Cabrilho was a navigator who discovered California and was known as the "Man of Fire" because he carried brandy with him to offer to the natives, creating a good atmosphere. To the natives, cognac was like fire. Cabrilho was born on March 14, 1499 in the parish of Cabril in Lapela, a municipality of Montalegre (Portugal). Precarious living conditions led him to emigrate to neighboring Galicia. It was the time of discoveries. The Treaty of Tordesilhas had already been signed and the good relations between the courts of King João II and the Catholic Monarchs (Fernando and Isabel) ensured the mutual acceptance of the Portuguese and Spaniards in enterprises of these countries. After opting for service in the Navy, Cabrilho of Montalegre became an explorer on behalf of the Spanish Empire and crossed the Atlantic Ocean.