Estonia: International Philatelic Exhibition "Mare Balticum 2024" - Tartu, Estonia

The International Philatelic Exhibition "Mare Balticum 2024" was held from 26th to 28th July 2024 in Tartu, Estonia. Tartu is not only one of the oldest cities in the Baltic States, but also one of the three European Capitals of Culture this year (besides Bad Ischl in Austria and Bodø in Norway). To note the two postmarks at the bottom of the cover applied by Latvian Post.

 

Stamps:

Personalized Stamp "Tartu, City Hall" - Issued: 22-02-2007

Arms of Estonia "Tartu" - Issued: 02-07-2007

The 100th Anniversary of the National University of Estonia, Tartu - Issued: 19-11-2019

Tartu - European Capital of Culture  - Issued: 26-01-2024

 

 

Many thanks to for this great Cover, Vera!

 

 

New Zealand: Chinese New Year - "Year of the Sheep"

 

Stamps:

Chinese New Year - "Year of the Sheep" (s/s) - Issued: 05-02-2003

Scenic Definitives (from a set of 6) - Issued: 01-07-2009

Many thanks to Pieter!

Brazil: The 200th Anniversary of German Immigration

Beginning in 1824, German settlers established communities in Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul, leaving a lasting impact on cities like Blumenau and Joinville. This anniversary honors the rich German heritage that has become an integral part of Brazil's diverse cultural landscape, highlighting the successful blending of traditions that continues to shape the nation today. Thus both countries issued a stamp commemorating this event. 

Stamp:

The 200th Anniversary of German Immigration - Issued: 24-05-2024

Many thanks to Damiao!

 

Unfortunately, I don't have the German stamp (Issued: 06-06-2024) on cover, but it looks like this:

Furthermore, from June 27 to June 29, a Germany-Brazil Bilateral stamp Exhibition was held in Haldensleben, Germany. The Special Cover below (besides others), with special postmark and personalized stamp was issued during this event.

Canada: Total Solar Eclipse - April 8th 2024

On April 8, 2024, a spectacular and rare celestial event unfolded over Canada, the United States and Mexico – a total solar eclipse. As the Moon aligned perfectly between Earth and the Sun, temporary darkness swept across parts of these countries, captivating countless spectators. One of the most stunning locations to witness this rare event was the Niagara Falls. Thanks to Linda for sending me a cover from there on the exact date!

Stamps:

Total Solar Eclipse - Issued: 14-03-2024

Christmas (from a set of 3) - Issued: 04-11-2019

From Far and Wide "Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, Yukon" (from a set of 9) - Issued: 13-01-2020

I recently received another Cover with this particular stamp on it. Many thanks to Inger!

Stamps:

3x Total Solar Eclipse - Issued: 14-03-2024

 

Cyprus: EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths”

Stamps:

EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths” (full set) - Issued: 06-05-2022

Refugee Fund Tax Stamp 2023

Germany: RV "Elisabeth Mann Borgese"

The Elisabeth Mann Borgese is a German research vessel named after the renowned marine law expert and environmentalist Elisabeth Mann Borgese. Operated by the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, this ship is primarily used for scientific exploration of the Baltic Sea. Equipped with advanced technology, it supports research in marine biology, chemistry, and geology, contributing significantly to our understanding of marine ecosystems. Launched in 2012, the vessel plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring and the sustainable management of marine resources.

To note on this cover a stamp commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Elisabeth Mann Borgese issued in 2018 (3,70 € face value) was used. On the left you can also see on the bottom the current ship postmark and a postmark of the managing company Briese Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG Research.

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of Elisabeth Mann Borgese - Issued: 12-04-2018

 

Picture of the Ship:

Source: https://briese-research.de/research-department/research-vessels/rv-elisabeth-mann-borgese

 

Indonesia: Musicians of Indonesia

 

Stamps:

Musicians of Indonesia (from a set of 8) - Issued: 17-08-2020

Many thanks to Irene!

China: China Shipbuilding Industry (Part II)

Stamps:

China Shipbuilding Industry (Part II) (full set) - Issued: 23-04-2024

Sincerity - Issued: 20-08-2014

 

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Liechtenstein: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 03-06-2024 (on official First-Day-Cover)

Serbia: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 08-05-2024

Many thanls to Jelena!

Belgium: "The Olympic Dream" - Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024

Team Belgium has a total of 170 athletes for Paris 2024, including 84 women and 86 men and 10 reserves including 5 women and 5 men. In 21 sports Team Belgium will be represented. Team Belgium is traveling to the Olympics with the largest delegation of athletes since 1928 (Amsterdam). 

Stamp:

"The Olympic Dream" - Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024 - Issued: 10-06-2024

Many thanks to Wesley!

