JSN 2021

Since 2002, the best sand sculptors in the world have gathered in Jesolo (Venice) to create a monumental sand nativity scene. Since then, edition after edition, Sand Nativity has grown in number of visitors establishing itself as one of the best known nativity scenes in all of Italy. To date, over 1 million visitors have visited Sand Nativity.

This year the theme that accompanies the meditation on the nativity of sand will be the miracles of Jesus, an invitation to reflect on the theme of salvation brought by Jesus; the church of the Redentore and the basilica dedicated to the Madonna della Salute in Venice are just two examples that testify to the profound link between faith and the hope of salvation and healing.

In Rome, Pope Francis went to the church of San Marcello al Corso where a crucifix was kept which in 1521 was carried through the streets of the city during the plague. According to the chronicles of the time, the epidemic ceased when the crucifix arrived in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis took it to the basilica and exhibited it during the prayer for the end of the coronavirus.

Nell’edizione 2021 sono state 12 le sculture realizzate dalle sapienti mani di 14 professional sculptors coming from various nations and coordinated by the artistic director Richard Varano.

Here is the artistic cast of Jesolo Sand Nativity 2021:
– RICHARD VARANO (USA) artistic director
– HANNEKE SUPPLY (BELGIUM)
– HELENA BANGERT (NETHERLANDS)
– DAVID DUCHARME (CANADA)
– BALDRICK RICHARD BUCKLE (NETHERLANDS)
– PEDRO MIRA (PORTUGAL)
– MICHELA CIAPPINI (ITALY)
– MARIELLE HEESSELS (NETHERLANDS)
– PETER BUSCH-JENSEN (DENMARK)
– ENGUERRAND DAVID (BELGIUM)
– JAKUB ZIMACEK Kuba Libre (CZECH REP.)
– RADEK ZIVNY (CZECH REP.)
– CHARLOTTE KOSTER (NETHERLANDS)
– ILYA FILIMONTSEV (RUSSIA)
– SUSANNE RUSELER (NETHERLANDS).

Jesolo Sand Nativity changes location!

A few steps from the traditional location in Piazza Marconi, the sand nativity scene of Jesolo this year moves to piazza Trieste, with a grandiose setting and a rich exhibition, monumental sculptures and perspective views with painted and olive trees, will accompany visitors on a unique emotional and spiritual journey.

Since 2004, the event has also been associated with various charitable projects. The generosity of the visitors causes resources to be collected every year which are donated to associations with humanitarian purposes; up to now more than 730 thousand euros have been collected and donated to humanitarian projects all over the world.

Exhibition period and opening hours

From 9 December 2021 to 6 February 2022
From Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-7.30pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays open all day from 9.30am to 7.30pm
From 25 December to 9 January open all day from 9.30am to 7.30pm
Free admission (without reservation).

ACCESSIBILITY
No architectural barriers.
Small pets are allowed inside the exhibition, obligatorily held in the arms.
SERVICES
Bookshop and external toilets near the exit accessible to all.

Information for Visitors (anti-Covid measures)

Access to the exhibition is allowed upon presentation of Green Pass or equivalent certification, entry control is required. Children under the age of 12 are exempt.
Within the exhibition area it is mandatory to wear a mask and maintain social distancing, the latter rule to be adopted also outside when queuing.
The structure is equipped with 2 fan coils that guarantee total air exchange 6 times per hour.

Some technical data:
- 750 square meters of exhibition area
- 700 cubic meters (about 1,000 tons) of sand used
- Sculptors at work from 15 to 28 November 2021
- Over 100 thousand visitors at each edition and 1.5 million from the first edition.

Where we are

Video of the preparatory work for Jesolo Sand Nativity 2021

The work in progress photo gallery for Jesolo Sand Nativity 2021

How a sand sculpture is born

Portuguese artist Pedro Mira shows how a Jesolo Sand Nativity sand sculpture is born. An extraordinary artistic work, from the concept to the sketch up to the creation of the work.

The team of sculptors at work

Some videos to tell the intense preparation work of the Jesolo Sand Nativity 2021 sand sculptures.