Presentation

Jesolo Sand Nativity lights up Christmas.

Since 2002, thanks to a fortuitous intuition by its municipal administration, the town of Jesolo has been celebrating the magic of Christmas through a work of great charm and appeal that delights thousands of visitors from around the world: Jesolo Sand Nativity.

 

Its creation each year involves some of the best international sand sculptors, masters in bringing the authentic Christmas spirit to life, through an art form that rekindles childhood memories in the spectators.

 

Each year, it has a theme of relevance to contemporary society and, since 2004, it has also embraced solidarity initiatives: up to now, the generosity of visitors has made it possible to contribute to the realization of humanitarian projects all over the world with over 900 thousand euros.

 

In the wake of its success, and thanks to the collaboration of the Patriarchate of Venice, in 2018 Sand Nativity took flight towards an extraordinary goal: he creation of a spectacular Sand Nativity in the heart of Christendom, the magnificent St. Peter’s Square in Rome. A Nativity sans sculpture that has enchanted millions of visitors from all over the world in an atmosphere full of emotion and meaning.

 

The following year a new extraordinary edition of the Sand Nativity was unveiled, which saw the Nativity sculptures exhibited at Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019.

 

After the painful cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, in 2021 Jesolo Sand Nativity returned to shine and enchant the faithful and visitors in Piazza Trieste. “The Sand of Miracles” was the theme of the nineteenth edition of the Sand Nativity which was presented to the public in a grandiose setting and a rich exhibition, made up of monumental sculptures and perspective views with painted scenography and olive trees, which accompanied visitors on a unique emotional and spiritual journey.

 

In 2022, for the twentieth edition, Jesolo Sand Nativity will enchant visitors with a series of extraordinary artistic works on a universal and current theme: "Sculptures of Peace". It will be conveyed by 10 sculptures, shaped by 15 professional sculptors from various countries and coordinated by the artistic director Richard Varano. The artists will discuss the theme of peace by dedicating their works to it, inspired by both evangelical episodes and historical facts.
From 9 December to 5 February 2023 Jesolo Sand Nativity 2022 will welcome visitors in the new location identified behind piazza Brescia, home of the summer sand sculptures, a few steps from the Palazzo del Turismo and the Casa del Turismo, with wide parking available.

 

From 6 November 2023, with the start of the sculpting works, the twenty-first edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity begins to come to life. This year the Sand Nativity takes on the title of "In the footsteps of Francis of Assisi", a journey that will tell the life of the Saint of Assisi through 12 key episodes exactly 800 years after its creation by of the "poor man of Assisi" of the first nativity scene in history in Greccio. These moments will be represented by 14 artists from all over the world, professional sculptors coordinated by the new artistic director of the event, the Canadian David Ducharme, and thanks to the precious collaboration of the Sacred Convent of San Francesco in Assisi.

The Comet Star continues its journey!

La nativita by Susanne Marguerite Ruseler David Ducharme Marielle Heessels 2

The sculpture of the Nativity created by Susanne Marguerite Ruseler, David Ducharme and Marielle Heessels for the 2021 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.

Tributo agli operatori sanitari by Baldrick Richard Buckle

The sculpture "Tribute to healthcare workers" created by Baldrick Richard Buckle for the 2021 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.

L'ultima cena.

“The Last Supper” created by Susanne Ruseler and David Ducharme for the 2022 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.