Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour
5
Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour
By Ybor City Food Tours
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About
Experience the historic neighborhood of Ybor City in Tampa on this guided walking tour that includes generous food and drink tastings along the way. Home to the United States’ oldest cigar-making families, this area of the city boasts a rich Latin culture and history. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 99 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Enjoy generous portions from food vendors around the neighborhood
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of Ybor City
- Vegetarian options are available (prior notice required)
- The tour is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible
- Food tasting
What's not included- Gratuities
- Meet your guide in the historic Ybor section of the Tampa neighborhood on this family-friendly walking tour. During the food crawl, sample ample portions of various food, drink, and dessert offerings, such as Cuban sandwiches, mojitos, tapas, and flan. Plus, dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated, as well as vegetarian requests (advanced notice is necessary). In addition to tasting the local fare, learn about the history and culture of the Ybor City neighborhood, which was established in 1855 and includes influences from numerous cultures, including Greek, Italian, Cuban, Spanish, and more. And because of its successful cigar industry, it earned the nickname of "Cigar City."
- Start:
- 1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USAYou will meet your Tour Guide in front of Centro Ybor or Jimmy Johns Restaurant. Your Tour Guide will be wearing an ORANGE T-Shirt
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9348P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- All Food Restricted Diets Are Welcome! Please advise at time of booking if required
- Please let us know if anyone in your party has a dietary restriction or food allergy when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know in advance, we will work to accommodate your needs
- Most travelers can participate
- HIGH CHAIRS ARE OFFERED AT ALL RESTAURANTS
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9348P1
From
$89.00
per adult
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USAYou will meet your Tour Guide in front of Centro Ybor or Jimmy Johns Restaurant. Your Tour Guide will be wearing an ORANGE T-Shirt
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- N3631MXrichardb0 contributionsFoodie experienceWow, Cindy really knows the town well. Very informative, interesting and fun If you enjoy food and love to learn the history of places you visit. I higjly recommend the tour Thank you so much Rich BWritten August 23, 2024
- W2338JIbillw0 contributionsGreat time in Ybor.Enjoyed the historical stories about the founding of Ybor city. The food choices were excellent. I would recommend this to others.Written June 14, 2024
- rickmI8557BV0 contributionsWonderful TimeThe tour was a lot of fun despite the rain. The history is amazing be Nothing is better then food and history. It is a must for any travelersWritten June 11, 2024
- Go198340398530 contributionsAwesome tourSuch a great tour. Food was amazing! First time in Ybor and the history is incredible. Cindy was very knowledgeable and taught us well.Written June 11, 2024
- Tour583621544210 contributionsFood city tourCindy was an amzing tour guard. She not only told tried and true history nut also some things believed or not thank you very muchcindyWritten May 19, 2024
- stevesO8519UG0 contributionsEbor food tourA very informative tour with a lot of historical facts. Provided information on people and architecture of Ybor. Plenty of excelent food!!Written May 6, 2024
- gracerZ1758TJ0 contributionsFantastic time. My first food tour, LOVED IT!This was my very first food tour and just loved it!!! Hearing all the stories and history of the people and restaurants in the area was fascinating. The food was amazing and we appreciated spending time with our guide. Cindy was knowledgeable, friendly and kind.Written April 22, 2024
- Resort557603623240 contributionsBest Cuban sandwichI’ve driven through Ybor city many times and never realized its rich history. Best Cuban sandwich ever! Cindy was a great guide!Written April 20, 2024
- 10squeek0 contributionsGreat cigarsFantastic cigar store, with lots of choice and you can see cigars being rolled. The real deal and lots of seating. You can also get cafe con lecheWritten April 19, 2024
- Roam087577368440 contributionsHighly recommended and a MUST DO when visiting Tampa!Our tour guide, Zach was amazing. He was very informative, knowledgeable and nice! The excellent food was above what we expected. There was lots and lots of excellent food. We highly recommend this tour! Ask for Zach!Written April 14, 2024
- 526jillo0 contributionsYbor food tourVery informative and entertaining. Enjoyed learning the history of Ybor City and eating the delicious foods of the different cultures.Written April 14, 2024
