One of the main activities in Barcelos is handicrafts. Here is the main centre of Portugal’s craftsmanship. The most authentic, rich and varied masterpieces are created in the hands of the people of Barcelos.
Any person that visits Barcelos will notice the influence of this kind of art. All the area is enriched with workshops where people can see and buy different craftworks. The umber of visitors is uncountable. The come to these places to see the craftspeople that create a fine piece of workmanship with unique beauty in a few moments.
In ceramic (one of these kinds of art), figures are modelled by hand, painted with lively colours and glazed. It’s considered one of the special expressions of the Portuguese popular creativity. The craftsman tries to transpose daily tasks into the clay and this art has acquired a social satirical function.
Pieces with ornament and figurative painting, representing a part of the history of Barcelos can strike you. The greatest example of this is the Barcelos cockerel that became not only the symbol of Barcelos, but also of Portugal. All over the city we can find different examples of this cockerel, each one painted in a different way, making the city more beautiful and the result of our history and traditions.
Besides ceramic there are also metal works, weaving and wooden ware.
The weekly street market that takes pace on Thursdays and the yearly handcrafts fair are a mirror of this colourful universe of fantasy and popular imagination.
Any person that visits Barcelos will notice the influence of this kind of art. All the area is enriched with workshops where people can see and buy different craftworks. The umber of visitors is uncountable. The come to these places to see the craftspeople that create a fine piece of workmanship with unique beauty in a few moments.
In ceramic (one of these kinds of art), figures are modelled by hand, painted with lively colours and glazed. It’s considered one of the special expressions of the Portuguese popular creativity. The craftsman tries to transpose daily tasks into the clay and this art has acquired a social satirical function.
Pieces with ornament and figurative painting, representing a part of the history of Barcelos can strike you. The greatest example of this is the Barcelos cockerel that became not only the symbol of Barcelos, but also of Portugal. All over the city we can find different examples of this cockerel, each one painted in a different way, making the city more beautiful and the result of our history and traditions.
Besides ceramic there are also metal works, weaving and wooden ware.
The weekly street market that takes pace on Thursdays and the yearly handcrafts fair are a mirror of this colourful universe of fantasy and popular imagination.
The Barcelos Cockerel.
Metal works.
Typical mat. 
Wooden ware.
Ceramics.Posted by: Filipa
