Cecilia Giménez, Creator of the 'Monkey Jesus' Meme, Dies at 94

The woman who unintentionally created one of the internet's most enduring icons has passed away. Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish parishioner whose failed restoration of a Christ fresco became a global sensation, has died at the age of 94. Her story is a testament to how a single mistake can transform into a cultural phenomenon that saves an entire town.

The Cecilia Giménez Monkey Jesus Legacy

It started 13 years ago in the town of Borja, Spain. Distressed by the peeling paint of a century-old fresco titled 'Ecce Homo', Giménez took it upon herself to restore it. However, the final product—a face with blurred features and small, dark eyes—looked more like a primate than a savior, earning it the nickname 'Ecce Mono' (Monkey Jesus).

While initially met with ridicule, the image quickly became a viral hit. The town of Borja, which was struggling economically, suddenly found itself on the global tourism map. Since the restoration went viral, the town has seen hundreds of thousands of visitors, generating significant revenue through entry fees and merchandise featuring her unintended masterpiece.