Romania celebrates 70 years in UNESCO with a new stamp series
On July 2, Romfilatelia and Poșta Română introduced a new series of postage stamps to commemorate Romania's 70 years as a member of UNESCO. This milestone reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its active role in promoting international peace and collaboration through education, science, culture, and communication.
Romania joined UNESCO on July 27, 1956, and has since contributed to the organization's mission of ensuring universal respect for justice, law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The stamps honor the important cultural elements that Romania has contributed to the UNESCO list.
Among these, the traditional art of Doina, inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in October 2009, has a nominal value of 6.50 lei. The vibrant Ceramics of Horezu, recognized in December 2012, is priced at 11 lei and showcases the unique craftsmanship of the Vâlcea region, where local men extract clay and women skillfully decorate pieces using specific techniques and symbols.
The stamp representing Scoarța, which is part of Romania's rich textile tradition, is valued at 16 lei. This ancestral craft involves weaving on horizontal or vertical looms and incorporates preparation processes like sorting and manual processing of textile fibers. The name 'scoarță' has Latin origins and reflects the deep-rooted cultural significance of these woven textiles.
The Cobza, an essential musical instrument in both rural and urban communities, will be included in the UNESCO list in December 2025. With a nominal value of 6 lei, it not only enriches the musical landscape but also fosters community cohesion and the intergenerational transmission of traditional music. The increasing participation of women and girls in playing the cobza marks a significant step towards gender equality and diversity in the arts.
This stamp series not only celebrates Romania's achievements within UNESCO but also highlights the importance of preserving and sharing its cultural heritage with the world.