CubaPLUS Magazine

Many did not know him, but the image of the Gentleman of Paris and the mysticism that surrounds his figure are part of Havana and its history. His real name was José María López Lledín and he was an emigrant from Spain who arrived in Cuba when he was just 14 years old in 1913.

Upon arrival he held various jobs, as emigrants usually do. It is said that he lost his mental balance after having been in prison, according to various versions, for being unfairly accused of a crime.

From the first decades of the 20th century, upon his release from prison, he began to wander the streets. He was dressed in a black cape, wore long hair and a beard. He always carried a lot of papers and a bag with his belongings.

His chosen places to wander around the city were the Paseo del Prado, the Avenida del Puerto, the Plaza de Armas; near the Church of Paula; and the Central Park, where he sometimes slept on one of the benches; also used to walk by Muralla, Infanta and San Lázaro Streets, as well as the corner of 12 and 23, in the Vedado neighborhood.

About his nickname or alias there are many theories, one of them says that he got it from a French novel. Another time he commented that people started calling him "The Gentleman" along the Louvre sidewalk, on Paseo del Prado. Perhaps, in his mind, the Louvre Sidewalk was somewhere in Paris. He said that Havana was "... very Parisian" and that he was quot;a musketeer, a corsair and a knight from Lagardere."

He went down in history for his colorful demeanor, upbringing, and culture. This character embodies one of the best-known city legends, surrounded by the folklore that is part of his figure. His image kept him alive in the minds of Cubans through works in his honor such as the sculpture by José Villa Soberón, on the side of the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís.