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Ten per-cent of Tampa's population is Latino and nowhere is this more evident than in the area known as Ybor City. In 1885 Don Vicente Martinez Ybor moved his cigar business to Tampa bringing with him a huge Spanish, Italian, German and Cuban workforce. The area where the Latin community settled became known as Ybor City (pronounced Ee-bore). Though the industry later floundered, the influence of the community remains. Walking through this area is a unique experience. The Latin lifestyle and influence, past and present, oozes from every pore. You can enjoy a Cuban sandwich and coffee in one of the numerous cafes, enjoy the brightly coloured buildings lining every street or try your hand at flamenco dancing in one of its nightclubs. The Ybor State Museum gives a history of this area and also offers cigar rolling demonstrations and, of course, the opportunity to buy some for yourself. The museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. A good way of combining the outdoor sights of Ybor while gaining insight into its past is to take a walking tour. Probably of most convenience are those which embark from the Museum before bringing you through the brick walkways, galleries and speciality shops of the area. A must-see for any trip to Tampa. |