12 months 12 stamps series from Spain

Date of Issue : 1 August 2017

`Here is a beautiful stamp from the series of 12 Stamps 12 months by Spanish Post. This stamp of the series features  Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

12 months, 12 stamps - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is added to the series that Correos has started this year, 12 months, 12 stamps. During the month of its issuance, this stamp will be used as the only type of postage for all shipments that are admitted in the offices of said province. The stamp of Santa Cruz de Tenerife follows the line of the previous ones and is represented by the letters TF, that represents the old license plates of vehicles in Spain.

Within the letters, one can see significant elements of this land.

Potatoes with mojo picón: the potato is not missing at a Canaria table. One of its most famous dishes in the world, are wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón. The mojo is a typical sauce whose main ingredient is what is known in the islands as picona pepper, which is a spicy frisca chilli.

Drago millennial: it is the vegetal symbol of the island of Tenerife. Legend has it, which took its Latin name meaning "dragon" because these winged animals became this tree when they disappeared. It has a very special particularity: its sap is red and not white as it is in most plant species.

Dolphin: It is not uncommon to see near the Canary coast these cetaceans. It is considered one of the most intelligent species that inhabit the planet. These animals come to interact with humans and there are many tourists and interested people who come to the islands to see them.

Carnivals: Carnival is celebrated in an intense and very special way in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the second most popular carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Teide: this natural wonder is the most visited in Spain. It is a volcano of 3,718 meters above sea level, therefore, it is the highest peak in the country. It is part of the Teide National Park and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The blue color of the lower strip alludes to the main color of the province's flag.

Spanish Sign language

Date of Issue : 16 June 2017

Spanish Post issued a stamp on 16 June 2017 to commemorate National Day of Spanish language. Civic Values ​​are fundamental for coexistence in a society, they are a series of principles that every citizen must comply, respect and share. Correos has been dedicating stamps to values ​​such as solidarity, diversity or creativity, reflected in these issues.

On this occasion, the protagonist is the National Day of Spanish sign languages. For this, a stamp is issued. The stamp sheet includes a series of words written in sign language: "share", "right", "participate", "signar", "communicate" and "equality".The stamp shows an image with the word "thank you".

On June 14, 1936, the CNSE, the State Confederation of the Deaf, was set up with the aim of promoting initiatives aimed at fighting for the rights of people who use Spanish sign language and also Catalan.Many years later, finally, it has been achieved that same day to be declared National Day of Languages ​​of Spanish Sign languages, which allows to take a step towards the normalization, promotion and protection of the same.

The more these languages ​​are known, the greater will be the knowledge about deaf and deaf blind people and thus be able to draw society's attention to that group. Sign languages ​​are a creative response of people to this sensory limitation.They have a visual, spatial, gestural and manual character. They respond to the characteristic pattern of human language with its own visual grammar.

There are different languages ​​of signs in the world, even countries that share the same spoken language, have different languages ​​signed.At present, the Spanish and Catalan sign language coexist in Spain and have gone from being used in the purely domestic sphere to a situation like the present, in which it is used in all social contexts and contexts.

Huelva - Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2017

Date of Issue : 20 January 2017

Here is a beautiful stamp issued by Spanish Post featuring famous Spanish Cuisine. As in previous years, a province of Spain has been chosen as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy during 2017. This year, Huelva has been selected.

For the first time a coastal province has been chosen. The jury has recognized the cuisine of the sea, all those products that every morning arrive in boats to the market where they are selected to become exquisite dishes.

It is worth to mention about white shrimp, coquinas and puntillitas, or cuttlefish, a select ingredient to prepare dishes such as meatballs.But Huelva is not only sea, also, its products of interior like the ham of Jabugo, the slaughterings of the Mountain range of Aracena; Also the famous strawberries known in the whole world.

The vegetable garden offers us typical dishes like chickpeas with spinach, beans "enzapatás" or the game dishes and mushrooms of the area as the gurumelos. But not everything is to eat, Huelva also has wines worthy of mention as the Orange Wine of the County of Huelva that owns the Denomination of Origin.

The pastries also give  irresistible recipes such as chestnut stew, "pulleys" or snowy eggs.

