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Celebrating its 20th Anniversary
December 15, 2025 - January 8 , 2026
LAS CANTERAS BEACH
Newspaper archive
Two decades in the headlines: impact and recognition
Twitter ushers in the era of microblogging
2006
The Sand Nativity Scene is born, accumulating 40,000 visits in a week, a free and inclusive event where art meets solidarity, a tradition that begins when the coins thrown into the fountain by the community are transformed into social aid
1
2006 - First edition
8 artists / 8 sculptures
180,000 visitors
Apple launches its first iPhone
2007
The Sand Nativity Scene transcends borders and conquers the international press. The first children's workshops begin, sparking the creativity of the youngest participants and introducing them to the art of sand modeling.
2
2007 - Second edition
9 artists / 7 sculptures
118,000 visitors
The Beijing Olympics are being celebrated
2008
The Nativity scene reaches new heights: an innovative compaction technique allows for the creation of cubic pieces up to five meters tall. For the first time, the event is being broadcast live on television, boosting a donation campaign for the Red Cross.
3
2008 - Third edition
8 artists / 8 sculptures
130,000 visitors
Bitcoin is born and the era of cryptocurrencies begins
2009
The Nativity scene has established itself as a global landmark, attracting over 200,000 visitors. Its staging has become increasingly narrative and magical. The City Council and the Island Council officially recognize it as an emblematic Christmas event in Gran Canaria.
4
2009 - 4th edition
8 artists / __ sculptures
95,000 visitors
South Africa hosts the first World Cup on African soil
2010
Thanks to the boost from social media and the enthusiastic participation of international artists, the Sand Nativity Scene transcends borders. Thus, a tradition is born that moves people, unites cultures, and makes Gran Canaria an international Christmas destination.
5
2010 - 5th edition
10 artists / 8 sculptures
120,000 visitors
Japan rises after the Fukushima tragedy
2011
The Sand Nativity Scene reaches new heights with taller and more ambitious sculptures. For the first time, the soul of the Canary Islands takes shape in the sand with a tribute to Jorge Oramas and landscapes such as Roque Nublo, the pine forests of the summit, and the Maspalomas lighthouse.
6
2011 - 6th edition
8 artists / 11 sculptures
40,329 visitors
The Higgs Boson is discovered
2012
In just three days, over 18,000 visitors confirmed that the event has become a tradition. This edition combines art and solidarity, donating the proceeds to both the Spanish Association Against Cancer and the Red Cross.
7
2012 - VII edition
6 artists / 5 sculptures
120,025 visitors
The Church presents Francis, the first Latin American Pope
2013
A new tourism milestone has been reached with over 155,000 visitors, surpassing the historic record of one million attendees. This edition pays tribute to the fishermen of the Canary Islands, the majestic mountain peaks, and the pine forest of the Tamadaba Natural Park.
8
2013 - 8th edition
6 artists / 5 sculptures
120,025 visitors
Malala Yousafzai receives the Nobel Peace Prize
2014
The Nativity scene is fully integrated into the official tourist agenda. Jonay Ruiz's sculpture, "Representation of Gran Canaria," pays tribute to the victims of the storms and forest fires that have occurred in recent months.
9
2014 - 9th edition
6 artists / 7 sculptures
142,479 visitors
Malala Yousafzai receives the Nobel Peace Prize
2015
Thanks to its more than 200,000 visitors, the Nativity Scene has established itself as the third most visited museum space in Spain in December. With €28,032 raised, a record was set for donations, and more than 400 children discovered the art of sand modeling.
10
2015 - 10th edition
8 artists / 7 sculptures
203,194 visitors
Brexit redefines the political map of Europe
2016
For the first time, the Nativity scene adopts a central theme: Peace and Solidarity, inspiring sculptures with a profound human message. Solidarity Day highlights the work of NGOs and raises €30,680, the highest amount to date.
