Liechtenstein: "150 years of the Vorarlberg Fire Brigade Association" - Special Mail Transport Vaduz-Hohenems

In 2025, the Vorarlberg Fire Brigade Association celebrates its 150th Anniversary. To commemorate this historic occasion, a special philatelic event has been organized on May 3rd 2025: a ceremonial mail transport between Vaduz, Liechtenstein, and Hohenems, Austria. This cross-border special mail transport is not only symbolic of the strong ties between the neighboring regions of Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg but also pays homage to the spirit of unity and collaboration that has defined the fire brigades over the last century and a half. Hohenems in Austria has been choosen because the stamp exhibition "ÖVEBRIA" took place there. An arrival psotmark was applied on the back of the cover.

Stamps:

Greeting Stamps (from a set of 2) (FL) - Issued: 05-03-2001

Fire engines (from a set of 10) (FL) - Issued: 00-00-2024

Juniperus communis (AT) - Issued: 01-05-2025

Slovenia: Peter Prevc - World Ski Flying Champion 2016

Peter Prevc is a renowned Slovenian ski jumper, widely recognized for his achievements in international ski jumping competitions. Born on September 20, 1992, in Kranj, Slovenia, Prevc has become one of the most successful ski jumpers in the history of the sport. Prevc rose to fame during the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup seasons, with his most dominant performance in the 2015–16 season, where he won the overall World Cup title, the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, and the Ski Flying World Championship. 

Stamp:

Peter Prevc - World Ski Flying Champion 2016 - Issued: 06-05-2016

Many thanks to Slavica!

South Korea: Dinosaur World Expo, Goseong

Stamps:

Dinosaur World Expo, Goseong - Self-Adhesive (full set) - Issued: 14-04-2006

Many thanks Choonjong!

Italy: The 50th Anniversary of the First "Scudetto" of S.S. Lazio

In 2024, S.S. (Società Sportiva) Lazio celebrated the 50th anniversary of winning their first Serie A title in 1974. This historic achievement marked a golden moment in the club’s history and remains a proud symbol for Lazio fans around the world. 

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the First "Scudetto" of S.S. Lazio    - Issued: 12-05-2024

Many thanks for this nice Cover Marcello!

Malaysia: International Women's Day

Every year on March 8th, the world celebrate International Women’s Day, a global occasion to recognize the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. The national malaysian theme of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is "Wanita Beraspirasi, Membina Legasi", which means "Women with aspirations, build legacies".

Stamps:

International Women's Day (full set) - Issued: 08-03-2025

Many thanks Henry for this nice FDC!

Luxembourg: 40th Collector's Fair in Ettelbrück + Special Hot Air Ballon Flight

This cover below commemorates the first balloon mail flight in Ettelbrück, Luxembourg, carried by the balloon "Feierwôn LX-BOT" (with a cachet from the flight on the back). It was issued on the occasion of the 40th Collector's Fair in Ettelbrück, held on March 9, 2025. The cover is franked with a stamp celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the hot air balloon Feierwôn (1975–2025). The name Feierwôn is a reference to the song by Luxembourg poet Michel Lentz, which was written in 1859 to mark the first train journey from Luxembourg railway station. The ballon which made the flight was not the original one from 1975. Today’s Feierwôn is already the fifth replica.

Stamp:

50 years First Flight of the Hot Air Ballon "Feierwôn" - Issued: 11-03-2025

Switzerland: Eurovision Song Contest 2025

In May 2025, the Eurovision Song Contest takes to the stage in Basel, returning to its country of birth – the first Eurovision was held on 24 May 1956 in Lugano. The very first winner was Lys Assia, a world-famous singer and actress from the canton of Aargau, who won the first contest for Switzerland with her song “Refrain”.

Many thanks to Hansjürg for this nice Cover mailed from Lugano on the first day of issue!

