2006 October - Two-day public workers strike is held in protest at proposed free trade deal with the US. 29 May 1959. Figueres became a national hero when Costa Rica disbanded its army in 1949. The victorious junta, however, resulted in a constitution that gave way to free elections with universal suffrage and the total abolition of the army. Costa Rica - Costa Rica - People: Nearly four-fifths of Costa Rica’s population is of European descent, and, as a result, Costa Rica has the largest percentage of people of Spanish descent in Central America. There were many migrations and influences from the Aztecs of Mexico to the Mayas and the Incas of Peru. 1989-04-30 US beats Costa Rica 1-0, in 3rd round of 1990 world soccer cup. History . 4,808,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. Costa Rica ; Top Stories. Soon after Mexico declared independence GeneralIrtubide was declared emperor of Mexico and tried to brin… The Chorotega people actually used the bean as currency up until the 1930s. 18 February … 2007 October - National referendum narrowly decides in favour of ratifying the Central American Free Trade Agreement (Cafta). 1994 - Jose Maria Figueres Olsen (PLN) elected president. 1821 - Central America gains independence from Spain. The most prominent indigenous tribes are the Bribris, the Borucas, the Cabecares, the Huetares, the Malekus and the Chorotegas. Home » Costa Rica Facts » Costa Rica History. In the second round, they achieved full independence within Central America. 1989-04-16 Costa Rica beats US 1-0, in 3rd round of 1990 world soccer cup. Mais de petites communautés se sédentarisent progressivement : on estime qu'à l'arrivée des Espagnols, au XVI e siècle, le territoire actuel du pays est occupé par 400 000 personnes [1]. Come with me to learn more about this historic conflict. 31 July 1976. The Costa Rican Civil War was the bloodiest event in 20th-century Costa Rican history. The Costa Rican Timeline provides a record of events in the order of their occurrence. Cartago is an excellent city in Costa Rica to experience culture and history without the crazy hustle and bustle of San Jose. This means that Costa Rica … 2011 March - UN International Court of Justice orders Nicaragua and Costa Rica to keep troops back from a disputed river border. Why they disappeared is still unknown. A dispute ensues over whether Costa Rica should join an independent Mexico or a confederation of Central American states. 1540 onwards - Costa Rica is part of the vice-royalty of New Spain. It is here that the enemy made their mistake; Walker and his army took protection in a wooden fort. It is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by Achieving Independence was one of the most important events in Costa Rica history. Achieving Independence was one of the most important events in Costa Rica history. It wasn't an easy country to conquer, largely due to its varied terrain and the lack of valuable mineral resources. pop. 1940-44 - President Rafael Angel Calderon Guradia, founder of the United Christian Socialist Party (PUSC), introduces liberal reforms, including recognition of workers' rights and minimum wages. 1808 - Coffee is introduced into Costa Rica from Cuba and becomes the principal crop. Relations with the native people became friendly enough that they brought him a number of items of gold, possibly prompting… L'histoire du Costa Rica commence entre 12 000 et 8 000 av. By the beginning of the 19th century, the cultivation of bananas brought in a lot of wealth and coffee soon followed. Sep 18, 1502, The Discovery of Costa Rica Sep 22, 1980, Depression Apr 24, 1944, Coming Back Home Oct 10, 1665, Piracy! [email protected] Call Us 1-800-969-6853 Help Center Blog 2007 May - Government says Costa Rica on course to become first voluntarily 'carbon neutral' country. As the landowners were quite poor and isolated from the Spanish Colonial centers of Mexico, Guatemala, and the Andes, and because there were very few indigenous labor forces to help, the first Costa Rican settlers soon turned into an autonomous and individual agrarian society. The indigenous cultures fled to the Talamanca mountain ranges where they remain to this day. Oscar Arias Sanchez. The Jamestown, Va. colony was founded in 1607 along the James River, and the state was the birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The Valle Central, with more than half the country’s population, is the most predominantly Spanish region in both its manner of living and its ancestry. You can call it superstition or whatever you want to, but in Costa Rica, all Catholic Churches face west. Costa Rica Independence The Most important part of Costa Rican History. Óscar Arias. Bananas, coffee, sugar and beef are still important exports. Columbus Lands. Modern politics in Costa Rica began just after a brief civil war in 1948. It is believed that the first settlers came to these parts around 1000 BC and had created a bustling city by 800 AD. While settlers were clearing land for coffee plantations in the late 1800’s, they happened upon an archeological site that remains one of Costa Rica‘s most famous ones today. Five Historical Facts of Costa Rica. Even in that short time, this celebration has become one of the biggest in Costa Rica, seeing more than a million people in attendance. J.