The rooster toothpick holder is one of our best sellers.Metal made (10x8cm) with magnificent handmade paint art.

O Galo de Barcelos is the unofficial symbol of Portugal. In any curio or tourist shop you will find the symbol represented by a ceramic rooster and in the motif embroidered in towels, aprons, stamped on key chains, paper weights, etc. Because of its lively colors, the Rooster of Barcelos is difficult to miss where ever it appears.

The symbol has its genesis in the history of Barcelos. The city of Barcelos is located just east of Braga. Even though it is not on a major highway, it still is a good sized city.

The legend of the Rooster is so old that no one knows for sure its real source. There are serveral versions of the legend. At a banquet given by a rich landowner in Barcelos, a valuable piece of silver was stolen and one of guests was accused of the theft. He was tried by the court and was found guilty. In spite of the overwhelming evidence against him, he still protested his innocence.

The magistrate granted the man a final chance to prove his case. Seeing a cock in a basket nearby he said, ?If I am innocent, the cock will crow.? The cock crowed and the prisoner was allowed to go free.