Matías Pérez (balloonist)

Matías Pérez (dates unknown) was a Cuban barber and balloonist known for his two documented flights in Havana, Cuba, in 1856. While precise details surrounding his life are scarce, Pérez's story has become a part of Cuban folklore, fueled by the mystery surrounding his disappearance after his second flight.

Pérez, a Portuguese immigrant, earned the nickname "El Portugués Volador" (The Flying Portuguese) due to his aerial exploits. He purchased a balloon named "La Villa de París," previously owned by French aeronaut Eugène Godard.

His first flight took place on May 25, 1856, from the Plaza de Marte (now Parque de la Fraternidad) in Havana. The balloon reportedly traveled a significant distance before landing safely in a nearby area.

Pérez's second and final documented flight occurred on June 29, 1856, from the same location. This time, however, the balloon and Pérez vanished without a trace. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage or remains were ever found.

The phrase "Cayó como Matías Pérez" (He fell like Matías Pérez) became a popular Cuban saying, used to describe someone or something that has disappeared without explanation. Pérez's story has inspired numerous artistic interpretations in Cuban literature, theater, and visual arts, solidifying his place in Cuban popular culture as a symbol of ambition, adventure, and the unknown. The exact circumstances of his disappearance remain a historical enigma.