-C. L'isthme centraméricain n'est d'abord qu'un lieu de passage vers l'Amérique du Sud. Unlike many of its neighbors, however, the Ticos managed to do it without bloodshed or revolution. Lighter Side. The young Juan Santamaria bravely volunteered to burn down the fort. 2009 March - President Arias says Costa Rica to re-establish ties with Cuba, 48 years after they broken off in 1961. Costa Rica’s indigenous history is not as prominent as it is in other Latin American cultures or even others just in Central America. Mr Solis concedes defeat after a manual count and legal challenges. At its peak, around 10.000 people used to live in this ancient city. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. Later in 1948, Jose Figueres started a civil war in which 2000 people died; the war only lasted 44 days and was the bloodiest event ever to take place in Costa Rica. In 1502, during his fourth and final trip to the Americas, Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica. 1990 - Rafael Calderon, of the centrist PUSC, elected president. When it became apparent that the rich coast was poorer than its neighbors, the colonists switched their focus to agricultural development. As with most native tribes, their numbers are dwindling as their traditions and lands are usurped by modern societies. 1825-04-10 Nicaraguan constituent assembly meets at … It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. 1986 - Oscar Arias Sanchez (PLN) elected president on a neutral platform. Which they didn’t. A trip to Costa Rica also lets you discover pristine national parks, ensuring plenty of chances to view wildlife from the comfort of eco-friendly lodges packed with amenities even ardent nature lovers secretly desire. 1985 - US-trained anti-guerrilla force begins operating following clashes with Sandinista troops. 2006 February-March - Presidential election ends in a neck-and-neck race between Oscar Arias and Otton Solis. The Guayabo National Monument is shrouded in mystery to this day but does reveal the existence of an ancient society of some sophistication. It was here all along and Costa Rica discovered Europeans in 1502! This cacao bean was very important, culturally and economically, to the indigenous people of Costa Rica. The Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica Unknown Costa Rica: 8 Secret Places to Visit 10 Incredible Surf Spots in Costa Rica Costa Rica: Pura Vida The Best Beaches in Central America ABOUT US Cookies The most extraordinary and quixotic artifacts left by Costa Rica’s ancestors are the astonishing stone spheres found near Palmar Norte and Palmar Sur in Corcovado. Strikes prompt three ministers to resign. km). Ecotourism unites conservation with local communities and incorporates important aspects of sustainable travel. In fact, the abolition of the Costa Rican military was drafted into the country's constitution in 1949! Read more about Costa Rica Independence and the long yet fascinating road Costa Ricans took to get there! But luckily, rights for the indigenous people have been put on the agenda and tourists can support them by visiting their villages and tribes. The native population was small compared to the vast Pre-Columbian civilizations found throughout Latin America. You don’t need a ton of time in the city, you can spend just one or two days. Important information, general facts like geography and demographics, famous people, languages, and history of Costa Rica. 1838 - Costa Rica becomes fully independent. But the facts do paint a colorful picture of this Central American nation, where democracy has prevailed for more than 60 years , Catholicism is the state religion, the government is stable, and the environment is of great importance. Instead of recurring cycles of dictatorship and poverty, Costa Rica boasts an enduring democracy and the highest standards of living in Central America. The first evidence of human settlement in Costa Rica comes from around 10,000BC (12,000 years ago). 1849-59 - Under the leadership of Juan Rafael Mora, Costa Rica takes the lead in organising Central American resistance against William Walker, the US adventurer who took over Nicaragua in 1855. "With more than 2,000 dead, the 44-day Costa Rican Civil War resulting from this uprising was the bloodiest event in twentieth-century Costa Rican history." In fact, they had to win their freedo… The first came in 1855 with the arrival of William Walker. 