Issue date: 19 Jul, 2015
61st HABANERAS AND POLYPHONY INTERNATIONAL CONTEST
A commemorative stamp is being released for the 61st Habaneras and Polyphony International Contest, which is held annually in Torrevieja (Alicante). The image's background is a sea environment and, in the foreground, the sculpture of La Bella Lola can be seen. This work of art is located in Torrevieja and pays homage to the women who wait for their most beloved to return home after working at sea. La Bella Lola is also the title of a well-known Habanera.
The history of this musical competition begins in Torrevieja in 1955, when the contest was held for the first time in order to promote the city's image and attract the tourism that was beginning to arrive on the Mediterranean coast. The first editions were national in scope, and were called “The Torrevieja Habaneras Contest”. Several decades later, given its success, the musical contest became international and widened its scope to “Habaneras and Polyphony”. The contest enjoys national participation, in which choruses from all Spanish provinces have a place; and international participation, in which choruses from the five continents perform. In its 60th edition, the contest was declared to be of “International Tourist Interest”.
In terms of national representation, the majority of the groups are made up of amateurs, while their directors are acclaimed professionals in the music world. However, in the international category, professional groups predominate. These groups include renowned choruses from the United States, Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Lithuania, Austria, Poland and many more. A unique characteristic is that local choruses from Torrevieja always participate outside of the contest.
In 1994, the “Junior Habaneras National and International Contest” was held for the first time, which also includes national and international categories. More recently, and to promote music among children, the Board that governs the contest created the Municipal Choral School.
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.