Balasar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Balasar | |
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| Parish coat of arms | |
| Municipality | Póvoa de Varzim |
| Area | 11.57 km² |
| Population | |
| - Total | 2,475 (2001) |
| - Density | 213.9/km² |
| Website: none | |
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.
[edit] History
The parish belonged to Barcelos until 1836, when it was transferred to Póvoa de Varzim. In 1853 it was transferred to Vila 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 pope John Paul II, in April 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.
[edit] 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, and Vila do Conde.
[edit] 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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