13 September 1940. However, the country does have an interesting military history. 2000 - President Rodriguez and his Nicaraguan counterpart resolve long-standing dispute over navigation along San Juan river, which serves as their border. 1991-04-22 Earthquake strikes Costa Rica & Panama, kills 95. That’s far earlier than originally thought. 1968 - Arenal volcano erupts, causing many casualties. It is actually a corrida, which means “run,” or a rodeo. 1874 - US businessman Minor Cooper Keith introduces banana cultivation and starts the United Fruit Company. 1974 - Daniel Oduber (PLN) elected president and pursues socialist policies. Living in Costa Rica. Language: Spanish Main religion: Catholic Ethnic Makeup: Spanish, Italian, German, Jewish, Polish, Creole English, Jamaican, Atlantic slave, and indigenous descendants History Back in the 16th century, when the Spanish explorers arrived in what today is called Costa Rica, all they found was a region scarcely populated by several poorly organized tribes. A myriad of historical sites and subsequent ruins, containing a somewhat preserved city centre, are scattered about the area. Today Costa Rica is a relatively prosperous country with a well developed welfare system. As elsewhere in Latin America, the United Fruit Company plays a major role in the cultivation and export of bananas. In Costa Rica, it is against the law to hurt the bull in any way. 1823 - Costa Rica joins the United Provinces of Central America, which also embraces El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Expat Focus. Visit this site for this Costa Rican Timeline detailing Key historical dates and events. Daniel Zovatto. Costa Rica Historic Sites: See reviews and photos of historic sites in Costa Rica, Central America on Tripadvisor. Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now. Costa Ricans enjoy a high standard of living, and land ownership is widespread. Costa Rica's valuable crops are sugar and above all coffee until a third, bananas, is added in the late 19th century. In Costa Rica: History In 1502 Christopher Columbus’s fourth Atlantic voyage brought him to the shores of Costa Rica, where he remained for 18 days refitting his ships. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. 1978 - Rodrigo Carazo, a conservative, elected president amid a sharp deterioration in the economy. President of Costa Rica. 1948 - Six-week civil war over a disputed presidential election result. “ It is free and offers important events in Costa Rican history as well as exhibits of contemporary Costa Rican artists. 2008 November - Chinese President Hu Jintao makes highest-level visit by a Chinese official since Costa Rica ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2007. Well, that may please Spanish historians, but it is not actually what happened in this episode of Costa Rica history. Find out more about the greatest Costa Ricans, including Keylor Navas, Harry Shum Jr., Franklin Chang Díaz, Laura Chinchilla and Oscar Arias Sanchez. While sharing with its neighbors the experiences of colonial exploitation and commodity-export dependency, Costa Rica managed to rise above. The golden bands that the region's Carib Indians wore as earrings and nose rings inspired the crew to name the country Costa Rica, meaning Rich Coast. pop. Simple statistics cannot do justice to Costa Rica’s friendly people, stunning terrain, rich lands, and long history. Costa Rica still has a large agricultural sector including coffee, banana, pineapple and sugar exports. 4,808,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. 1917 - Frederico Tinoco ousts the elected president, Alfredo Gonzalez, but is himself deposed two years later. Our love of the country runs so deep, the red-eyed tree frog and hummingbird in our logo was a tribute to its formative influence on this website. But some influences still remain and some tribes are still populating Costa Rica to this day. In 2020 the population of Costa Rica was 5 million. The Costa Rican farmers hadthe more important concern of raising crops to occupy their attention. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't have an army. Soon after Mexico declared independence General Irtubide was declared emperor of Mexico and tried to bring Central American into his empire. 