Presentation
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: the 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 700 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, in 2019, an extraordinary new edition of the Sand Nativity was unveiled which saw the sculptures of the Nativity exhibited at Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019.
After the painful cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, this year Jesolo Sand Nativity returns to shine and enchant the faithful and visitors in the new location 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 scenographies and olive trees, which accompanied visitors on a unique emotional and spiritual journey.
This year, 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.
The Comet Star continues its journey!
The sculpture of the Nativity created by Susanne Marguerite Ruseler, David Ducharme and Marielle Heessels for the 2021 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.
The sculpture "Tribute to healthcare workers" created by Baldrick Richard Buckle for the 2021 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.