Stamps:

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 - Issued: 06-03-2025

Pro Patria - Post Signs (from a set of 4) - Issued: 27-05-1981

Greenland: Narsarsuaq

Narsarsuaq is a settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. It had 123 inhabitants in 2020. There is a thriving tourism industry in and around Narsarsuaq, whose attractions include a great diversity of wildlife, gemstones, tours to glaciers, and an airfield museum. In 1941 the United States built an air base at Narsarsuaq code-named Bluie West One (BW1). (Bluie was the Allied military code name for Greenland.) Thousands of planes used BW1 as a stepping stone on their way from the aircraft factories in North America to the battlegrounds of Europe. The importance of the airport can also be seen by the runway in the cancellation of Narsarsuaq. But the airport is due to be closed in late 2026 when Qaqortoq Airport is scheduled to open.

Stamps:

2x Kofoed´s School Nuuk (+Additional Value) - Issued: 18-10-2017

France: Street Art - "Acrobats + The Juggler"

Stamps:

Street Art - "Acrobats (bloc stamp) + The Juggler" - Issued: 08-03-2025

Many thanks to Eric!

Germany: 30 years Lufthansa nonstop Flights Munich <-> Tokyo

In November 2024, Lufthansa marked the 30th anniversary of its direct flight connection between Germany and Tokyo. The milestone highlighted three decades of strong air travel ties between the two countries. To commemorate the occasion, a special flight took place on November 18th 2024. The covers below show both the flight LH 714 from Munich to Tokyo and the way back on flight LH 715 from Tokyo to Munich.

LH714 from Munich-airport -> Tokyo, Japan

Stamp:

Special personalised Stamp "Airbus A350-900"

LH715 from Tokyo -> Munich-Airport

Stamps:

International Exposition "EXPO 2025" - Osaka, Kansai (full set) - Issued: 12-04-2024

Poland: The 80th Anniversary of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University

Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (MCSU) (Polish: Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, UMCS) is a public research university, in Lublin, Poland. It is named in honour of Marie Curie-Sklodowska. The University was founded on October 23, 1944, by the Lublin Committee during the Second World War. Since then, It has expanded to be the largest university in Eastern Poland, with over 12 Faculties in Lublin, and a satellite campus in Puławy. The University has nearly 16,000 students, who study in over 90 disciplines. Out of those 16,000, over 1,600 are international students, who represent almost 45 countries.

Stamp:

The 80th Anniversary of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University - Issued: 21-10-2024

Many thanks to Roman!

Germany: The 250th Anniversary of the Clausthal University of Technology

In 2025, the Technische Universität (TU) Clausthal is celebrating its 250th anniversary. Founded in 1775 as a mining school, the university has a long history in engineering and natural sciences and is now also active in areas like sustainability and digital technologies. To commemorate this milestone, the Deutsche Post has issued a special commemorative stamp (as can be seen below). The design reflects both the university’s mining roots and its current focus on innovation. TU Clausthal is planning a number of events throughout the year, including lectures, exhibitions, and academic conferences. 

Stamp:

The 250th Anniversary of the Clausthal University of Technology  - Issued: 01-03-2025

In addition to the stamp and First Day Cover, Deutsche Post also issued an official First Day Sheet, featuring background information on the TU Clausthal and the design of the stamp:

Many thanks to Nadja Wischmeyer for sending me both, the cover and the nice information sheet.

As part of the celebrations, Deutsche Post also issued a special Anniversary Cover featuring the TU Clausthal stamp with a first day cancellation from Bonn. Inside the cover was a postcard, which can also be seen below.

 

Vietnam: Dog Breeds of Vietnam

Stamps:

Dog Breeds of Vietnam  (full set) - Issued: 10-10-2024

Many thanks to Andrei!

Germany: Research Vessel "Planet"

The "Planet" is a state-of-the-art naval research vessel operated by the German Navy and is considered the most modern research ship within NATO. Built using the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design, it offers exceptional stability even in rough sea conditions. Commissioned on May 31, 2005, the "Planet" serves primarily as a platform for testing advanced sonar systems and studying maritime environmental conditions. 

 Stamp:

Natural Climate Protection - Issued: 05-09-2024

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

Source: (c) Bundeswehr

 

 

New Zealand: Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers - "Franz Josef Glacier"

Every year on March 21st, World Glacier Day highlights the importance of glaciers and their alarming retreat due to climate change. One striking example is Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand, a once-majestic river of ice that has dramatically shrunk over the past decades.

Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, this glacier was one of the few in the world that advanced during the 20th century. However, since the 2000s, it has been retreating rapidly, losing over 1 km in length. Scientists warn that continued warming could make it inaccessible without a helicopter in the near future.

 

Stamps:

Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers - "Franz Josef Glacier" - Issued: 04-03-2009

Scenic Definitives 2007 + 2009 - Issued: 09-05-2007 + 01-07-2009

Many thanks to Pieter!

Singapore: Raffles Institution Bicentennial & 50th Anniversary of Sport Singapore

Raffles Institution is the oldest English medium school in Singapore, with a history that paralleled the nation's history. 2023 marked as the school's 200th anniversary. Separately, Sport Singapore (SportSG) celebrates 50 years of serving Singapore through Sport. It will continue to work with a vast network of public-private-people sector to enable all to Live Better Through Sport.

 Stamps:

Anniversaries "Raffles Institution Bicentennial &  50th Anniversary of Sport Singapore" - Issued: 28-04-2023

Many thanks to Henrik!

Luxembourg: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

This special cover was issued by the Luxembourg Post on the occasion of the 2024 International Stamp Fair in Ulm. In the bottom left corner, you can see a small image of Ulm's city skyline. The special postmark on the cover was also applied at the fair in Ulm.

 Stamp:

 The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 10-09-2024

 

Germany: Lufthansa First Direct Flight (LH 852/853) Frankfurt a. M., Germany <-> Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village), Finland

From November 30, 2024, Lufthansa started to fly twice a week from Frankfurt to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, for the first time. Rovaniemi is located on the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by untouched nature and not far away from the famous Santa Claus Village. The covers below record both the flight from Frankfurt to Rovaniemi and the flight back. 

1. Lufthansa LH 852 Frankfurt a.M. -> Rovaniemi (with an arrival postmark of Napaiiri, which is a district of Rovaniemi). To note, the flight was not done with an Airbus A319 as planned, instead with an Airbus A321, as indicated by the cachet on the top left.

Stamps:

Christmas - Issued: 02-11-2015 

Snow Man - Issued: 03-11-2014

2. Lufthansa LH 853 Rovaniemi -> Frankfurt a.M. with a postmark from the Santa Claus Main Post Office

Stamp:

The Glow of the Sun (from a set of 2) - Issued: 11-09-2024 (many thanks to Kimmo)

Philippines: The 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic ("Philippines’ longest Postage Stamp")

In celebration of the 2024 Araw ng Kalayaan and the 125th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic of 1899, the Philippine Postal Corp. or PHLPost issued the “longest stamps” to set a new Guinness World Record. The commemorative stamp features historical vignettes that transpired from the declaration of Philippine Independence in 1898, the arrival of Aguinaldo in Malolos Bulacan, the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic at the Barasoain Church in 1899, the Philippine American War, Aguinaldo’s odyssey in Northern Luzon with women nursing the wounded, Apolinario Mabini in Pangasinan, and Aguinaldo’s capture in Isabela but others continued to fight for liberty in 1901. The sheetlet strip of three measures 200 mm.

(Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226769)

Stamp:

The 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic - Issued: 14-06-2024

Many thanks to Ani!

China: Yi Si Year (Year of the Snake, 2025)

The Year of the Snake is one of the 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac, and it occurs every 12 years. People born under this sign are often considered wise, intelligent, and mysterious. They are also seen as graceful and sometimes a bit secretive. The Snake is associated with traits like intuition, elegance, and a deep inner strength. In Chinese culture, the Snake is also linked to wealth and good fortune, but it can also represent danger or caution because of its connection to the serpent.

Stamps:

Yi Si Year (Year of the Snake) (full set) - Issued: 05-01-2025

New Year Greetings (full set) - Issued: 05-01-2025

 

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Taiwan: Sports

Stamps:

Sports (full set of 4) - Issued: 10-07-2020

Many thanks to Su Wu-Chang!

