Ventura beach nativity scene becomes a tradition

A local Ventura artist continues to spread Christmas cheer along the shore.

Juan Manuel Cisneros’s work first went viral three years ago after creating a nativity scene out of rocks and now its become a tradition.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the shores of Ventura.

Mary Claire Forsyth brought her little ones out to not only enjoy the ocean view but to also take in this masterpiece made out of rocks.

“We just love looking at this nativity scene,” said Forsyth. “It is just beautiful. Everyone knows who he is now. He is the rock guy.”

Cisneros is a local artist and is going on his third consecutive year of creating a nativity scene on the Ventura shore.

“I love to do this. It is my passion,” said Cisneros.

We met up with Cisneros back when he made the creation for the first time.

“I am glad that God can use me to do something like that,” said Cisneros. “You don’t need money to enjoy Christmas.”

Cisneros has built sculptures on Ventura beaches for years, but back in 2016 he lost his job and created the nativity scene to help pass the time. That was the year his masterpiece went viral on social media.

“It’s great,” said Kimble Ouerbacker, a Ventura resident. “We love it.”

“We love seeing the manger and we love it out here in public,” said Darcie Ouerbacker, a Ventura resident.

Many beachgoers appreciate the attraction and hope it makes its way back to the beach every holiday season.

“I hope it continues. It’s becoming a tradition now,” said Ouerbacker.

Cisneros puts these scriptures together for free. He also makes sure to visit his masterpiece daily to make sure people don’t vandalize it.

If you would like to make a donation to Cisneros, you can email him at juanmanuelc800@gmail.com