The stamp includes the image of the logo of Huelva Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2017, which forms a fan with some of the typical products of the place: choco, ham, strawberries, prawns and wine. On a white background, these products take all the protagonism on a trace of black ink, sepia, that always gives a touch of elegance to the dishes.

New Stamp on Taj Mahal

Date of Issue - 23 September 2016

Wonders of the World -TAJ MAHAL

Following the series Wonders of the modern world, Correos, as did the previous year Christ the Redeemer, the Great Wall of China or Chichén Itzá, devotes a Premium Pliego this time to another of the world's wonders like the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, or what is the same, the "Crown Palace" is a complex of buildings in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India between 1631 and 1648 by the Muslim emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Arjumand Bano, who died in childbirth of her fourteenth child. His wife's death was a devastating blow to the emperor was imprisoned by his son leaving the Empire in the hands of his successors. From his window, he imagined a grand mausoleum for his beloved, the most impressive mausoleum that the human mind could conceive.

He fulfilled his dream. It took more than 20,000 men and 1,000 elephants to lift. The most important architects of the Empire participated in construction, and, legend has it that, once completed work, ordered cut off the hands of anyone who had participated in the works so that they could never build something.

Today Taj  is one of the most important tourist destinations in India since 1983 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Its architecture is a perfect blend of styles such as Persian, Islamic and Indian. Depending on the time of day and the light projected onto it, you can acquire different shades.The walls of the mausoleum are truly wonderful. The marble is full of inscriptions Muslim holy books and in those walls are embedded numerous gemstones.

The Premium Pliego includes a seal where the image of this impressive building appears with and orange, white and green of the Indian flag.

(as per Spain Philatelic Bureau)

- Leeza Padhi, Cuttack : email : leezapadhi@gmail.com

National Exhibition of Children’s Philately in Spain

 

Date of Issue 16 April 2015

Spanish Post is ready to release a special stamp to highlight National Exhibition of Children’s Philately (JUVENIA) to promote stamp collecting among children and young people. The stamp is being released today, 16^th of April.

The stamp depicts a frontal view of As Burgas, a hot spring located in this Galician city, and a group of children, representing the union among young stamp collectors. The stamps are available as Premium Sheets with amusing lines and emoticons around the edges.

JUVENIA 2015 was organised by the Sociedad Filatélica, Numismática y Vitolfílica Miño (The Miño Society for Stamp, Coin and Cigar Band Collection), sponsored by Correos and other official institutions. The exhibition will take place in the Auditorio Municipal-Palacio de Congresos conference centre in Ourense, where young participants from every corner of Spain will display their collections.

Throughout the event there will be round table discussions, workshops on introduction to philately and guided tours of the city and the springs. According to the established standards, young people between the ages of 10 and 21 years old who are members of a stamp collecting body affiliated with the FESOFI may participate in the exhibition. The best collections may go on to represent Spain in upcoming international exhibitions.

Club News

Special Cover on ‘Homer Pigeon Mail’ to flag off 150th Anniversary Celebration of Cuttack Club - 2nd April, 2015

 

Cuttack Club was established on 2nd April 1865 at Cuttuck. It is located at Barabati Fort, Buxi Bazar. Club is spread over four acres land and have about 1260 members. Cuttack Club is affiliated with more than 160 different clubs.

On the occasion of 150th Anniversary celebration of Cuttack Club a Special Cover was released on ‘Homer Pigeon Mail’ at Cuttack on 2nd April 2015.

Courtesy – Indian Philately Digest

Spanish Cuisine on stamps

 

 

Date of Issue :  28 January 2015

Spain Post has prepared for issuing a set of two stamps dedicated to its gastronomy. The stamp release consisting of two items has been already designed and is scheduled to put into circulation on the 28^th of January.

Spain enjoys a vastly diffuse and dramatic gastronomic heritage. Traditional Spanish cooking draws on European impressions from the north, Moorish influences from the south and, thanks to early explorers ingredients from the Americas and the Far East. Spanish food is existing and diverse.Contrary to most North Americans beliefs it is also mild and deeply flavoured.

