THE ORIGINS OF THE MARKET OF BARCELOS
The market of Barcelos as we know it today is the result of an evolutionary process occurred over many centuries. No one knows for sure how it began or even why it is done on Thurdays. It is known, however, that the reason for its great popularity resides in its rural character, trade of traditional pottery and other handicraft of Barcelos. Its origins remain uncertain, but it is believable that it was already done in the thirteenth century, at a time when the cereals were evaluated by the "measure of Barcelos", probably without a precise calendar or location, but it very likely occurred every two weeks. Later on, in the year of 1412, in a Charter dated of February 19, King John I of Portugal, granted the request of his son Afonso 8th Earl of Barcelos, for the establishment of a market to be held every year between the 1st and 15th of August, at the Campo do Salvador (now Campo da Feira), as stated in the following quote: "...D. Afonso I granted a Charter to the municipality of Barcelos , for an annual market of fifteen days, from the 1st of August until the day of the Virgin Mary in August "por Noyte" (by night) as information that as time it would not be of prejudice to the other markets, "que se fazem" (wich are done), and also granted to this market the same privileges and franchises as those of the market of Trancoso." - In Virgina Rau. This annual market underwent several adjustments repeatedly changing its date, e.g. for a while it was done in October, later on, in 1455, it was already documented to be held during the celebration of Corpus Christi. In the sixteenth century, the village of Barcelos expanded beyond its walls, motivated by the population growth and by the miraculous appearance of a cross, on the ground, in the area of the current market place (Campo da República), in December 1504. This event led to the pilgrimade of the 3rd of May and to the famous "Feira das Cruzes" (Market of the Crosses) held between the 1st and the 3rd of that month. The evolution of the market of Barcelos, since its establishment in a location closer to the present market, near the Temple of Bom Jesus da Cruz, every week, on Thursday, should date back to the late 17th or 18th century.
THE MARKET OF THE 21st CENTURIES
Until the mid-twentieth century, the market of Barcelos was an excellent place to promote the famous pottery of Barcelos and a privileged space for numerous potters who are now part of the gallery of the notable masters of the handicraft of Barcelos, such as Rosa Ramalho. The market was an important factor for the sustainability, preservation and promotion of the local pottery and of its masters later on. It also became an event renowned both in Europe and worldwide because of its tourist, cultural and ethnographic attractions. The figurine of the Cock of Barcelos cannot be dissociated from this fact, being highly valued during the Estado Novo as a symbol of the national identify, allowing the market to benefit from this effect, since it was highlight point of its promotion. The market underwent an evolutionary process resulting from changes in the consumption habits. However, the arguments of identity maintained in its structure made it grow and become famous. Thus, the emphasis falls on the preservation of areas dedicated to the ceramics and to the handicraft traditions in the municipality of Barcelos and an intimate connection to local rural products. These characteristics make of the market a true "living document", where one can feel the authenticity of the culture of Minho. It is this diversity that makes of the weekly market a unique tourist, cultural and ethnographic event.
