Reenactment of the Miracle of the Hen in Barcelos

Next weekend, September 5 and 6, Barcelos will reenact Lenda do Galo (the Miracle of the Hen) live in two performances organized by the Municipality and staged by Associação D’Improviso – Artes do Espectáculo (Performing Arts Association). The sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. at Paço dos Condes de Barcelos, next to the Rooster Cross, and have free entrance.

The legend tells the story of a pilgrim who, on his way to Santiago de Compostela, was unjustly accused of a crime in Barcelos. To prove his innocence, he told the authorities that the roasted rooster on the table would crow. According to tradition, the bird rose and its crow prevented his conviction.

The cycle of Miracle of the Hen reenactments began in June and included several associations: the Lírio do Neiva Theater Group, the Teatro de Balugas Cultural Association, and the Amigos do Pato Theater Group. It will conclude next weekend, in September, with the D’Improviso Association.

The program involves local cultural groups in promoting the municipality’s history and culture and helps keep the Miracle of the Hen alive, an emblem of Barcelos and Portuguese popular culture, known in Portugal and abroad. It is also a way to introduce this tradition to those who live in Barcelos or visit the city.