Club News

New Special Covers

Special Covers on renaming of the 12 districts of Karnataka State

On 16th January 2015, at Karnapex – 2015, 12 Special Covers on renaming of the 12 districts of Karnataka State were released by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah. All 12 cities/districts names were changed with effect from 1st November 2014 vide special gazette notification issued on eve of the 59th Karnataka Rajyotsava.

Renamed cities/districts are Bengaluru (Bangalore), Belagavi (Belgaum), Ballari (Bellary), Vijayapura (Bijapur), Chikkamagaluru (Chikmanglur), Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Hosapete (Hospet), Hubballi (Hubli), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), Shivamogga (Shimoga), Tumakuru (Tumkur)].

KARNAPEX 2014 – 16 January 2014

KARNAPEX 2015

17 January 2015 - Day 2

Second day of exhibition was celebrated as Samskriti Diwas. A Special cover on Heritage Bengaluru and Picture Postcard Pack on Heritage Bengaluru were released by Shri M. S. Ramanujan, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle in presence of Shri Laxmi Narayan, Commissioner of BBMP, Bangalore and Guest of Honor Shri Sushil Mehra and Dr. Sita Bhateja, Philatelists from Bangalore.

The special cover is to celebrate Heritage of Bangalore's very special architectural and aesthetic heritage (Special Cover approval no. KTK/05/2015). Pictures on the Special Cover have been taken from the Vintage Postcards collection of Shri Sushil Mehra.

In the afternoon session a Special Cover on Say No to Child Labour (Special Cover approval no. KTK/06/2015) and Special Pictorial Cancellations on St. Mary's Island, Malpe and another on Kattle Basdadi Barkur were released by Rtn. Manjunatha Shetty, Rotary District Governor District no. 3190 in presence of Shri M. S. Ramanujan, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle and Guest of Honor Dr. Sita Bhateja, renowned Philatelist of Bangalore. Following release function there was a talk on Philately by Dr. Sita Bhateja.

Courtesy – Indian Philately Digest , Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

New stamps on Christmas

 

Date of Issue : 11 November 2014

Here are new stamps from Spain Post  for this year’s Christmas . The stamps will be be released on 11^th of November. The stamps and sheet in the form of a Christmas card is just beautiful.

The Class A stamp shown above bears the image of a stained-glass window depicting a typical scene of the birth of Baby Jesus, with the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. It is accompanied by the message “Merry Christmas” written in the four official languages spoken in Spain. Cold foil was added to the stamp to accentuate the colours and give greater depth to the stained-glass image.

The Class B stamp is presented in mini-sheet format, made up of six equal stamps joined together to form a Christmas tree. The mini-sheet as a whole frames a Christmas card full of good wishes to “Light up Your Christmas”. This issue brings the novelty of thermal ink, a substance that gives the impression that the stars shine when you slide your fingers over them.

The Christian community celebrates Christmas Day or the Birth of Christ on 25th December. Some countries, such as Spain, Italy, the Philippines and Latin America have the tradition of setting up a Nativity crèche with the classic figures representing the Birth of Christ, along with angels, shepherds, the Three Wise Men and characters typical in each area. The tradition in other countries and areas, such as Germany, France and Northern Europe, dictates decorating a Christmas tree, normally of the pine family because they are evergreens and symbolise the concept of eternity.

Club News

GolePex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at New Delhi - 17th - 18th October 2014

GolePex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition was held on 17th and 18th October 2014 at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Near Gole Market, New Delhi - 110 001. During the exhibition My Stamp facility, Painting Contest and Philatelic Quiz were also organised. Three Special Covers were also released during the exhibition.