- contactcourtneycaton0 contributionsGreat Ybor food tourCindy was an excellent guide! We explored places in Ybor I’ve seen online and finally in person! The food was filling and tasty. Had a great time!Written April 5, 2024
- dollyh1990 contributionsA must while visiting Ybor!There is so much history on this tour and of course a lot of yummy food! Come prepared to walk and with an empty stomach! Our guide, Zach, did an amazing job at answering all of our questions and giving us the history tour. Thank you!Written March 24, 2024
- H459TAlindav0 contributionsFun, informative and the pace was perfect.Zach was great! Fun, informative and the pace was perfect. Food selections were quite hearty and delicious. Great way to learn about Ybor City- the history, commerce, people, food and traditions. Five stars!!!Written March 24, 2024
- Gordon W0 contributionsLet me be clear - this tour is better than one would expect.What an awesome experience! Insightful, culturally interesting and delicious. That being said the tour guide Zach was even more awesome.Written March 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,611 reviews
Excellent
1,390
Very good
159
Average
38
Poor
14
Terrible
10
Russ W
Rolling Meadows, IL18 contributions
Feb 2020
The host of this tour was a very nice and knowledgeable person, but it went downhill quickly from there. This was billed as a "historic food tour" but it was just only a tour. There were 4 food stops (5 if you count cuban coffee at the cigar store). First stop was in a cuban restaurant with a very good dish of cuban style rice, beans, and ground beef, The second stop was at a German restaurant with a fried chicken wing (we ordered a round of beers to the consternation of the tour guide). Third stop was a pizza joint claiming "NY Style Pizza". I worked in NYC for 8 years and this was not even close to NY pizza. We received one slice each from a surly waitress. Fourth stop was for a cuban sandwich which was really good. I thought the food would be representative of different styles and examples of cuban food but a fried chicken wing and slice of pizza - really ?
I've been on food tours in other cities (Tucson comes to mind) where the restaurant staff explained and showcased their specialties. No explanation at any of the Ybor city stops, they just shoved the meager portions of food at the group and left.
The information provided by the tour guide was displayed on historical plaques at each stop. Save your money, walk the streets, and read the plaques. Skip the chicken wings and pizza and spend your money on some of the authentic cuban restaurants we passed.
I've been on food tours in other cities (Tucson comes to mind) where the restaurant staff explained and showcased their specialties. No explanation at any of the Ybor city stops, they just shoved the meager portions of food at the group and left.
The information provided by the tour guide was displayed on historical plaques at each stop. Save your money, walk the streets, and read the plaques. Skip the chicken wings and pizza and spend your money on some of the authentic cuban restaurants we passed.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra M
5 contributions
Feb 2021
We didn't care for this tour. The guide was knowledgeable about the area, but there were too many negatives that lead to a poor rating:
1) Timing and flow
* Tour was over 4 hours in duration (too long and should have been disclosed)
* 30 minute delayed start time (waivers should have been completed in advance)
* First food sampling didn't occur until 1:30; the tour began at 12:30
(everyone was starving)
* Unorganized walking path
2) Covid guidelines were not enforced
* Too many people (19 guests on our tour)
* Guests weren't asked to wear masks inside buildings
* No social distancing
* Some of this could have been avoided if the food was prepared upon arrival,
and guests could walk and eat rather than sit down in small venues with
strangers.
3) Poor restaurant selection
* We walked by great places, but the tour locations were low end, dirty and
had poor service (one location the dining tables were covered with bird poo)
4) Poor quality food
* Food was average and not authentic (i.e. average chicken wings at at bar)
* Tastings were often cold (i.e. beans and rice, pizza and coffee)
* Food wasn't ready upon arrival (waited 20-30 minutes on each order)
1) Timing and flow
* Tour was over 4 hours in duration (too long and should have been disclosed)
* 30 minute delayed start time (waivers should have been completed in advance)
* First food sampling didn't occur until 1:30; the tour began at 12:30
(everyone was starving)
* Unorganized walking path
2) Covid guidelines were not enforced
* Too many people (19 guests on our tour)
* Guests weren't asked to wear masks inside buildings
* No social distancing
* Some of this could have been avoided if the food was prepared upon arrival,
and guests could walk and eat rather than sit down in small venues with
strangers.
