Spanish Woman Scorned, Then Loved, for Botched Fresco Restoration Dies at 94

From Internet Meme to Tourist Magnet – The Unlikely Legacy of Cecilia Giménez

Cecilia Giménez, the 94‑year‑old resident of the small Castile‑La Mancha town of El Escorial de la Sierra, passed away peacefully last week. She had become an unlikely global celebrity after her 2012 attempt to restore a deteriorating fresco of Jesus in the town’s parish church went viral for all the wrong reasons.

What began as a well‑meaning community project quickly turned into an internet sensation when photographs of the newly painted image—often described as “Jesus with a pink hue and a lopsided smile”—were shared across social media platforms. The meme, dubbed “Ecce Homo,” sparked endless jokes, parody videos, and a flood of commentary from netizens worldwide.

Despite the ridicule, the episode breathed new life into Giménez’s hometown. Within months, curious travelers arrived in droves, eager to see the infamous artwork in person. Local cafés, souvenir shops, and guided tours sprang up to accommodate the influx, providing a much‑needed boost to an economy that had been struggling for years.

“We never imagined that a mistake could become our greatest attraction,” said María López, the town’s mayor, in a statement released after Giménez’s death. “Cecilia’s brushstroke, however imperfect, put us on the map and reminded us that even the most unexpected events can bring a community together.”

In the years following the viral craze, Giménez embraced her newfound fame with humility and humor. She attended a handful of media interviews, always insisting that her intention had simply been to preserve a piece of local heritage. “I just wanted to help,” she told a reporter in 2015, “and I never thought anyone would be talking about it a decade later.”

Her passing has prompted a wave of tributes from both fans of the meme and those who appreciate the town’s resilience. A small plaque now hangs inside the church, honoring her contribution to the village’s revival, while a local artist has begun a new mural celebrating the spirit of forgiveness and second chances.

As Spain mourns the loss of a woman whose name became synonymous with internet culture, many are reminded that behind every viral moment lies a real person, a community, and a story that endures far beyond the pixels.