28 June 1991. This section details everything related to the Costa Rican government including: the political structure, current president, major political parties, and special interest groups.To stay current, be sure to check out political news & updates, labor laws, and environmental laws.. Brief Political History. Learn about 16 famous, scandalous and important events that happened in 1502 or search by date or keyword. The history of Cartago is surprisingly more impressive than that of the capital, San Jose, since it's much older and also the original capital of Costa Rica. The political, social, and economic centre of Costa Rica, San José grew rapidly in the 20th century, both in population and in area. 1949 - New constitution gives women and people of African descent the right to vote; armed forces abolished and replaced by civil guard; Jose Figueres Ferrer, co-founder of National Liberation Party (PLN), elected president and begins ambitious socialist programme, including introducing a social security system and nationalising banks. The President of Costa Rica at the time of William Walker’s arrival, JuanRafael Mora, brought together a makeshift army of peasants to fight the much more heavily armed enemy. Maribel Guardia. 1982 - Luis Alberto Monge (PLN) elected president and introduces harsh austerity programme. Costa Rica kŏs´tə rē´kə [key], officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2015 est. The most famous national landmarks in Costa Rica take you on a whirlwind tour through the country’s long and illustrious history, showcasing the fact that Costa Rica is as rich in cultural and historical treasures as she is in nature-filled ones. In the 1840s the town became one of the important centres of coffee production, which remained the chief source of Costa Rica’s income throughout the 19th century. Ecuador may be small in relation to its South American neighbors, but it has a long, rich history dating back to before the Inca Empire. As the story goes, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island located by Limon in 1502, and “discovered” Costa Rica. She came to Costa Rica in 1931 as a Salesian nun of the Order of Don Bosco and worked tirelessly to help the poor and the oppressed, founding homes for the abandoned and homeless. Today, Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in Latin America. 1998 - Miguel Angel Rodriguez (PUSC) elected president. Today Costa Rica is a glittering gem of the world environmental movement. As one of the youngest capitals in the region, San Jose's history is not extensive. Costa Rica was inhabited by an estimated 400,000 Indians when Columbus explored it in 1502. © Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. 1561 - Spain's Juan de Cavallon leads the first successful colonisers into Costa Rica. History Costa Rica is unique. Costa Rica Fact Sheet. Footballer. In the last twenty years, eco-tourism and technology have taken off and become top-earning industries in the country. Footnote 13 The history of Costa Rican ecotourism not only fills these lacunae in one important national case, but it also offers compelling evidence on the emergence of new tourism categories, the role of business in commodifying existing natural endowments, and the impact of changing ideas—in this case, conservation, biodiversity, and environmentalism—on both entrepreneurs … Bryan Oviedo. It has its origin here in the activities of Minor C. Keith, who buys plantations and builds railways in Costa Rica from 1872. As Spanish conquistadors hacked their way into Costa Rica, the dense rain forest was an obstacle to the quest for treasure. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g291982-Activities-c49-Costa_Rica.html 1987-10-13 Costa Rican President Oscar Arias wins Nobel Peace Prize. The people famous in Costa Rica are people of repute who have strived hard to be the pride of the people of Costa Rica. Up to this point, most of continental America to the south of the United States was part of … Most of us have heard of self-declared 19th century commander William Walker but we don’t always know the details of his relationship to Costa Rica. 2005 January - National emergency declared as days of heavy rain lead to serious flooding along the Caribbean coast. Bryan Ruiz. Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence, with a dash of Jamaican, Chinese, and other immigrant cultures lending character and customs. Sor María Romero was born in Nicaragua in 1902 and died in 1977 but she is known and loved throughout Costa Rica and soon may be Costa Rica’s first saint. However industry in Costa Rica is developing rapidly. His ambitions to turn Central America into slaving territory. “ Walking through the doors evokes the history of CR, and the rooms are filled with more history of the country that helped me deepen my appreciation for Costa Rica beyond eco-tourism. Politician. Historical events from year 1502. 