Issue date: 08 Jan, 2013
This stamp is dedicated to the recognition of the 1513-2013 boundary stones (Mugas) recalling the treaty of neighbourhood, friendship, mutual aid, protection and use of pastures, paths and water between the pyrenean valleys of Aragon and France.
The stones indicate the boundary lines between Spain and France along the high valleys of the Pyrenees. In medieval times, in order to maintain a geographic, economic and commercial unity between the mountain dwellers, agreements were reached enabling inhabitants from each side of the border to move freely from one country to another with their cattle to graze, collect wood and supplies. To ensure the protection of people and animal hospitals or shelters were set up in the mountains.
In this context the Treaty of Port Astún, was signed in 1131 under the reign of Alfonso I of Aragon. This monarch granted the use of the border pastures of Candanchú, La Raqueta and Espelungué to the monks of the Hospital of Saint Cristina. The relationship between the two pyrenean areas was generally a good one until two centuries later King Martin the Humane forbade the French the use of land and pasture in retaliation for their support to the Count of Foix in his quarrels against the king of Aragon.
In the 16th century and under the reign of Ferdinand the Catholic King, the treaty with the neighbouring shepherds was restored. In 1513, the king granted the city of Jaca the property and rule over Astún and a new agreement was reached bringing concord between the two borders, whereby Jaca undertook the obligation to grant a hundred wages annually to its neighbours.
To ratify the recognition of the boundary stones in the Treaty of Port Astún, the City of Jaca and the councils of the French towns of the Aspe Valley: Urdós, Séte-Eygun and Etsaut celebrate every year a day of getting together and recognition of the border stones signing the minutes later transmitted to their respective governments.
The stamp features an interpretation of the recognition of the boundary stones with the clasped hands of the four aldermen as a sign of their close relationship and good neighbourhood.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.