The Rooster of Barcelos tells the story of a pilgrim and a miracle proving the innocence of a man who had been sentenced to death. A passing pilgrim, on the route to Santiago, was accused of a theft and despite his pleas of innocence, was condemned to death. The pilgrim pled to make one last appeal to the local judge. He was taken to the judge’s home, and the man was about to have his dinner. The condemned pilgrim pointed to a roast chicken on the table and said, "It is as certain that if I am innocent this rooster will crow." Indeed, the rooster stood up on the table and crowed and the man was immediately freed and sent off to Santiago.

Some years later, he returned to Barcelos to offer a cross featuring, you got it, a Rooster  ("Cruzeiro do Senhor do Galo") to say thank you for the miracle. And you can see it today in t the Archeological Museum of Barcelos. Indeed, that rooster went on to be the colorful rooster that so many associate with Portugal today.