3) Poor restaurant selection
* We walked by great places, but the tour locations were low end, dirty and
had poor service (one location the dining tables were covered with bird poo)
4) Poor quality food
* Food was average and not authentic (i.e. average chicken wings at at bar)
* Tastings were often cold (i.e. beans and rice, pizza and coffee)
* Food wasn't ready upon arrival (waited 20-30 minutes on each order)
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We want to personally take time to say Thanks for taking time to tell of your experience on our Food Tour. Your review means so much.
While taking time to absorb your comments I want to address your concerns by listing your observations below:
1) Timing and flow
* Tour was over 4 hours in duration (too long and should have been disclosed)
* 30 minute delayed start time (waivers should have been completed in advance)
* First food sampling didn't occur until 1:30; the tour began at 12:30
(everyone was starving)
* Unorganized walking path
Answer: Our Tours are 3-hour tours each day. The timing of those Tours may run over depending on amount of Guests, questions that may need to be addressed while on the tour, along with restaurants that may be running behind due to their own crowd patronage. All of which we have no control. While we would love for the start and finish to be perfect timing, those days don't always occur. We don't often have large tours as yours was that day. Another exception to the timing. When we have that size of group, routing the day to make stops at our local participating restaurants becomes a symphony of structure that sometimes don't always go according to plan.
To address the sign in Disclosures, those can ONLY be completed the DAY OF THE TOUR due to Covid-19 Regulations. The timing needed for larger groups to sign in can only take time as one could imagine.
2) Covid guidelines were not enforced
* Too many people (19 guests on our tour)
* Guests weren't asked to wear masks inside buildings
* No social distancing
* Some of this could have been avoided if the food was prepared upon arrival,
and guests could walk and eat rather than sit down in small venues with
strangers.
In the Tampa, Florida Restaurants allow the removal of masks for Guests so they could eat. Asking them to put their masks on would not be feasible.
Again having food prepared is usually done, excluding those days when there are larger crowds. Having food prepared in advance can often be difficult for restaurants since we can precisely know our time of arrival. Although 98% of the time our restaurants are ready with hot food, there are always exceptions.
Sitting in small venues with strangers is inevitable as Ybor City has been a town since 1886 with small Ma & Pa shops that have taken pride in size and service.
While Social Distancing is enforced, large groups gravitate to their own family and friends. During our tours we only enforce social distancing when families aren't related. Your visit had a lot of friends that were comfortable being close.
We don't have our Food to go on our tours due to the historical unleveled grounds. We want to ensure safety to all Guests while walking.
3) Poor restaurant selection
* We walked by great places, but the tour locations were low end, dirty and
had poor service (one location the dining tables were covered with bird poo)
4) Poor quality food
* Food was average and not authentic (i.e. average chicken wings at at bar)
* Tastings were often cold (i.e. beans and rice, pizza and coffee)
* Food wasn't ready upon arrival (waited 20-30 minutes on each order
Our food choices represent the 4 Cultures that we discussed during the tour: the Germans, The Italians, The Cubans, And the Spaniards. Food choices represented a PLATFORM to discuss those cultures.
Germans: Beer Battered Dishes (wings, cheese soups, etc) all recipes including beer a true staple of the Germans
Cubans: Authentic Cuban Sandwich
Italians: Sicilian Inspired Pizza
Spaniards: Spanish Rice & Beans, Coffee Con Leche.
While there are many EXCELLENT restaurants in our beautiful town, we carefully chose our venues based on.the foods we felt best represented the Cultures of the 4!
We truly hoped these answers helped with your concerns. We are ALWAYS happy to hear from All Guests and truly do appreciate your time to give us your thoughts. We welcome you back anytime to our magical City of Ybor City!
Written February 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DavidDavidDavid
1 contribution
Feb 2020
We've been on a lot of food tours in the States and abroad. This was the least interesting foodwise. Half of the food stops (there were only 4) consisted of Buffalo chicken wings (like what you can find at thousands of happy hours) and a slice of NY-style (and not very good) pizza. For this we paid for a 3 hour and a half food tour? These foods have nothing to do with Yobor City and shouldn't be on a "authentic" food tour of Ybor.
