Issue date: 03 Feb, 2020
12 MONTHS, 12 STAMPS. ARABA/ALAVA
The 12 months, 12 stamps series features the initials of the place name with a range of images displaying the tourist attractions of the province. February's stamp is dedicated to Araba/Alava.
The first letter is in the shape of the bell tower of the cathedral of Santa Maria in Vitoria-Gasteiz, whose octagonal shape topped by a steeple rises above the city, offering splendid panoramic views of the city to the faithful and visitors alike. This Gothic cathedral was built over the remains of a 13th century church which formed part of the wall protecting the town.
The wine glass forming the second initial symbolises the land dedicated to growing grapes, highlighting the wine-making riches of the two denominations of origin treasured by the province: Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí from Alava. Rioja Alavesa produces fine fruity red wines made from tempranillo, garnacha, mazuelo, graciano and viura grapes. Txakolí is the characteristic white wine of the Basque Country, it is fruity and low in alcohol with light acidity. It is made from the local hondarribi zuri grape, and produced in the Amurrio, Llodio and Ayala areas.
The mountainous nature of the area offers numerous hiking trails through the many natural parks dotted around the province, such as Valderejo, Izki, Aizkorri-Aratz, Urkiola and Gorbeia, whose 1482 metre peak has been crowned since 1899 by a famous metallic cross, as we can see in the image of the second initial.
The background to these symbols shows the amazing landscape of the Valle Salado of Añana, comprising a network of canals, horizontal platforms (eras) and stepped terraces covered in salt.
The crimson stripe at the bottom of the stamp alludes to the colour 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.