11
2016 - 11th edition
6 artists / 6 sculptures
214,341 visitors
Donald Trump assumes the presidency of the United States
2017
The first Art and Culture Fair offered gastronomy, music, literature, and Canarian crafts. Art students collaborated for the first time with international sculptors, enriching the visitor experience.
12
2017 - 12th edition
9 artists / 9 sculptures
172,227 visitors
Netflix wins its first Oscar with the documentary Icarus
2018
This year's edition, themed "A child can change the world," reached a record-breaking 244,766 visitors, surpassing the two million attendees accumulated since the first edition, solidifying the Sand Nativity Scene as a continental cultural landmark.
13
2018 - 13th edition
8 artists / 8 sculptures
244,766 visitors
Fridays for Future is born, led by Greta Thunberg
2019
Extensive international coverage was provided thanks to Deutsche Welle, EFE, and Europa Press. The inaugural Stars of Culture Awards celebrated outstanding figures in the arts, while also strengthening ties with the town of Scorrano, Italy.
14
2019 - XIV edition
8 artists / 9 sculptures
215,038 visitors
COVID-19 redefines life and global mobility
2020
The Nativity scene reinvented itself with limited capacity and a virtual tour that brought its magic to the world. The Times highlighted it among the seven most important Christmas events on the planet, reaffirming its resilient spirit and international prestige.
15
2020 - 15th edition
8 artists / 8 sculptures
80,416 visitors
Vaccines mark the beginning of the post-pandemic recovery
2021
In a challenging year following the eruption of Cumbre Vieja and the recovery of tourism, Belén presented the commemorative book "The Strength of the Ephemeral," received recognition from Morgan Stanley, and added an inclusive audio guide, bringing its art closer to everyone.
16
2021 - XVI edition
10 artists / 9 sculptures
107,114 visitors
The war in Ukraine begins
2022
An edition brimming with art and emotion paid tribute to the great Pepe Dámaso with his work, Angel of the Dunes, sculpted in sand. The Stars of Culture awards were presented, and fifty young people honed their talent in training workshops.
17
2022 - 17th edition
10 artists / 10 sculptures
151,207 visitors
Artificial intelligence is consolidating itself as a global phenomenon
2023
For the first time, a 100% sustainable edition was held thanks to the installation of solar panels. A tribute was paid to the sculptor Santiago Vargas and his work, Lucha Canaria (Canarian Wrestling). The legacy of the Sand Nativity Scene was immortalized on a commemorative postage stamp.
18
2023 - 18th edition
9 artists / 12 sculptures
170,141 visitors
The DANA floods reignite warnings about the climate crisis
2024
The Nativity scene has solidified its legacy of art, culture, and solidarity with a record 259,000 visitors and three million total visitors since its creation. It was declared a Cultural Asset of Peace, with support from UNESCO, and received the Roque Nublo de Plata Award.
19
2024 - 19th edition
11 artists / 9 sculptures
259,305 visitors
The world's largest archaeological museum opens its doors in the sands of Cairo
2025
This year's festival will be dedicated to Gran Canaria and will include a tribute to the artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. There will be choral concerts and the Stars of Culture awards. In addition, the Nativity scene will be featured in the 2025 Christmas Lottery.
20
2025 - XX edition
11 artists / +12 sculptures
___.___ visitors
A gigantic Nativity scene sculpted in beach sand.
One of the seven most spectacular Christmas events in the world.
A Nativity scene sculpted in sand: this is the tourist attraction of Gran Canaria.
While the rest of the country is freezing cold, in the Canary Islands this is the image of Christmas.
One of the most visited Spanish museum spaces during the month of December.
Collaborator of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development Tourism.
Nativity Scene Shop, 20th Anniversary
STORECommemorative edition: each purchase boosts donations to social causes
Featured news
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The Sand Nativity Scene consolidates its magic in Las Canteras Nov 18, 2025 -
A NATIVITY SCENE WITH CANARY ISLAND PRIDE Nov 18, 2025 -
THE SAND NATIVITY SCENE CLOSES ITS TWELFTH EDITION WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS Nov 18, 2025
