It’s not every day that a centuries-old religious statue causes such a storm of emotion — but that’s exactly what happened recently in Seville.
The beloved Virgin of La Macarena, a 17th-century wooden statue treasured by many Spaniards, became the center of intense protests after a recent restoration left worshippers feeling shocked and disappointed.
The Restoration That Divided Devotees
The Virgin of La Macarena holds a special place in Spain’s cultural and religious heart, especially during the famous Holy Week parades when thousands come to admire her serene figure.
So when the Brotherhood of the Macarena unveiled the statue’s makeover, people expected a careful, respectful touch.
Instead, many claimed the changes made the Virgin look like she had undergone “plastic surgery.”
Critics were quick to point out that her face now looked glossier and her eyelashes noticeably longer — details that, according to her devotees, altered the expression and sacred gaze that had been admired for centuries.
One upset worshipper told El Pais newspaper, “Her whole facial expression has changed. It pains me to say this, but she looks like a poor copy of the original.”
Protesters Demand Answers Outside the Basilica
The reaction was swift and passionate.
Hundreds gathered outside the Basilica de la Macarena, singing hymns and demanding the resignation of the brotherhood’s leader.
One protester told ABC newspaper, “This isn’t her. This isn’t the Virgin of Seville. It’s heartbreaking. They should have left her as she was.”
The backlash was so intense that the statue reportedly underwent two more restorations within 24 hours, trying to undo the changes and restore the original look.
The brotherhood apologized publicly, closed the basilica temporarily, and presented the Virgin with shortened eyelashes, a step toward correcting what they called an “undesired effect.”
A Modern-Day Restoration Gone Wrong
This isn’t the first time a well-meaning restoration has backfired spectacularly.
The Virgin of La Macarena’s makeover has drawn comparisons to the infamous “Monkey Christ” incident in Spain.
Back in 2012, Cecilia Giménez, an 82-year-old amateur restorer, tried to fix an old fresco of Jesus called “Ecce Homo” in northern Spain — only to completely distort the face, turning it into something locals said resembled a hedgehog or a hairy monkey.
When Artistic Errors Stir Up Local Fury
Earlier this year, a similar uproar unfolded in a Polish village over a restoration of an 1820 shrine featuring Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Once praised for its “tall and slender” Virgin statue, the makeover transformed her into a character resembling a Simpsons cartoon figure, complete with oversized mitten-like hands, exaggerated eyes, and a crooked frown highlighted by bright red lipstick.
The Jesus figure wasn’t spared either, with locals pointing out his odd gray underpants and both statues painted in an unnatural yellow tint.
The Conservator of Monuments commented on Facebook, “A rare depiction of the Virgin Mary looking upwards.
Let’s hope this valuable object receives professional conservation soon.”
Social Media Reacts: From Anger to Calls for Justice
The locals were furious, some even calling the restoration “desecration.”
On social media, one viewer lamented, “These are the times of greatest barbarity and ignorance of spirit and reason.”
Another went further, suggesting legal action: “I’d notify the prosecutor’s office for offending religious feelings. This is a clear desecration.”
One comment summed it up bluntly: “It looks more like Bart Simpson than Mother Mary.”
What Could Possibly Come Next?
These stories highlight the delicate balance between preserving religious heritage and respecting the deep emotional connections people have with sacred art.
When restorations go wrong, the consequences go beyond mere aesthetics — they touch faith, identity, and community pride.
As these controversies unfold, many are left wondering: what’s next for these treasured icons, and who will ensure they are cared for with the reverence they deserve?