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Cecilia Giménez, Painter Behind Borja’s Viral Ecce Homo, Dies at 94

Local leaders credit the viral Ecce Homo for sustaining tourism that funds elder care in Borja.

Overview

  • Borja mayor Eduardo Arilla and the Ecce Homo Sanctuary confirmed that Giménez died on December 29 at the Hospital Sancti Spiritus residence, where she lived with her son.
  • A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at the Church of Santa María in Borja.
  • Giménez drew global attention in 2012 with an unsanctioned repainting of the Ecce Homo mural that became a widely recognized internet phenomenon.
  • The sanctuary continues to attract roughly 10,000 visitors a year, according to local authorities.
  • Revenue from tickets and licensed merchandise has supported the Sanctuary and the Hospital Sancti Spiritus foundation, improving facilities and subsidizing elder care, including Giménez’s own lodging.