Issue date: 02 May, 2017
12 MONTHS, 12 STAMPS. ASTURIAS
Asturias features on the new stamp of the 12 months, 12 stamps series launched this year by Correos, and it will be the only type of postage used for mail submitted at post offices in that province.
As with the other stamps in the series, the province is represented with the letter A, making reference to the old vehicle number plates in Spain.
In the space within the letters, significant elements of the province can be admired.
The Casina, or Asturian mountain cow, a local breed of cattle. This breed has been part of the landscape and ecosystem of Asturias since time immemorial, and its milk is used to make many of the region’s rich cheeses.
Don Pelayo, the first king of the Kingdom of Asturias, who stopped the Muslims advancing in the north and began the Reconquest. He is a symbol of Asturias and it is said that he carried the cross, now preserved inside the Victory Cross, at the battle of Covadonga.
The medieval bridge of Cangas de Onís is a typical postcard image of this province. Famous for its stilted arch, it has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. A reproduction of the Victory Cross hangs from its central arch.
Naranjo de Bulnes or Urriellu Peak, located in the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa mountains. It stands 2,519 metres high is one of the favourite peaks among day-trippers and hikers.
The stars of Asturian gastronomy, cider and fabada bean stew, satisfy the appetites of locals and visitors. Asturias has over 500 types of apples and their juice is used to make this elixir, which has its own pouring and drinking ritual. Fabada, made with local beans and quality sausages, is cooked over a low heat in Asturian kitchens.
And the typical madreña clogs, made from a single piece of wood, are ideal for the wet, muddy paths of the rainy climate of Asturias.
The lower blue stripe is reminiscent of the provincial flag.
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.