Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish parishioner whose unconventional restoration of a religious fresco catapulted her to global fame, has passed away at age 94. The mayor of Borja, Eduardo Arilla, confirmed her death in an official Facebook tribute, recognizing Giménez as a “great lover of painting from a young age” whose actions, though controversial, ultimately transformed her small town’s destiny.
The incident occurred in 2012 when then-81-year-old Giménez attempted to restore the century-old ‘Ecce Homo’ (Behold the Man) fresco by 19th-century painter Elias Garcia Martinez in her local Sanctuary of Mercy Church. Despite her earnest intentions, the restoration dramatically altered Christ’s facial features, resulting in the viral phenomenon dubbed “Monkey Christ” due to its similian appearance.
Initially facing international ridicule and artistic criticism, the botched restoration unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon that reversed the fortunes of the previously obscure town. Borja experienced an unprecedented tourism boom, with annual visitor numbers skyrocketing from 5,000 to over 40,000 by 2013. The phenomenon generated more than €50,000 for local charities through tourism revenue.
Despite initial backlash, Giménez received overwhelming support from her community and eventually staged an exhibition featuring 28 of her original paintings. The restored fresco, now protected behind glass, continues to draw between 15,000-20,000 annual visitors, maintaining its status as an unexpected tourist attraction.
Mayor Arilla’s tribute emphasized Giménez’s lifelong dedication to her church and community, noting that she acted “with the best intentions” to preserve the deteriorating artwork. Her unintended legacy demonstrates how artistic interpretation, even when unconventional, can profoundly impact cultural tourism and community identity.