Introducing Galito, the WCEU 2022 Wapuu

Wait…what’s a Wapuu?

Members of the community who have attended previous WordCamps and Meetups may be familiar with Wapuus.  For those of us who are new, here is a brief bit of history.

The original Wapuu was designed as a mascot to promote WordPress in Japan.  Kazuko Kaneuchi, a Japanese illustrator, created the first design as a gift to the WordPress community.  “Wapuu” debuted at WordCamp Fukuoka in February 2011.   

Kazuko’s design was done in a way that allowed for future variations.  Over the years, dozens of Wapuus have been designed for WordPress events and to promote WordPress-related products.  You can see a gallery of past designs at wapu.us.

Introducing… Galito!

#WCEU 2022 is proud to introduce Galito, the latest Wapuu!

This year’s design is based on the Barcelos Rooster, a popular symbol of Portugal that embodies the Portuguese love of life.  The Rooster is a bright and energetic character, who always appears with vivid colours.  You’ll see him in many forms in shops around Porto and across Portugal.

The Barcelos Rooster symbolizes faith, honesty, justice, and luck – all elements in his legend.

The Legend of the Barcelos Rooster

According to a legend from the 15th century, the inhabitants of the northern city of Barcelos were very disturbed by an unsolved crime that left them afraid to leave their homes. An impoverished pilgrim was passing through Barcelos to fulfil a promise he had made during a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. He tried to explain why he was in Barcelos, but he was still arrested and sentenced to hang.

But the pilgrim refused to go quietly. He asked to be taken to the judge who sentenced him to death. The authorities granted his wish and took him to the magistrate’s house where a banquet was in progress.

Once again the pilgrim protested his innocence, but no one believed him. Then he pointed to a roasted rooster on the table and exclaimed, “As sure as I am innocent, this Rooster will crow if I am hanged.” The pilgrim’s claim was met with laughter and mockery and he was immediately taken to the gallows.

But just before the executioner delivered his judgment, the roast chicken rose from the platter on the table in front of the judge and sang, just as the pilgrim had predicted.

The judge realized the mistake he had made and rushed to save the pilgrim. He arrived in time to save the pilgrim from his death sentence.

Years later the pilgrim returned to Barcelos. He built a stone cross in honour of the Virgin Mary and Saint James, who he felt were responsible for saving him with the miracle of the rooster. Today, this cross is referred to as the “Cross of the Lord of the Rooster”. 

This statue still exists in the Archaeological Museum of Barcelos, about 60 km from Porto.

Take One Home With You

Many people believe that if you have a Barcelos Rooster in your home, you will attract good fortune and happiness. That’s a good reason to take one home with you!