Japan: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 

Stamps:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) (from a set of 10) - Issued: 09-10-2024

International Letter-Writing Week (from a set of 3) - Issued: 07-10-2024

 

 

 

Many thanks to Masako!

France: T.A.A.F - Port-aux-Français, Kerguelen Islands - "on board of the R/V Marion Dufresne"

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands is an overseas territory of France. It consists of: Adélie Land (Terre Adélie), the French claim on the continent of Antarctica, Crozet Islands (Îles Crozet), a group in the southern Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar, Kerguelen Islands (Archipel des Kerguelen), a group of volcanic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, southeast of Africa and southwest of Australia, Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands (Îles Saint Paul et Amsterdam), a group to the north of the Kerguelen Islands and Scattered Islands (Îles Éparses), a dispersed group of islands around the coast of Madagascar.

The cover below was sent in late spring 2024 to the research vessel Marion Dufresne for the upcoming cruise season. It has several cachets from the crew members and is signed by the ship's commander, Ganor Ginat. The letter was then cancelled in Port-aux-Français, the largest settlement on the Kerguelen Islands.

Stamp:

Personalities - "Philibert Commerson (1727-1773) - Issued: 02-01-2023

Italy: The 25th Anniversary of the Venice Foundation for Peace Research - Joint Issue w/ Vatican

The Venice Foundation for Peace Research was instituted on 3 November 1999. According to Article 2 of its statute, it has the aim of “carrying out research activities in cooperation with national and international bodies and institutions on issues related to security, development and peace, and implementing and promoting initiatives aimed at publishing results of the research undertaken”. The Foundation’s  President, Antonio Silvio Calò, explained that over the years, the Foundation “has implemented actions which, taking account of the social and political contexts, have fostered peace processes, particularly through the defence of the rights of individuals and peoples”.

Many thanks to Eric for sending me both the italian stamp on cover and the one from Vatican send on the first day of issue! 

Italy:

 

 

Stamps:

 

The 25th Anniversary of the Venice Foundation for Peace Research - Joint Issue w/ Vatican - Issued: 14-11-2024

 

 

 

Vatican:

 

Stamps:

The 25th Anniversary of the Venice Foundation for Peace Research - Joint Issue w/ Italy - Issued: 14-11-2024
 

Thailand: Micro Shells of Thailand

 

Stamps:

Micro Shells of Thailand (full set) - Issued: 26-09-2024

Many thanks to Andrei!

Switzerland: Definitive Stamps - Swiss Railway Stations ("2024 Overprints")

Originally issued in 2016 as part of the new “Swiss railway stations” definitive stamps set the two designs, of Lucerne and Brig railway station were re-issued by Swiss Post with an overprint. Because not all of the stamps were sold and the face values have changed, the remaining stamps were simply lying around in stock. Swiss Post gave the “old” stamps a second chance by overprinting them with the current face values. 

Many thanks to Hansjürg for sending me this nice Cover with one stamp with the Railway Station in Brig from the 2016 Issue and one from the 2024 overprint-issue. Mailed on the first day of Issue from the City of Brig.

Stamps:

Definitive Stamps - Swiss Railway Stations "Brig" - Issued: 08-09-2016

Definitive Stamps - Swiss Railway Stations (Overprint) "Brig" - Issued: 05-09-2024

Coins - Supplementary Stamps (from a set of 3) - Issued: 01-01-2022

Lithuania: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" - Issued: 26-04-2024

Brazil: MERCOSUR 2023 - "Video Games"

Stamps:

MERCOSUR 2023 - "Video Games" - Issued: 13-12-2023

Many thanks to Damiao!

Cyprus: 50 Years of the Cyprus Thalassaemia Association + 70 Years of the Pancyprian Greek Teachers Organization (POED)

 

Stamps:

50 Years of the Cyprus Thalassaemia Association - Issued: 04-04-2023

70 Years of the Pancyprian Greek Teachers Organization (POED) - 04-04-2023

Refugee Fund Tax Stamp 2023

Tunisia: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Stamps:

3x The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Thanks a lot Mohamed!