Seville has lost one of its most emblematic figures. María Jiménez died this past Thursday, at the age of 73, after a long time dealing with a delicate state of health hidden from society. Her farewell has filled the streets of the Triana neighborhood, while the “Muse of the Forbidden” made a final tour of her hometown in a horse cart. A detail that many have highlighted, singing that she left “as she wanted.”
A real sentiment, corroborated by the artist’s family. Jiménez prepared her farewell in detail, so that her family and her closest loved ones could carry it out to the letter. A series of indications, mainly that of the carriage, which was transferred by the family to the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz. She was also responsible for the designs of the burning chapel, so that the singer could have a farewell worthy of her legend.
“I hope he’s happy with everything because if not he’s going to send me to hell,” his son, Alejandro Sancho, commented with a laugh when explaining the details. It was María Jiménez’s express wish that her coffin be taken in a horse-drawn carriage through the Triana neighborhood, her most prominent place. With the approval of the city council and the request of the singer herself, the transfers to the church of Santa Ana and the cemetery of San Fernando have been carried out correctly.
The burning chapel was decorated by designer Aurora Gaviño following a series of instructions that Jiménez left during his lifetime. She knew which photo to place on the coffin, as well as a gesture that she commissioned from a friend of hers: placing a Chinese shawl of her mother over her coffin. The celebrated artist also requested that incense sticks be placed at her wake, with the intention that the entire room would give off the smell of the city of Seville.
Its top leader, José Luis Sanz, left a heartfelt message of condolences for the family. “Universal Trianera and Sevillian of race. With María Jiménez we say goodbye to an artist who marked an entire era. Seville has the honor of having it as the Gold Medal of this city that will always remember it, as will all of Spain. Rest in peace,” she said, before confirming to the media that they would dedicate a space in the city in her honor.
Her son also invited all his followers to toast with a drink in her honor, hours after announcing her death: “With deep sadness and pain in our hearts, today we say goodbye to María Jiménez, a woman loved and respected for her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and admirers. “An indomitable spirit, an overwhelming personality, a strong and brave woman who fought against all adversities beyond imagination.”
