What was meant to be a respectful restoration has turned into a full-blown controversy in Seville.
The iconic 17th-century statue of the Virgin of La Macarena, one of the most cherished religious figures in Spain, has recently been “refreshed”—but her devotees are not pleased. In fact, they’re furious.
A Shock Reveal Triggers an Emotional Backlash
This past weekend, the Brotherhood of the Macarena unveiled the Virgin’s new look without warning, and the response from her worshippers was immediate and intense.
People who have spent their lives praying to her say she now looks almost unrecognizable—like she’s had cosmetic surgery rather than a careful touch-up.
“She looks like a poor imitation of herself,” one heartbroken follower told El Pais.
Her face was reportedly given a shinier finish and her eyelashes were noticeably lengthened, changing her familiar expression.
Worshippers say her gaze no longer has the same spiritual depth they’ve cherished for generations.
Protesters Gather Outside the Basilica
By Monday, the uproar had spilled onto the streets.
Hundreds of outraged faithful assembled outside the Basilica de la Macarena, singing hymns and calling for the resignation of the Brotherhood’s leadership.
Some carried signs. Others cried openly.
“This isn’t her. This isn’t the Virgin of Seville.
My heart is breaking,” one protester told ABC News.
For many, the statue is more than just a religious symbol—it’s deeply personal and rooted in family tradition, faith, and identity.
Emergency Fixes as Brotherhood Scrambles to Respond
The backlash was so overwhelming that the statue reportedly underwent two more “emergency restorations” within 24 hours.
The brotherhood quickly issued a public apology and closed the basilica temporarily.
Since then, the Virgin re-emerged with shorter lashes, in an effort to undo the “undesired effect” and calm the public outrage.
Comparisons to the Infamous “Monkey Christ” Botch Job
Many couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the now infamous 2012 art disaster in Borja, Spain.
That’s when Cecilia Giménez, an elderly parishioner, tried to restore the “Ecce Homo” fresco of Jesus—and ended up accidentally turning his face into what the internet dubbed the “Monkey Christ.”
It became a global meme and a cautionary tale in art restoration.
Poland’s Statue Scandal Resurfaces
This latest incident also echoes another restoration gone wrong earlier this year in Poland.
In the small village of Stuszionka, a shrine dating back to 1820 was repainted so badly that locals claimed the Virgin Mary looked like a cartoon character straight out of The Simpsons.
The updated statue featured bright red lipstick, oversized hands, and unnatural yellow skin.
Jesus, meanwhile, appeared to be wearing grey underpants.
The transformation was so bizarre, residents said it felt like “desecration.”
Social Media Reactions: Rage, Mockery, and Legal Threats
Back in Poland, Facebook users were quick to criticize, calling the artwork “barbaric” and “offensive.”
One commenter even suggested reporting the case for offending religious sentiments. Another joked, “She looks more like Bart Simpson than the Virgin Mary.”
When Good Intentions Go Very Wrong
While these restorations may have started with good intentions, they’ve ignited serious debates around how sacred art should be handled.
For many religious communities, these statues are more than just wood or stone—they’re living parts of the faith experience, representing generations of devotion and prayer.
A Call for Professional Preservation
As the dust begins to settle, voices in both Spain and Poland are calling for proper conservation by professionals, not well-meaning amateurs.
These sacred objects, they argue, deserve nothing less than the highest level of care.