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: 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, Jesolo Sand Nativity has been visited by over 2 million people and the generosity of visitors has allowed it to contribute to the realization of humanitarian projects throughout the world with over 1 million 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.
In 2023, the twenty-first edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity, entitled “In the footsteps of Francis of Assisi”, recounted the life of the Saint of Assisi through 12 key episodes, precisely 800 years after the creation by the “poor man of Assisi” of the first nativity scene in history in Greccio. These moments were 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.
In 2024, the twenty-second edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity launched a universal message of interreligious dialogue and peace, also in light of the tragic events that still plague Ukraine and the Middle East. The title of the 2024 edition was “Fratelli tutti”, the same as the encyclical of Pope Francis published on 3 October 2020 on the altar of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, which on 2023 winter hosted a majestic nativity scene made with sand from the city of Jesolo.
The inauguration of the XXIII edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 pm. The exhibition will remain open to the public from Saturday, November 29, 2025 to Sunday, February 8, 2026.
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.
“The Last Supper” created by Susanne Ruseler and David Ducharme for the 2022 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.
“The kiss to the leper”, sculpture created by artist Pedro Mira for the 2023 edition of Jesolo Sand Nativity.