On 17th October 2014, two special covers were released. One Special Cover was on Swachchh Bharat (Clean India) Mission (Special Cover approval no. DEL/13/2014) and second cover on India City Walks. India City Walks through its innovative theme walks offers local experiences to explore the cities, towns, villages and environs of India like never before. India City Walks supports youth engagement initiatives to get generation closer. India City Walks is a unit of YEXLORE. (Special Cover approval no. DEL/12/2014)

On 18th October 2014, a Special Cover on Bhai Vir Singh and Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan was released. Bhai Vir Singh (b. 5 December 1872, d. 10 June 1957) was a poet, scholar and theologian and a figure in the movement for the revival and renewal of Punjabi literary tradition. He is acknowledged as the father of modern Punjabi literature. (Special Cover approval no. DEL/15/2014)

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

Stamp on Spanish language

 

 

Date of Issue : 5 June 2014

Spanish Post issued a commemorative stamp in promotion of Spanish language on 5th June 2014. Spanish Post, Correos is involved in promoting the Marca España and has issued this stamp dedicated to the ‘Ñ’ of the Spanish language with all the features of the series: ‘Ñ’ as a watermark, the distinctive colours of Marca España and the incorporation of a vignette into the design. The stamps also display the spines of two of the most famous BOOKS written in the Spanish language, Don Quijote by Cervantes, and The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa.

The strongest heritage Spain has, and the one most internationally widespread today, is the Spanish language, which is growing every day in all its many forms: as a native language, a studied language, as a vehicle of cultural diffusion, as an international language of communication second only to English and also as the language of intercontinental economic exchanges.

It is the second most used language in the world, after Chinese, with some 456 million native speakers. It is clear that this continued growth – Spanish is now the third most used language on the Internet – stems not only from the interest which the Hispanic culture inspires in the rest of the world, with its long history and a wide range of literature which has brought forth a significant number of Nobel laureates and recipients of the Prince of Asturias and Cervantes awards. It is also down to the important role being forged by economic and working relations between the Hispanic sphere and the rest of the world. It could be said that the Spanish language is the country’s foremost industry.

Club News

News from Philippines

ASEAN stamp design competition introduced by PHLPost

 

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launches a nationwide stamp-designing contest with the hope that the country’s entry will be chosen as the official stamp design to welcome the “ASEAN Economic Community” on 2015.

Three entries from the contest shall be chosen and winners will receive PhP5,000 as first prize; PhP3,000 as secondprize; and PhP2,000 as third prize. PHLPost shall send the first prize winning design to Thailand as the Philippine Official Entry to the “Joint Issue of ASEAN Community Commemorative Stamp.” The prize for best design is USD1,000 while the prize for best postmark design is USD500.

“This contest aims to realize the commitment of member-countries to issue a set of joint stamps themed ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’,” says Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz.

The contest, which will run until September 15, 2014, is open to high school and college students, artists, and other interested parties. Entries must be made on a white illustration board sized 18 inches by 18 inches. Rendering should be by pastel on paper or canvass, oil, or acrylic. Computer-generated artwork and photographs will not be allowed. A brief narrative interpretation should accompany submitted entries.

Entries will be judged based on originality, relevance to the contest’s theme, visual impact, and artistic method.

Entries may only be submitted via Domestic Express Mail Service or Express Pouch Service addressed to the ASEAN Community Commemorative Stamp Design Contest, Philippine Postal Corporation, Post Shop, Philately and Museum Division, 3rd Floor, Manila CPO Building, 1000 Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

Interested participants are enjoined to contact the Special Project Officer, Post Shop, Philately and Museum Division at +632-527-0132 or +632-527-0108.

Silver stamps with diamonds from Nederland

 

 

Here are unique stamps to be issued by Nederland Post. The stamps are extraordinary made of pure Silver and Diamonds to attract the collectors . It’s a nice item for the collectors  of unique and extraordinary stamps.

Since April 30, 2013 Willem-Alexander is King of the Netherlands. To mark this event the Dutch Postal Authority (PostNL) together with the Royal Dutch Mint designed and produced a series of 10 legal tender stamps representing the portrait of King Willem-Alexander depicted in the format of Minted Photo Image (MPI) and 3D relief, with a rose cut diamond attached, and 9 other ruling European Monarchs. All the stamps are made of pure silver with a small diamond added.

Burgos as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2013

Here is a beautiful stamp from Spain featuring some popular dishes from Spain. Spanish cuisine  is a big tourist attraction in Spain. The stamp depicts a still-life of typical dishes such as black pudding, olla podrida, made with pinto beans, chorizo sausage and lamb, a variety of cheeses and a glass of local wine.