South Korea: The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation

The Chungsuk Academic Foundation is the parent foundation of the Cheongju university. The Cheongseok Academic Foundation’s beginning can be traced to 1924, when Daeseong Primary School was founded with the mindset of saving the country, which was under Japanese rule, through education. Today, it has become a landmark of education, made up of seven schools ranging from elementary schools to universities. The Cheongseok Academic Foundation has raised 140,000 talented individuals to this day, and is currently aiding 20,000 students in their pursuit of knowledge in its capacity as a national private school of tradition. The stamps on the first day covers below are commemorating the 100th Anniversary.

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation - Issued: 12-04-2024

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation - Issued: 12-04-2024

Many thankt to Park Pyo Jun and Choonjong Park!

 

 

 

 

Switzerland: Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024

Swiss Olympic has selected 120 athletes to represent Switzerland in Paris. By the way Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time. In 1900, women were finally permitted to take part, but only 22 did. By 1924, women made up 4 percent of the athletes. A century on, and there will be just as many female as male athletes competing this year.

 

Stamps:

Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024 - Issued: 02-05-2024

Alinghi - Winner of the America's Cup - Issued: 07-03-2003

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Greenland: EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" (1 from a set of two) - Issued: 30-05-2023

Deserted Stations  - Issued: 15-05-2017

 

This Cover was cancelled in the City of Nuuk.

 

Norway: The Netherlands Arctic Station, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

The Netherlands Arctic Station is owned and run by the Arctic Centre of the University of Groningen. It is  situated in Kongsfjorden on the island of Spitsbergen and is part of an international research community in the former mining town of Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. In this town, more than 10 nations have their own station while using shared facilities for meals and recreation. The whole local community is focused on science and maintenance of infrastructure. Several stations have independent terrestrial research programs and the Netherlands Arctic Station is the smallest of all. During the summer months the Station Manager is Maarten Loonen, who is very collectors friendly, which can be seen from the beautiful cover below.

Stamp:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 09-05-2023

 

Many thanks to Maarten for this beautiful cover!

China: The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Joint Issue w/ Malaysia

On May 31st 2024 a joint issue between China and Malaysia was put into circulation. The stamps commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between these two countries. The commemorative stamp features iconic plants from both countries, namely the Merbau, Malaysia's national tree, and the Greeting Pine, one of China's most famous trees. I'm happy to receive a cover from both Countries, Malaysia and China. Many thanks to Raymond and Xu Wei!

China:

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Issued: 31-05-2024

Malaysia:

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Issued: 31-05-2024

 

Vietnam: The 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory

The Battle of Điện Biên Phủ was a climactic confrontation of the First Indochina War that took place between 13 March and 7 May 1954. It was fought between the French Union's colonial Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist revolutionaries.

Stamps:

The 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (full set) - Issued: 05-05-2024

 

Many thanks to Andrei!

 

France: The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York

Wednesday, April 17, 2024, marked the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New York Bay by Giovanni Da Verrazzano. This Italian navigator who worked for France called the new land Nouvelle-Angoulême, in honor of the King he served: François Ier, count of Angoulême. 

I'm very happy to receive two covers with a very nice sheet commemorating this event 500 years ago. The first cover was mailed from Lyon, many thanks Eric! The second was mailed from Roland from this year's Philex Stamp Exhibition.

Stamp:

The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York (m/s) - Issued: 15-04-2024

Stamp:

The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York (m/s) - Issued: 15-04-2024

Slovenia: The 100th Anniversary of Football in Slovenia

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of Football in Slovenia - Issued: 13-07-2020

Many thanks to Primoz!

Luxembourg: Summer Olympics in Paris 2024

The 2024 Summer Olympics,  and officially branded as Paris 2024, is an upcoming international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 26 July (the date of the opening ceremony) to 11 August 2024 in France. Paris is the main host city, with events held at 16 other cities spread across Metropolitan France, plus one subsite in Tahiti—an island within the French overseas country and overseas collectivity of French Polynesia.

Stamp:

Summer Olympics in Paris 2024 - Issued: 14-05-2024

Many thanls to Steve!

Åland: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" - Issued: 08-05-2024

Many thanks to Rune!

Bulgaria: The 50th Anniversary of Shumen University

The Constantine of Preslav University of Shumen in Bulgaria is named after Constantine of Preslav, the student of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Shumen University is one of the five classical public universities in Bulgaria it is recognized as a leading university that offers modern facilities for education, scientific researches and creative work. The university was founded as the Higher Pedagogical Institute with a decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of Bulgaria in 1971. In 1995 it was transformed into Constantine of Preslav University of Shumen.

Stamps:

Souvenir Sheet of 4x The 50th Anniversary of Shumen University - Issued:  01-11-2021

Thanks a lot Emil!

