Only a few days are left until the most beautiful and heartfelt celebration in Grado, the Perdòn di Barbana.
It is a religious tradition that originated in 1237 as a thanksgiving to the Madonna for the end of the plague epidemic, and has been celebrated every first Sunday of July since then. The festivities actually begin the day before, "Sabo Grando" (in Gradese "Big Saturday"), with food, wine, and music until late into the night throughout the historic center.
On Sunday morning, the statue of the Madonna degli Angeli is carried in a votive procession from the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia to the island of Barbana, crossing the lagoon. The boat procession, adorned with flowers and garlands, is accompanied by the city band and the singing of litanies. Upon arrival, the bishop celebrates Mass and in the afternoon the statue is brought back to the basilica.
If you are interested in local traditions, the procession is truly impressive to see. The best spots are directly at the old harbor for the departure or at the main bridge at the entrance of Grado to admire the procession.
It is a religious tradition that originated in 1237 as a thanksgiving to the Madonna for the end of the plague epidemic, and has been celebrated every first Sunday of July since then. The festivities actually begin the day before, "Sabo Grando" (in Gradese "Big Saturday"), with food, wine, and music until late into the night throughout the historic center.
On Sunday morning, the statue of the Madonna degli Angeli is carried in a votive procession from the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia to the island of Barbana, crossing the lagoon. The boat procession, adorned with flowers and garlands, is accompanied by the city band and the singing of litanies. Upon arrival, the bishop celebrates Mass and in the afternoon the statue is brought back to the basilica.
If you are interested in local traditions, the procession is truly impressive to see. The best spots are directly at the old harbor for the departure or at the main bridge at the entrance of Grado to admire the procession.