The description of "Ybor City Food Tours" on trip advisor says each tour will "eat at the oldest restaurant in the United States" (we didn't) and enjoy authentic foods at more than 4-5 other restaurants (we didn't). False advertising?
The description of "Ybor City Food Tours" on trip advisor says each tour will "eat at the oldest restaurant in the United States" (we didn't) and enjoy authentic foods at more than 4-5 other restaurants (we didn't). False advertising?
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We want to take this time to say THANKS so much for taking our tour and experiencing Ybor City.
We truly do understand your concern for our food choices so we'd like to take a moment to help tell you why we chose our stops.
To address your concerns for our food choices & why we didn't make it to Columbia Restaurant as our website mentioned: Our Great town was originally started with 4 Cultures: Germans, Italians, Cubans, and Spaniards. We take you on a historical journey to restaurants to use them as A PLATFORM to set the scene to discuss that heritage. Thus the choice for a Brewery as one choice. We discuss the Germans and enjoy Beer-Battered Wings. We continue our trail to include 4 more stops: A Pizzeria to discuss the Italians, a Spanish restaurant to enjoy Spanish Rice & Beans to discuss the Spaniards. A renowned restaurant to enjoy their award-winning Cuban Sandwich, and an cigar rolling shop to represent our town in its Totality: The Worlds Cigar Capital. There we enjoy cafe con leche, a true Spanish tradition.
As far as visiting Columbia restaurant we are only able to attend on days when their foot traffic is light. We are a food tour restricted to time factors which cant be met by that restaurant most of the time due to their uncontrollable attendance. So we try to at least stop by for pictures if time allows.
Since Columbia Restaurant is historically the oldest restaurant in the United States, we aren't able to enjoy their food often.
In conclusion, we truly do hope this response has helped you better understand our choices. We value your opinion greatly and extend our availability verbally ANYTIME during normal business hours. We are MORE THAN HAPPY to further discuss.
Our Tour Guides are the best in town as they are so passionate about the history of Ybor constantly learning and growing in the facts that helped shaped our town.
We are positive your History received from Cindi was outstanding and that she fully disclosed at each stop what you would be savoring each time before eating at each restaurant. Call us anytime. And thanks again for Savoring The Taste of Ybor!
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Foodgal
5 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We visit friends in the Tampa area a few times a year and though this tour would be a fun way to experience Ybor City. Our guide, Cindy was wonderful. You can definitely tell she has a love for the area and it's rich history. As tours go, the historical portion of the tour was amazing, the walking was easy and manageable for people of all ages and the street car ride was a cool little extra ! The food portion of the tour let us slightly disappointed. Being foodies, we were hoping for a bit more authentic of an eating experience but instead we got chicken wings, pizza, rice/beans, and a Cuban. I must say, the rice & beans were our absolute favorite and we would return to Gasbar just for that dish, however everything else was lackluster. Overall, I think the Groupon pricing was fair but if we had paid the full price for the tour, my husband may have had some words for the tour company. I think this tour would have been just fine as the historical walking tour so if that's your main focus, I'd highly recommend it!
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magaly C
6 contributions
Apr 2023
The tour was average at best. Unfortunately, the city of Ybor is highly populated by homeless individuals which took away from our experience one of which was shouting profanities in the middle of the street. We traveled with our 11 and 16yo children and I found this obscene and threatening. The food offered were small portions at 3 different locations and water. Our tour guide although very nice and knowledgeable, was soft spoken and therefore hard to hear many times. The highlight of the tour were the roosters and chickens roaming the streets freely. Unfortunately for the price I paid of over $300 for this tour, I would not recommend it especially for those traveling with children.
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gm S
1 contribution
Great walking tour of Ybor City with incredible knowledge shared. Our guide Ashley was funny and informative giving great details about the history of a truly remarkable city that is mostly unknown.
I would categorize this as more of a historical tour than a food tour but would highly recommend.
A great way to spend an afternoon
I would categorize this as more of a historical tour than a food tour but would highly recommend.
A great way to spend an afternoon
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lamar J
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
Great experience! Our guide Cindy was very knowledgeable and insightful, we did the Cuban Sandwich tour and discovered so much about the city of Ybor and its history. Plus all the food was awesome! Would recommend anyone who loves food and history to take this tour, very easy walking pace even in the hot weather. My girlfriend and I enjoyed every minute of the 3 hour tour. Thank you again Cindy for the great experience!