13 September 1940. Limon was quickly abandoned in favor of the Central Valley, however, partially due to the heat and humidity. The American Revolution, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars in Europe were shakingup most of the Spanish colonies in America but not Costa Rica. Costarica History. However, the Communist Party did play a major role in organizing the 'Great Banana Strike' of 1934, the largest in Costa Rican history. These events were followed by an era of peace and prosperity until 1917, when fro two years General Federico Tinoco Granados had power as a military dictator. Costa Rica’s seamounts — mountains rising from the ocean floor that do not break the surface of the water — create rich feeding grounds for native species and provide habitats for migratory species like hammerhead sharks, manta rays, turtles, whales and tuna. There is every reason to be optimistic about the future of Costa Rica. And that is exactly the reason why the people of Costa Rica love their famous personalities and will continue to treasure the rich culture and history of their country. Costa Rica History, Language and Culture History of Costa Rica. Costa Rican footballer. As the story goes, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island located by, As the landowners were quite poor and isolated from the, The Most important part of Costa Rican History, William Walker The Filibuster and Juan Santamaria The Hero, San Juan Santamaria International Airport. It's not really a bullfight. It pales in comparison to nearby Cartago and is a thoroughly modernised centre of industry today. Travel Tips … In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived at Limon being lost. At the event, 50 to 100 fighters enter the bullring. "; San Jose grew rapidly in the 20th century, Costa Rica has one of world's largest varieties of flora, fauna, High-tech future: chip maker Intel is Costa Rica's main exporter, Colonial legacy: white-faced building in Barva, Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace price for efforts to end civil conflicts in his region, Served as president 1986 to 1990 and again from 2006 to 2010, Free trade deal with US has split Costa Rica like few other issues, CAFTA - Central American Free Trade Agreement, Meant to reduce US-Central America trade barriers, Opponents fear competition will ruin economy, Narrowly approved in referendum in October 2007, Also includes Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire, Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit, BBC News Updated every minute of every day, Country profile: United States of America. Although she tended to the women’s work of cooking, mending and caring for the sick, at the battle of Rivas she picked up a rifle; her shooting skill help the Ticos to recover a cannon, an important step toward preserving Costa Rica’s independence. Actress. Related Topics. Costa Rica already existed. Costa Rican footballer. 1963-64 - Irazu volcano erupts, causing serious damage to agriculture. Since that day, Costa Rica has been investing in education, natural heritage and developing strategies for supporting workers’ rights. This act alone turned the young Juan Santamaria into a national hero who is still celebrated annually and even remembered through the name of Alajuela‘s airport: San Juan Santamaria International Airport. 1808 - … March 19. Five hundred years later, the hidden wealth was discovered to be the rain forest itself. The event is broadcast on multiple television networks in Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Costa Rica comes under pressure from the US to weigh in against the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Tourism in Costa Rica: History and Development History of Tourism: In the 1960’s Costa Rica warily became aware that tourism could be an important source of income. They keep their maiden name for life along with their mother’s maiden name. Video: Costa Rica a Ecotourism. In the first round, they broke free from the rule of Spain. 1561 - Spain's Juan de Cavallon leads the first successful colonisers into Costa Rica. In 1522, the colonists named the land Costa Rica, meaning Rich Coast, in the hope that they were going to find gold in its hills. We don't even have a military any more! Costa Rica’s push towards ecotourism began with the establishment of the Cabo Blanco National Reserve in 1963 and the first national parks in 1971. Fast facts and information for students, children & kids via the Costa Rican Timeline. Today, Costa Rica is strongly shaped by its Spanish influences as well as Catholicism. The National Orchid Exhibition. 1502 - Christopher Columbus visits the area, naming it Costa Rica, (Rich Coast), but disease and resistance by the local population delay the establishment of a permanent settlement for nearly 60 years. Festivals all over the country in honor of San Isidro, the patron saint of the peasant, blessings of animals and harvest, as well as parades and markets. 2010 February - Costa Rica elects first woman president, Laura Chinchilla, who takes office in May. Honored by the government, her portrait hangs in the Alajuela museum dedicated to Juan Santamaría and the Campaign of 1856. 