In Barbana stands the oldest Marian sanctuary of the region: in fact the first traces of it date back to the year 582. It is a true symbol of the ancient community of Grado, forever and always linked to the sea even in its religion where the Marian devotion is and has been for centuries firmly established. The "Perdon di Barbana" is one of the oldest local traditions.

Every first Sunday in July, from the year 1237, the moving "Perdon" procession crosses the lagoon from the Island of Grado to that of Barbana: a long line of decorated boats leaves Grado and enters the lagoon until reaching the little isle of Barbana, in whose Sanctuary is kept a precious and miraculous statue of the Madonna, that had been brought here from the waves.
For over 700 years the inhabitants of Grado have given thanks to the Virgin Mary for having saved them from a terrible epidemic of the plague.