A jury consisting of eleven experts on gastronomy and tourism has chosen Burgos as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2013, a stamp was issued by Spanish Correos in this regard. The nomination is backed up by the prestigious US newspaper, the New York Times, which considered Burgos to be the Best Tourist Destination in Spain in 2013 and 25th in the world.

The culinary venture came into being in 2011, when the Spanish Catering Federation and the Spanish Tourism Journalists and Writers Federation decided to promote gastronomy as a tourist attraction in Spain and abroad. The award recognises that the quality of the city’s gastronomy excels in all aspects, from creative cooking to the wealth of products.

During this gourmet year there have been competitions for savoury tapas (snacks) and sweet tapas made with local liqueurs; also an artisan cheese contest, organized by the Spanish Cheese-makers’ Network, with over 150 varieties sent in from all over Spain, 24 of which were protected Designations of Origin.

The gastronomy of Burgos offers a wide range of local products that are outstanding for their quality. Therefore, it is no secret in the city that you can enjoy a tasty tapa or delicious set meal, washed down with wine from the Ribera del Duero or D.O. Arlanza.

As well as gastronomy, Burgos invites you to admire the art of its Gothic cathedral, a World Heritage Site, the arches and gates entering the old town, pedestrian streets, tree-lined walks and the most surprising spots. As for culture, there is the Museum of Human Evolution taking you on a journey to the past and the origins of man in Europe, with a display of the remains found in the archaeological site of Atapuerca.

New stamps on Tourism…

 

Date of Issue : 2 January 2014

Here are new stamps on Tourism to be issued by Spanish Post and German Post on 2nd January 2014. The beautiful stamp shown above by Spanish Post is symbolic for Spanish Tourism depicting specific features related to social, cultural and economic phnomenon of Spanish Tourism.

Tourism in Spain

The new stamp from Spanish Post on Tourism shows a compilation of various facets relating to tourism. In one way or another, the passion and beauty of the country are reflected by red-roses, natural products by oranges, crafts by the typical Spanish fan, and art by the carved tympana over church and cathedral doors.

The World Tourist Organisation (WTO) defines it as: “A social, cultural and economic phenomenon relating to people travelling outside their usual environment for personal or business reasons”. It also highlights the sector’s importance to the economy, the environment and the population in places visited, and names Spain as one of the prime destinations for travellers from all over the world, generating high income for the country.

Spain’s attraction for tourists lies in the wide range of options on offer to cater for all tastes and sectors. Added to the traditional sun and sand tourism is a rich artistic and cultural heritage, a variety of landscapes, nature reserves, traditional festivals, gastronomy and crafts, just to name a few of the choices available.

Monumental Arches and Gates from Spain

Date of Issue : 2 January 2014

The issue Monumental Arches and Gates by Spanish Correos comprises a booklet with eight self-adhesive class A stamps for sending standard letters in Spain.

The Arco de la Malena in Tarancon, Cuenca, is the gateway to the old walled town. The round arch has an octagonal tower on either side. It was built using large ashlar stones for the keystones and corners and masonry for the remaining facades.

Stamp on UNESCO World Heritage Site from Germany

 

Date of Issue : 2 January 2014

1250 Years of the Lorsch Abbey

German Post issued a stamp commemorating the 1250th anniversary of the Lorsch Abbey, former Imperial Abbey in Lorsch,Germany, about 10 km east of Worms, one of the most renowned monasteries of the Carolingian Empire. Even in its ruined state, its remains are among the most important pre-Romanesque-Carolingian style buildings in Germany. Its chronicle, entered in the Lorscher Codex compiled in the 1170s (now in the state archive at Wurzburg) is a fundamental document for early medieval German history. Another famous document from the monastic library is the Codex Aureus of Lorsch. In 1991 the ruined abbey was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stamp shows a detail of a painting created in 1854 by the Darmstadt court painter August Lucas (1803-1863) with the gatehouse in the foreground, the romantic excessive fragment of the monastery church in the background and a look at the Hessian mountain road.

New stamps from India

Stamp on Sai Baba

India Post  released a commemorative stamp on Sathya Sai Baba on the occasion of his 88th birth anniversary celebrations to be held at Puttaparthi of Anantapur district on November 23.

