We were delighted to recently welcome Leonor to the Ultimate Destinations’ team as a trainee travel consultant. After studying Travel & Tourism at college, she is eager to learn and develop her travel career; and in addition to her multi-linguistic abilities, she brings valuable fresh input and new skills to the team.
I knew that she had moved to the UK with her family in 2014 from her small hometown of Barcelos, in Northern Portugal, but none of us knew the significance of that place in Portuguese history. Until now!
I am sure many of us have previously noticed one of the most popular symbols of Portugal, seen in ceramics, fridge magnets, key rings, tablecloths and in all typically Portuguese restaurants. It has appeared in the classic US sitcom, Seinfeld, and in the logo of the chicken restaurant chain, Nandos, but what a delightful surprise it was to find out that his significance in Portuguese history and the origins of his story are from Leonor’s hometown – he is the Galo de Barcelos (Rooster of Barcelos).
These colourful pieces of craftsmanship, made in painted clay in the city of Barcelos, celebrate an old legend that tells the story of a dead rooster’s miraculous intervention in proving the innocence of a man who had been falsely accused and sentenced to death. Click here for the full tale of the pilgrim who was headed in the direction of Santiago de Compostela.
After her recent visit to Barcelos to see family, Leonor returned to the office with a big package and smile before bestowing upon us the most wonderful of gifts, our very own Rooster of Barcelos! He is yet to be officially named and we will be welcoming suggestions, but he will most certainly be taking pride of place in our window. Please drop by and say hello.
Thank you so much, Leonor.
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