The Rooster from Barcelos has become a national symbol. The legend is many hundred years old .
 

A young man was sentenced to be hanged for a crime he didn't commit. In this case, there was not enough doubt to do the accused any good. Vainly, he swore his innocence. In desperation, he fell on his knees and prayed to his two favourite saints, the Virgin Mary and St. John.  Thereafter, he made his last wish to meet his judge one more time. As customary, this wish was granted.  The judge received the young man in his own home and even served him a fried rooster.  Once again, the man swore he did not commit this crime, and, probably inspired by his two favourite saints, he suddenly lifted his right hand's two swear fingers and exclaimed: "Honourable judge, by the Virgin Mary and the Holy John, I once again swear that I am innocent. If I lie, the rooster on that tray will stay where it is, but if I am telling the truth, it will rise and crow".

In the same instant, the rooster was in its earlier feathers, standing up and crowing so it was heard all over Barcelos.
The young man was immediately released.
 

Costa Verde