site.btaUPDATED Postage Philatelic Issue on Chinese New Year Launched in Pernik

The Chinese New Year - Year of the Fire Horse is celebrated by a postage philatelic issue that was launched at the Palace of Culture in Pernik on Thursday, Bulgarian Posts said.

The issue, which is printed in a quantity of 3,600 copies, is designed by Bulgarian artist Lyuba Tomova. 

The launch ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bulgaria Dai Qingli, municipal government officials, Bulgarian Posts executives, and representatives of the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists. A cultural programme dedicated to Chinese and Bulgarian traditions took place during the event.

Bulgarian Posts noted that the launch was part of the preparations for the Balkanphila Balkan Philatelic Exhibition, which will be held in Pernik from April 29 to May 2.

The launch ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bulgaria Dai Qingli, Pernik Regional Governor Lyudmil Veselinov, Pernik Mayor Stanislav Vladimirov, Bulgarian Posts Executive Director Zdravko Anakiev, Lyuba Tomova, and Union of Bulgarian Philatelists Chair Spas Panchev, among others.

Vladimirov opened the ceremony, emphasizing that philately is an art without borders. He noted that the validation of the stamp dedicated to the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of strength and energy, is a good sign for the upcoming initiatives.

Ambassador Dai Qingli extended congratulations on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. She recalled that the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists annually issues stamps dedicated to the animals of the Chinese calendar and thanked Panchev and his team for the cooperation.

Dai Qingli stated that the author of the stamp issue, Lyuba Tomova, combines traditional Chinese aesthetics with Bulgarian decorative spiral motifs, and through dynamic lines, the posture of the Fire Horse is recreated - a symbol of vitality and drive. She pointed out that the validation ceremony is a testament to the deepening cultural exchange between China and Bulgaria.

Panchev recalled that friendly relations between Bulgaria and China date back to 1949 and noted that Chinese philatelists have been among the regular participants in international exhibitions organized in Bulgaria. He pointed out that Bulgarian postage stamps dedicated to the Chinese New Year have been issued since 2008, and this has been done annually since 2018.