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The Rooster of Barcelos

A Galician family (father and son) went on a pilgrimage to Santiago, when he stopped at an inn in Barcelos to rest. As they did no expense, the landlady wanted revenge. It was then that she put some silverware in the Pilgrim son’s bag , and he didn’t realize that.

Authorities were called to the place. The Galician was found guilty for the crime and was arrested.

As a last will, the pilgrim asked to be brought before the judge, who was delighting himself in a feast with friends.

Judge - Is it true that this boy was caught robbing?

Galician father - It's a lie, is a lie, Lord Judge.

Judge (to the Galician son) - What do you have to say for yourself?

Galician son - I did not steal anything. My father and I are here only in passing by. We are on the way to Santiago and it was at the inn where we stopped that we were pitched in this trap.

A magistrate - I have no doubt that the accused should be sentenced to death by hanging.

Galician son - For Santiago, I am innocent!!!!

Galician father - O lord judge, this cannot be. My son is innocent...

Judge - Oh man, the guards picked up the silverware inside your son’s bag! The only way I have is to condemn him.

Galician father - But my son is innocent...

Galician child – It is so true I am innocent as that cock that you judge are carving, will sing when I’m hanged.

Everyone laughed.

 When the time came to hang the Galician, in the house of the judge, the rooster stood up and crowed three times: Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!

A magistrate- I've never seen such a thing!

Another magistrate - The boy is innocent! Save the boy.

The Galician is released and thankful. Justice has been done.

Galician son - Santiago Thanks! Thank you Santiago! Thank you Santiago!

Past years, the Galician returned to Barcelos and built a monument in honour of the Virgin and Santiago to show them his recognition.

 

The Miracle of the Roses

One of the most popular Portuguese Queens was Isabel of Aragon (also known as Saint Queen Isabel), beloved wife of King Dinis. She's the protagonist of this famous legend, called The Miracle of the Roses.

She came to Portugal when she was twelve years old to marry the king. She was of a legendary beauty and serenity and enjoyed being helpful towards people in need. She was also very religious, modest and was always willing to protect everyone from misery.

One day, the Queen went out, as she usually did, to distribute gold and silver to the poor. King Dinis became very suspicious about her daily visits to the village and started to think that it was a waste of money and was determined to put an end to it.

He angrily decided to confront the Queen:

-  Where are you going, my Lady?

-  To the convent, my Lord!

-  And what are you hiding on your lap?

The Queen hesitated before answering:

-  Those are roses, my Lord! For the convent!

-  Roses, my Queen?  He became really angry - Roses in January?  Are you trying to deceive me, my Queen?

Smoothly, Queen Isabel uncovered her lap and said:

-   My Lord, the Queen of Portugal doesn't lie!

And everyone saw beautiful snowy roses falling from her lap, where there would only be silver and gold coins.