known for, alongside clothing stalls, produce, and "fresh" chickens. Local farmers purchase scythes and saddles while tourists load up on porcelain Barcelos cocks.

On a somewhat cold and very wet Thursday in May, the tourist crowd was pretty thin. But the locals came - you need to eat no matter the weather!

When you are trying to travel light and must carry a week's worth of clothes and a laptop wherever you go, you are less inclined to load up on crockery and other souvenirs to take home!  We bought a couple of small olive dishes and will let our photos serve as reminders of our time in Barcelos.




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