 

Union minister of state for communication & information technology (IT) Killi Krupa Rani released a commemorative stamp on Sathya Sai Baba on the occasion of his 88th birth anniversary celebrations held at Puttaparthi (Anantapur district) on 23rd November 2013.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba (born as Sathyanarayana Raju; 23 November 1926 – d. 24 April 2011) was a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The Sathya Sai Organisation, founded by Sathya Sai Baba "to enable its members to undertake service activities as a means to spiritual advancement" has over 1,200 Sathya Sai Centers in more than 100 countries. Through this organisation, Sathya Sai Baba established a network of free hospitals, clinics, drinking water projects and schools. Sathya Sai's devotees are spread across the world.

Sathya Sai Baba had died at Puttaparthi on April 24, 2011 due to ill-health. As Sathya Sai's devotees are spread across the world, the Sathya Sai Central Trust moved a proposal to issue a commemorative stamp on Sai Baba last year.

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

Stamp on Intelligence Bureau

Date of Issue : 23 November 2013

A commemorative stamp on  Intelligence Bureau (IB), India’s internal  Intelligence  agency was also released today by India Post.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's internal intelligence agency and reputedly the world's oldest intelligence agency.It was recast as the Central Intelligence Bureau in 1947 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Shrouded in secrecy, the IB is used to garner intelligence from within India and also execute counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism tasks. The Bureau comprises employees from law enforcement agencies, mostly from the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the military.

Understanding of the shadowy workings of the IB is largely speculative. Many a times even their own family members are unaware of their whereabouts. One known task of the IB is to clear licences to amateur radio enthusiasts. The IB also passes on intelligence between other Indian intelligence agencies and the police. The Bureau also grants the necessary security clearances to Indian diplomats and judges before they take the oath. On rare occasions, IB officers interact with the media during a crisis situation. The IB is also rumoured to intercept and open around 6,000 letters daily. It also has an email spying system similar to FBI's Carnivore system. The Bureau is also authorised to conduct wire tapping without a warrant.

Japan Spain Joint Issue

 

400th Anniversary of the Relations between Japan and Spain

In recognition of floriculture and the plant species that are cultivated in such disparate places as Spain and Japan, the postal services of the two countries have released a joint set of stamps dedicated to the Geranium and Lespedeza Thunbergii. The two stamps are joined along the serration.

Tributes to C.V. Raman

 

Birth Anniversary  - 7th  November

Today is Birth Anniversary of great Indian Scientist, CV Raman. Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman,(7 November 1888 – 21 November 1970) was a physicist whose work was influential in the growth of science in India.

He was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930 for the discovery that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the deflected light changes in wavelength. This phenomenon is now called Raman scattering and is the result of the Raman effect.

Comores 1977 stamp featuring Noble Prize winners. CV Raman is also on the stamp.

: Kenneth Sequeira – Dubai

New stamps on Christmas

  

Date of Issue : 2 November 2013

Gibraltar Post issued a beautiful set of five stamps for this year’s Christmas.

 

Christmas and New Year stamps from  Spain

Spanish Correos issued a set of two stamp celebrating Christmas and New Year. The first stamp depicts a traditional nativity scene. Happy New Year! is the message featuring in the second Christmas stamp which is illustrated with the clock from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid and the traditional twelve grapes.

Spanish custom

A custom in Madrid in the late 19th century imposed the intake of twelve grapes at the chimes of the clock in the Puertadel Sol. The practice soon spread throughout Spain and seems to have its origins in a surplus of grapes in the area of Alicante and Murcia.A grape is eaten at each chime with the wish for a prosperous and happy new year.

This Spanish tradition became popular in Latin American countries where in some places fresh grapes are replaced by raisins like in Argentina. The arrival of the New Year is celebrated differently in each country. In Italy for example, it is customary to make a lentil soup and in Greece a cake is baked with a coin inside which promises a year of happiness for the person who finds it.

Club News

Special Covers

Tamil Naidu Postal Circle of India Post released a Special Cover on 26 June2013 on Anjuham Higher Secondary School Chennai.

: Ankit Agarwal - Pune