Before the birth depicted in the Nativity scene, there is a young woman, Mary, called upon to make a decision that would change the course of history. This edition portrays her differently from the delicate, silent figure we are accustomed to: a free and self-aware woman who asks the angel questions before responding, decides to accept, bears the burden of scandal and doubt, and sets out on a journey to visit Elizabeth. In the Magnificat, her words become strength, dignity, and hope.

The 19 sand sculptures are inspired by her: first a woman, then an icon.

The Route

Along the way, we encounter women from different eras who have all made the same courageous choice: Maysa Yousef, Mahsa Amini, Malala Yousafzai, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Franca Viola, the Italian women who voted for the first time in 1946, and Samantha Cristoforetti. Their lives may be worlds apart, but they are united by the determination to decide for themselves who they will be.

In the end, the journey leads back to Mary and the Nativity. Three nativity scenes trace the story up to the birth, featuring the shepherds, the Holy Family, and the Magi. It is a unique nativity scene, in which Mary takes center stage because of the strength of her choice, and which leaves visitors with a question: To what extent can the courage of a woman who makes a decision change the world?

The tour also includes a sculpture designed to be explored through touch, intended for people who are blind, to make the exhibition accessible to everyone.

The Artists

Artistic Director: David Ducharme (Canada).

Sculptors: Michela Ciappini (Italy), Charlotte Koster (Netherlands), Susanne Ruseler (Netherlands), Marielle Heessels (Netherlands), Hanneke Supply (Belgium), Pedro Mira (Portugal), Nicola Wood (England), Jakub Zimacek (Czech Republic), Dmitry Klimenko (Russia), Radovan “Radek” Zivny (Czech Republic), Slava Borecki (Poland), Vadim Gryadov (Russia), Nicolai Torkhov (Russia), Agnese Rudzite (Latvia).

Behind the Scenes

The exhibition requires over a month of preparation. Assembly of the tensile structure begins on October 14; between October 19 and 29, the sand is compressed into compact blocks; from November 6 to 19, the artists sculpt it by hand. The final figures: 1,000 cubic meters of sand—equivalent to approximately 1,500 metric tons—spread across 750 square meters of exhibition space.

Solidarity

Since 2004, voluntary donations from the public have supported charitable initiatives. To date, the amount raised and allocated to humanitarian projects around the world exceeds 1,220,000 euros.

Guided Tours

Schools and groups can book a guided tour Monday through Friday, except from December 24 through January 6. The tour lasts 20 minutes, costs 30 euros, and accommodates up to 30 participants. To book: office@jesolo.it.

To avoid obstructing the flow of visitors, private groups are not permitted to conduct guided tours on holidays.

Practical Information

Organized by: City of Jesolo. In collaboration with the Monastic Community of Marango-Caorle and the Mons. G. Marcato Cultural Association.