Sandcastles may seem like a modern pastime, but their origins go back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians reportedly used wet sand models to plan out real-life construction projects, including temples and tombs.
In the Middle Ages, sand sculptures were created as ritual offerings, while in 19th-century America, professional “sand artists” sculpted elaborate scenes on public beaches—sometimes even charging admission. Today, competitive sand sculpting is a global art form, requiring meticulous planning, special sand blends, and expert technique. What started as a way to pass time has evolved into a celebrated cultural expression.