The pilgrim was brought before the towns judge, who was about to eat a roast cockerel for his dinner. Feeling vulnerable in a strange village, and knowing what his sorry fate might be, the pilgrim pleaded "If I am innocent, may that cockerel get up and crow!" No sooner had he spoken, than the cockerel got up and crowed heartily (well it is a legend) with that, the pilgrim was released and went on his way.
The Barcelos cockerel has, to this day, been the symbol of Faith, Justice and Good Fortune.