Dedicated Staff Assigned Next to Statue to Prevent Such Behavior
Some Local Residents Outraged by Tourists' Actions
The Dublin City Council in Ireland has decided to assign dedicated staff next to the 'Molly Malone' statue, whose chest area has discolored due to tourists. This measure aims to prevent tourists from touching the statue. On the 3rd (local time), local media including the BBC reported that the Dublin City Council plans to temporarily station staff beside the Molly Malone statue to stop tourists from approaching it.
The Dublin City Council in Ireland has decided to assign dedicated staff next to the 'Molly Malone' statue, whose chest area has discolored due to tourists. This measure aims to prevent tourists from touching the statue. X (Ex)
The Molly Malone statue located in Dublin is the subject of a superstition that "touching the chest brings good luck." As a result, tourists have touched the female statue's chest countless times, causing the surface to peel and discolor. The Molly Malone statue was erected in 1988. Since then, the statue has become a must-visit spot due to the superstition, with many tourists touching the statue's chest and taking commemorative photos. Travel guides also frequently encouraged tourists to touch the statue's chest.
As the chest surface of the statue began to peel, Dublin residents expressed outrage. Some locals criticized the tourists' behavior, saying it was "an insult to the Molly Malone statue." Tilly Cripwell, a busker performing in Dublin, has been sharing photos of the statue on social media and leading a 'Protect Molly Malone' campaign. She pointed out, "Tourists touching the statue's chest is a disgusting act and sets a bad example for younger generations." Tilly Cripwell added, "It is wrong for Ireland's symbol to be recognized only by its chest." In response, the Dublin City Council announced plans to restore the discolored surface during the period when tourist access to the statue is restricted.
Earlier, the bronze statue of Juliet in Verona, northern Italy, also suffered similar damage for similar reasons. Verona, in northern Italy, is the city that served as the setting for William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet.' The right chest area of the bronze Juliet statue installed there developed a large hole due to tourists' touch, sparking controversy.
The bronze statue of Juliet in Verona, northern Italy, the setting of William Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet," is suffering due to tourists visiting from all over the world. Photo by ANSA
The original bronze Juliet statue, created in 1972, also developed a hole in the chest area and was replaced in 2014 with the current replica. The original bronze statue typically has a lifespan of about 50 years, but the same problem occurred again in just 10 years. The main reason appears to be the rumor spread among tourists. There is a belief that touching the right chest of the Juliet statue will bring love with one's destined person. It is estimated that countless tourists from around the world have touched it relentlessly, causing the wear.
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