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth B
St. Pete Beach, FL2 contributions
Jan 2020
Our guide was O.K. and the history interesting, but the food and venue choices were terrible. First place was a brewery and we had chicken wings. Next a New York pizza place where we got a slice of cheese pizza. How do these in any way represent Latin food?! We did get half a cuban sandwich but it has so little on it you could only taste the bread and mustard. I overheard others on the tour complaining about the sandwich as well, saying that is the main reason they went on the tour. Last we visited a cigar bar to have a dessert empanada. It smelled like cigar smoke - awful, especially if you don't smoke. We had a big group and most of us had to stand outside holding a coffee and fruit pastry. Not a good way to end the tour. My sister had gotten the tour tickets for us and I felt so sorry for her that it turned out to be such a bad experience. I was interested since I have company coming next month and thought this tour might be a good thing to take them to. Now definitely not!!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Beth, we are so happy your were able to experience our beautiful, historical town of Ybor City.
We wanted to take a few moments to thank you dearly for your review, it truly does mean a lot.
Since 2014 we have been established to be a HISTORY walking tour with food used as a platform for each culture.
Ybor City was started with 4 Cultures: Italians, Spanish, Cubans, And Germans. We have strategically poised our food locations to be used as a platform for our Tour Guides to elaborate about that culture.
Thus the reason for visiting a Brewery, to speak about the Germans. We go to a Pizzeria Restaurante to discuss the Italians. We go to a Cuban Sandwich shop to speak on Cubans. We visit a Cigar Shop since we are the Cigar Capital of the world. We also savor the Taste of Spain by enjoying empanadas & Tampa's signature coffee, Cafe Con Leche.
We hope this has helped a bit to explain our food choices, and we certainly do hope you enjoyed the history we have in our town.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime for more clarity, we only aim to be the best food walking tour in Florida but realize we can only grow when we have happy customers. Thanks again for your review! We welcome you back on another type of tour, even our Scavenger Hunt Tour designed for friends & families.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
the_mosi
Hooksett, NH47 contributions
Kristie was wonderful. Not only did she take us for some great food (cheese and beer soup, real Cuban sandwiches, and more), she showed us Ybor city with the excitement of a local who truly loves her home town.
You need to do this tour and you need to do it with Kristie
You need to do this tour and you need to do it with Kristie
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wellsdp
Tampa, FL419 contributions
We took this tour on Saturday and really enjoyed it. Yes, it was hot but our tour guide Cindy steered us toward shaded areas for the most part, sharing the history of the area, her personal memories growing up in the area and we were able to visit 5 different venues for food or cafe con leche. We enjoyed everything we tried and plan to go back to some of the places in the future. We enjoyed that we didn’t feel too rushed when we were in the restaurants. After the tour concluded, we were full from all the food we tried and we got on the free trolley and did the whole route from Ybor to downtown Tampa and back. It was a fun day and something we and our nephews hadn’t done before. If you have family or guests in town, this is a great activity to consider.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm interested to do the trip alone, can I join another tourists?
Written August 4, 2022
You definitely could! There are other people on tour and at various restaurants we sat together at specially reserved tables for us. I also suggest while walking from one place to next, stay with tour guide, so You will definitely have a connection. I went with my daughter, we talked and met everyone in our group!
Written August 6, 2022
I booked the tour for Thursday December 16. However, I lost the paper that I print. Can you give me the address of the starting point, please?
Written December 14, 2021
1600 East 7th Avenue (in front of Jimmy John's subs)
Look for the bright orange shirt! :)
Written December 15, 2021
We have scheduled the food tour for today at 12:30, in the name of Dennis B Hill. We need to know the location of our meeting place.
Written June 22, 2021
We are scheduled for the 12:30 Food tour, but do not know the location of meeting place.
Written June 22, 2021
Does the tour drop you off where you start. The way it reads is that where you end is several miles away from where you start?
Written March 8, 2021
What is the start and end time if we’re to do this Thursday 2/18
Written February 17, 2021
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