
Since 2002, the town of Jesolo has been spreading the magic of Christmas through a work of art that has captured the hearts of thousands of visitors from all over the world: the Sand Nativity. Thanks to the intuition of its municipal administration, this event has become a yearly tradition that celebrates the spirit of the season with a contemporary twist. And it's not just about admiring the stunning sculptures made of sand - it's also about giving back. Since 2004, the Sand Nativity has supported humanitarian projects all over the world, raising over 700 thousand euros thanks to the generosity of its visitors.
In 2018, it reached new heights by creating a breathtaking display in the heart of Christendom: St. Peter's Square in Rome. Millions of people were enchanted by the beauty of the sand sculptures, which conveyed the true meaning of Christmas in a powerful and emotional way. The following year, the Sand Nativity continued to amaze with a new edition that saw the sculptures exhibited at Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019.
After a difficult year of cancellations due to the pandemic, the 2021 theme was "The Sand of Miracles", and was a grandiose exhibition that took visitors on a unique emotional and spiritual journey.
The 2022 Sand Nativity celebrated its twentieth edition with a series of extraordinary artistic works on a universal and current theme: "Sculptures of Peace". Fifteen professional sculptors from various countries shaped ten sculptures that explored the theme of peace, inspired by both evangelical episodes and historical facts.
2023 promises a year of kindness for Jesolo Sand Nativity with a theme dedicated to St-Francis of Assisi, each scenes depicting a moment in time that directed St-Francis to embody what he is for us today.
Visitors will be welcomed in a new location behind piazza Brescia, where they can admire the stunning sand sculptures and immerse themselves in the true spirit of Christmas. With wide parking available and a rich exhibition that will leave you breathless, this is an event you don't want to miss. Come and experience the magic of the Sand Nativity for yourself!
Jesolo Sand Nativity 2023
St-Francis of Assisi
The Crew
Pedro Mira with St-Francis and the Leper.
Jakub Zimacek with St-Francis and the church of
San-Damiano
Baldrick Buckle with St-Francis and the confirmation of the rule.
Dmitrii Klimenko with St-Francis and the Sultan
Ilya Filimontsev with St-Francis renounces his Father
Michela Ciappini with St-Francis playing with Canticle of Creatures.
Susanne Ruseler with St-Francis and the wolf.
Enguerrand David with St-Francis and the stigmata
Helena Bangert with St-Francis and the angel.
Marielle heessels with The mourning of Santa Chiara
Vadim Gryadov and Radovan with the Nativity
Slava Borecky with the 3 kings