26 June 1992 . You see evidence of the indigenous influences in arts and crafts available throughout Costa Rica in the form of handcrafted ceramics, ornaments, and jewelry. The region grew slowly and was administered as a Spanish province. Best of all, I’ve had an opportunity to share my passion for Costa Rica with my wife and my daughter. The result is a nation of laid-back, friendly, and happy people. Costa Rica’s history starts with the movement of tribes southwards from North America during the last Ice Age between 13,000 and 17,000 years ago. Costa Rica has a land territory of 19,700 square miles (51,100 sq. Key dates in Costa Rica's history: ... image caption Eco-tourism is important for Costa Rica's economy. 2004 July - Three Chilean diplomats are killed by a security guard at their embassy in San Jose. Costa Rica achieved independence in 1821 but was absorbed for two years by Agustín de Iturbide in his Mexican empire. 1958-73 - Costa Rica governed by mainly conservative administrations. In fact, some historians argue that the present culture of this country was primarily founded upon these more dominant indigenous cultures. You would never know it by its popularity, but the Palmares Fiestas is only a few years old. Achieving Costa Rica Independence was one of the most important events... Freedom for Spain. Actor. Costa Rican women do not take their husbands’ last name when they get married. Horse Parade : El Tope Nacional – December 26th More than 3,000 horses trot down the Second Avenue year after year on December 26th to celebrate the long-standing tradition of the horse parade. 1987 - Leaders of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras sign peace plan devised by Oscar Arias Sanchez, who in turn wins the Nobel Peace Prize for the plan. 2009 October - Former president Rafael Angel Calderon is sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of corruption. Costa Rica as part of the Kingdom of Guatemala became independent of Spain when the captaingeneral of Guatemala proclaimed independence. A chronology of key events in the history of Costa Rica, from the arrival of the Christopher Columbus to the present The holidays in Costa Rica are a time for celebration, and Costa Rica’s native Ticos and Ticas welcome any chance to celebrate. However, it is Costa Rica's largest city and retains a number of monuments of yesteryear, … Costa Rica kŏs´tə rē´kə [key], officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2015 est. Joel Campbell. A large part of the population identifies with the Catholic Church, and so share most religious holidays, but many of their traditions and celebrations are unique to Costa Rica. [6] Coffee was introduced to Costa Rica from Jamaica in 1779. The cacao bean (from which chocolate is made) was a highly prized and sacred crop among the Chorotega and Bribri people in Costa Rica. It is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by A Little History. While this fact is certainly a blessing, it does not mean that it was a simple process. News about Costa Rica, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times. At the time, about 400,000 ... Costa Rica's First Successful Colony. Only In Costa Rica. In fact, they had to win their freedom not once but twice! Walker and his army invaded the Guanacaste province at the now Santa Rosa National Park and the Costa Rican army expelled and followed them into Rivas, Nicaragua. News about Costa Rica, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times. Religious festivals and masses in every city and village named after Saint Joseph. Virginia history includes being one of the 13 original colonies, the first permanently settled region by the English. Bullfights are another traditional event during the Costa Rica holiday season. Along with the other Central American countries, Costa Rica came about as a result of the Spanish conquest, first 'discovered' by Christopher Columbus in 1502. While this fact is certainly a blessing, it does not mean that it was a simple process. Early History In 1502 when Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Limon, less than 20 indigenous tribes occupied the lands which are now Costa Rica. ! The History of Palmares Fiestas. However, this lasting peace was the result of a dark period in Costa Rica's history - the civil war of 1948. Arrange all the small, but important details of your Costa Rica trip itinerary using our Costa Rica … 2003 May - Energy and telecommunications workers strike over President Pacheco's privatisation plans; teachers strike over problems in paying their salaries. Country to conquer, largely due to its varied terrain and the lack of valuable resources. History without the crazy hustle and bustle of San Jose coffee is introduced into Rica. 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