Switzerland: 100 years Einsiedeln World Theatre

The village of Einsiedeln has been staging world theatre performances for a century and celebrates the festival’s centenary this summer. The outdoor theatre in the village of Einsiedeln, Canton of Schwyz, will raise the curtain for the 17th time this summer – 100 years after the very first performance. The world theatre is inspired by a play written by the Spanish philosopher Caldéron. Since 2000, this play has been revisited to produce performances that don’t just involve Caldéron, but also current issues. The village has traditionally been involved both backstage and on stage, and the anniversary stamp pays tribute to this huge collective effort. (Source: www.post.ch)

To note on this se-tenant stamp sheet only the mid stamp acually got a face value (CHF 1,00), not the other two. This seems different compared to older issues like this one of the Rhine Falls from 2016 or this one from 2020. This cover also got a matching day postmark from Einsiedeln dated on 2nd May 2024, the first day of issue.

Stamps:

100 years Einsiedeln World Theatre - Isued: 02-05-2024

Admission of Switzerland to the UN - Issued: 10-09-2002

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Mexico: Various Joint Issues (2019 - 2022)

 

Stamps:

FAMEX Airshow 2019 - Issued: 24-04-2019 (not a joint issue; Canada was the "Country of Honour")

The 200th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Colombia - Joint Issue w/ Colombia - Issued: 20-12-2021

70 Years of Diplomatic Relations - Israel-Mexico Joint Issue - Issued: 13-09-2022

The 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Lebanon - Issued: 30-09-2020

 

Many thanks to Bernardo!

 

Germany: Brig "Roald Amundsen" Baltic Sea Journey 2024 (May - August 2024)

Roald Amundsen (often abbreviated 'Roald'; named in honor of Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen), originally named 'Vilm', is a German steel-ship built on the Elbe River in 1952. Having worked in different areas, she was refitted in 1992 to 1993 as a brig (two-masted square-rigged sailing ship) and now serves as a sail training ship. During summer, she usually operates in the Baltic Sea, and usually embarks for journeys to farther destinations for winter, including several trans-Atlantic crossings. 

This cover documents the start of the Baltic Sea journey of 2024 in Emden (Day Postmark Emden 03-05-2024), as can be seen from the small postmark on the left bottom "Auslaufen Emden" (= departure Emden). During its journey, the ship will call at several ports, for example in Sweden, Poland and Estonia. I hope to show some of them here.

Stamps:

Sights in Germany - "The Brocken" - Issued: 01-03-2024

Definitives "Flowers - Cardamine pratensis" - Issued: 18-12-2018

UPDATE September 2024:

Recently I received two other covers with nice stamps and postmark from the post calls in Mariehamn, Aland and Szczecin, Poland.

Stamp:

EUROPA 2016 - "Think Green" (from a set of 2) - Issued: 09-05-2016

Stamps:

European Universities Games in Lodz - Issued: 15-07-2022

The 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Commission of National Education - Issued: 14-10-2023

 

Picture of the Ship:

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen_(ship)#/media/File:Roald_Amundsen_Kiel2007_1.jpg

Romania: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 24-04-2024

Many thanks to Mihnea!

Moldova: Treasures of the National Museum

 

Stamp:

Treasures of the National Museum (m/s) - Issued: 20-10-2023

Many thanks again to Alex!

Canada: Haines Junction, Yukon Territory (YT)

Haines Junction is a village in Yukon, Canada. It is at Kilometre 1,632 (historical mile 1016) of the Alaska Highway at its junction with the Haines Highway, hence the name of the community. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics lists the population count for 2022 as 1,018. Haines Junction has a subarctic climate (Dfc) with mild summers and long, severely cold and snowy winters, with annual snowfall averaging 64.5 inches (164 cm). 

Stamps:

Tourism - From Far and Wide (from a set of 11) - Issued: 14-01-2019

The 23rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference - Isued: 07-03-1978

Old Utensils - Issued: 08-04-1983 

The 100th Anniversary of the Victorian Order of Nurses - Issued: 12-05-1997

First Canadian-Born Governor General - Issued: 01-02-2002 

Many thanks again to Linda!

 

 

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haines_Junction,_Yukon#/media/File:Haines_junction.jpg

 

Philippines: Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020

Hidilyn "Hidi" Francisco Diaz-Naranjo, born February 20, 1991, is a Filipino weightlifter. On July 26, 2021, at the 2020 Summer Olympics for the women's 55 kg category for weightlifting, Diaz won the first ever gold medal for the Philippines, becoming the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal for the country. PHLPost horored this with the issue of a set of 10 different stamps. Some of them are shown on the covers below. 

Stamps:

Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 18-09-2021

Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 18-09-2021

3x Different Greetings from Philippine Dialects (from a set of 11) - Issued: 00-08-2023   

 

Many thanks to Danny and Vanessa!

 

India: The 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Mauritius - Joint Issue w/ Mauritius

 

Stamps:

The 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Mauritius (m/s) - Issued: 20-11-2023

Definitives - Makers of India (Shivaji Maharaj, 1630-1680) (from a set of 2) - Issued: 00-01-2016

Many thnanks to Dilip!