Venue: Isola di Barbana, Grado
Saturday 7 November 2026 sees the return of Barbana Day, an initiative dedicated to the upkeep, environmental protection and enhancement of Barbana Island, one of the most iconic spots in the Grado lagoon.
With the arrival of November, Barbana Day returns – the volunteering event organised by CAEB, in collaboration with the Sanctuary of Barbana, local associations and volunteers.
As highlighted by the rector, Father Sinuhe Marotta, and Dom Angelo, prior of the Sanctuary, the initiative represents an opportunity to take practical care of a place which, for centuries, has been an important spiritual, historical and cultural landmark for the Grado community.
The event is scheduled for Saturday 7 November, with the motorboat departing at 8.45 am from the Imbarcadero Motoscafisti Gradesi, on Riva Scaramuzza in Grado, and the return journey expected in the afternoon, around 4.00 pm.
Volunteer activities
Throughout the day, participants will be involved in various maintenance and upkeep tasks on the island, including:
Cleaning the beach and footpaths.
Maintaining the green spaces and tidying up communal areas.
Caring for and maintaining the new yellow benches.
Tending the botanical garden, created for the first edition of Barbana Day.
Maintaining the hydrangea and rose gardens.
Mowing the grass and pruning.
Caring for the olive trees, the laurel and the large ash tree.
Tidying and preparing the Barbana rose garden.
These activities will help to preserve and enhance the island’s natural and landscape heritage, whilst encouraging active community participation.
A day of hard work and camaraderie
Barbana Day will not only be a day’s work, but also an opportunity to meet, collaborate and share the value of volunteering.
There will be a convivial lunch featuring lagoon produce, shared with the monks of the Sanctuary, followed by a group photo of the participants.
The initiative is also part of the wider programme of environmental sustainability and energy transition on the Island of Barbana, which looks to the future with an ever-increasing focus on environmental protection.
How to take part
Participation is open to members of the public, local organisations and anyone wishing to make a practical contribution to the care of the island.
To take part in the day’s activities, you must bring work gloves and suitable clothing for outdoor work.
Useful information
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Meeting point and departure: 8.45 am – Motoscafisti Gradesi jetty, Riva Scaramuzza, Grado
Expected return: around 4.00 pm, before sunset
What to bring: work gloves, suitable clothing and a willingness to help
Information and registration: barbanaday@gmail.com
The motorboat is scheduled to depart promptly at 8.45 am.
An invitation to take part and, together, contribute to the protection of a special place – a natural, cultural and spiritual heritage site in the Grado lagoon.