Barcelos, a sprawling river town situated on a plateau encircled by verdant hills, does not boast a singular prominent attraction, but is renowned for its bustling open-air markets. The town holds a significant place in Portuguese folklore as the birthplace of the national icon, the rooster. As per the legend, in the 16th century, a pilgrim passing through Barcelos was falsely accused of theft. Professing his innocence, the pilgrim prophesied that the judge’s dinner that night would exonerate him as well. Astoundingly, a rooster, which was being prepared as the main dish for the magistrate’s dinner, crowed just as it was about to be served, leading to the pilgrim’s release.