The Principality’s Stamp Issuing Office has started selling the latest postage stamps marking several important Monégasque events taking place this year. The first Monégasque stamps – featuring the effigy of the Prince Charles III – appeared in 1885, but the postal history of Monaco can be traced back to the Principality’s first postmark in 1704. We’re taking a look at some of this year’s creations that will certainly receive a lot of interest from philatelists around the world.
International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo
At the beginning of every year, the Principality becomes the global circus capital. The postage stamp for 44th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo pays tribute to the noblest conquest of man, the horse. Arabian horses, Friesians, Spanish and Portuguese stallions are present at this year’s circus festival.
Expo 2020 Dubai
The theme of World Expo 2020 hosted by Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future!”. The 1,700 m² large Monaco Pavilion called “Monaco 360°, a world of opportunities” will showcase all aspects of the Principality paying special attention to H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s commitment to protecting the environment.
International Dog Show
The Monaco Canine Society, organising the next International Dog Show taking place in May, focuses on the Irish Wolfhound. The breed is one of the tallest dogs and was used for hunting the wolves not only in Ireland but all over Europe. Couples of Wolfhounds were often given as gift to European royal houses.
Opera Singers
Fidès Devriès and Tito Schipa, two great opera singers, will be depicted on Monégasque stamps this year. Fidès was a Dutch soprano who sang four roles at the Monte-Carlo Opera in 1887, and three in 1889. That year she made her final appearance as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. The Italian singer Tito Schipa occupies a special place in the pantheon of great tenors thanks to his immediately recognisable voice. He created the role of Ruggiero in Puccini’s La Rondine at the Monte-Carlo Opera in 1917.
Legendary Race Cars
The Cooper Climax T53 and the McLaren M23 will be depicted on stamps issued in March. This legendary race car is a single-seater vehicle with a rear engine and five-speed gearbox. It competed in Formula 1 and Formula 2 back in the 60’s enabling Jack Brabham to become world champion. The McLaren M23 competed in Formula 1 in the 70’s. Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974 and James Hunt in 1976 became world champions behind the wheel of McLaren M23.