- Balasar
Infobox_Parish_pt
official_name = Balasar
image_coat_of_arms = Brasao_PVZ_-_balasar.jpg
Municipality =Póvoa de Varzim
area_total = 11.57
population_total = 2,475 (2001)
population_density = 213.9
website = none
footnotes =Balasar or Balazar is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of
Póvoa de Varzim . As of the 2001 census it had a population of 2,475 and a total area of 11.57 Km².History
The parish belonged to
Barcelos until 1836, when it was transferred to Póvoa de Varzim. In 1853 it was transferred toVila Nova de Famalicão , but returned to Póvoa's municipality two years later.The parish became famous in 2004, after the beatification of
Alexandrina Maria da Costa by popeJohn Paul II , inApril 25 of that year. Pilgramiges to the parish's church where Alexandrina's body rests was already common, became more popular and the church is studying if it will make a shrine to Alexandrina, depending of number of pilgrims and if she is declared a saint.Geography
Balasar is located 14 km east of downtown Póvoa de Varzim; and borders
Rates to the west and the municipalities of Barcelos, Vila Nova de Famalicão, andVila do Conde .Hamlets
The parish is divided in 22 hamlets ("lugares"): Agrelos,
Além , Bouça Velha, Calvário, Caminho Largo, Casal, Cruz, Escariz,Fontaínhas ,Gandra ,Gestrins , Gresufes, Guardinhos, Lousadelo, Matinho, Monte Tapado, Outeiro, Quinta, Telo, Terra Ruim, Vela, and Vila Pouca.
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