Serbian stamps

EXPO 2027 Belgrade definitives (2024-)

In 2024 were issued new definitive stamps about EXPO 2027 which will take place in Belgrade. Obviously, stamps are issued in service of promotion the event. They will circulate as definitives probably until 2027.

All designs are about space exploration as symbol of new techonologies, ideas and future. But all of them are actually reused desings of Yugoslavian issue ‘EXPO 1967 Canada’. All stamps have logo of EXPO 2027 Belgrade. Also, on all stamps on the right side is written name Petar Jakelić (Петар Јакелић) who was the designer of Yugoslavian EXPO 1967 stamps. Mr Jakelić gave permission to Serbian post to reuse his designs, for free.

Motifs on stamps:

- E - Sputnik 1 and Explorer-1, artificial Earth sttellites ;

- X - satellites Tiros, Telstar and Molnija;

- P - Luna-9 and Lunar Orbiter, spacecrafts used to explore Moon surface;

- O - Mariner-4 and Venera-3, spacecrafts used for planetary exploration;

- B - spacecrafts Vostok and Gemini/Agena;

- G - astronaut in space, out of the spacecraft.

Face value on all six stamps are letters that create acronym EXPO BG. All letters as face values can be used for different postal services, so it should provide that definitive stamps will not be changed before 2027, altrough prices of postal services might be increased.

E 2024

X 2024

P 2024

O 2024

B 2024

G 2024

Christmas

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays. It is celebrated both by Ortodox and Catholic believers. Despite catholics and ortodox believers in some other ortodox countries, Christmas is celebrated in Serbia on January 7th. The reason is that Serbian Ortodox Church uses Julian calendar. Of course, catholics in Serbia celebrate on December 25th.

Serbian post issues Christmas stamps every year. There are usualy two stamps. These issues depict religious motifs and Christmas customs. Christmas stamps are usualy issued in November or December, so they could be used for sending New year and Christmas mail.

2006

16,50 RSD stamp shows usual Christmas meal (table) as Serbo-Ortodox custom. There are apples, a glas of wine and Christmas bread called česnica. Česnica is special bread prepared for Christmas. Custom is to put some symbolic items in it: a coin, a bean, a sprig of basil. Whoever gets a part of česnica with coin, he will be lucky in following year. As decoration, there is sprouted grain with candle. Also, in the background is oak branch called badnjak. On Christams eve badnjak is put in fire, with prayers for family's wealth. 46 RSD shows Christmas decoration.

2007

20 RSD stamp shows part of icon "Nativity of Christ". 46 RSD stamp shows "Nativity of Christ" from 18th century, kept in Museum of Serbian Ortodox Church.

2008

20 RSD stamp depicts "Nativity of Christ" from 18th century, by unknown author. 46 RSD stamp shows "Nativity of Christ" (1776) by Dimitrije Bačević, Serbian icon painter in baroque style.

2009

Both Christmas stamps show frescoes from Krušedol monastery. These frescoes were painted by Jov Vasiljević in 1749. 22 RSD fresco show Nativity of Christ and 46 RSD stamp shows Epiphany.

2010

2010 Christmas stamps depict frescoes from Church of the Holly Virgin in Zemun. Those frescoes are painted by iconographer Arsenije Teodorović. Both of them are about the Nativity of Christ.

2011

22 RSD stamp shows icon "Nativity of Jesus" created in 1780 by Jakov Nedić in his painting workshop in Szentendre. 112 RSD stamp shows part of icon "Nativity of Christ", painted in period 1818-1820 by Arsenije Teodorović.

2012

2012 Christmas stamps depict two icons from two temples in Sremski Karlovci, small town in Vojvodina. 22 RSD stamp depicts "Nativity of Christ" icon from the iconostasis of the Monastery of the Presentation of the Holy Mother of God in Sremski Karlovci (so-called Upper Church in Sremski Karlovci). This iconostasis is work of Dimitrije Bačević, who painted it from 1760 to 1761. 46 RSD stamp depicts "Nativity of Christ" icon from iconostasis in Church of the Holy Apostoles Peter and Paul in Sremski Karlovci (so-called Lower Church in Sremski Karlovci). It was created by Dimitirje Bratolić from 1828 to1831.

2013

Christmas issue from this year is dedicated again to icons that can be found in Vojvodina. 22 RSD stamps depicts "The Birth of Christ" icon from iconostasis of the Church in Bašaid. It was painted by Pavle Simić from 1866 to 1867. 46 RSD stamp depicts "The Birth of Christ" icon from iconostasis in Cathedral of Saint Niclas in Vršac. Here is shown adaptation of the icon by Pavel Đurković (1807).

2014

This year religious motifs on Christmas stamps originated from Žiča, one of the most important Serbian monasteries. 23 RSD stamp depicts fresco "Christmas Anthem". 70 RSD stamp depicts the same fresco, but only it's central part (Virgin and Child), while on the right part of the stamp are shown notes with the song of Damaskin Grdanički.

2015

2015 Chirstmas stamps depict two icons kept in Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad. 23 RSD stamp depicts icon "The Annunciation" by Dimitrije Bačević from 1769. 70 RSD stamp depicts icon "Adoreation of the Kings" by Nikola Nešković from 1763.

2016

2016 stamps depict parts of "The Nativity" fresco from the Gradac monastery. 23 RSD stamp depicts scene of bathing of the new-born Christ and 100 RSD stamp depicts scene of the escape to Egypt.

2017

Stamps issued in winter 2017 depict Christmas decoration - usual Christmas motif. 23 RSD stamp, similar as 20 RSD stamp in 2007, depicts Christmas table: apple, česnica, sprouted grain and badnjak. 74 RSD stamp depicts Christmas cookies, mistletoe and fruits.

2018

2018 Christmas stamps got back to religious motifs. Stamps depict scenes of "The Nativity" fresco from Sopoćani monastery. 23 RSD stamp shows scene of nativity and 100 RSD stamp show scene of the bathing of the Christ.

2019

New ilustration of traditional Christmas decoration can be seen on 2019 series. 27 RSD stamp depicts fruits, badnjak and grain. 100 RSD stamp depicts misteltoe, Chrismas sock, Christmas candies and bell.

2020

These series depict ilustrations of scenes connected to the story of the Nativity. 27 RSD stamp depicts Mary with Jesus and 70 RSD shows Visitation of the wise men.

2021

2021 Christmas stamps are related to Christmas decoration, but this time it was simplified - both stamps depict one decoration object each. 30 RSD stamp depicts badnjak. Badnjak is Chrismas oak branch. By tradition, early in the morning of Christmas eve, men go to forest to get the badnjak. Of course, nowadays badnjak can be bought on markets. On Christmas eve, badnjak is getting thrown to fire, with prayers to bring health, happiness, love and wealth. Customs about badnjak are specific for Serbian-Ortodox Christmas tradition. 100 RSD stamps depicts crochet Christmas angel as decoration.

2022

This year was issued one stamp. This stamp reminds more of New year and Chritmas together because it shows spirit of winter holidays. It actually depicts visual identity of "Winter Fairytale", festival organised in Belgrade from 15th December 2022 to 15th January 2023.

2023

2023 Chritmas stamp depicts Christmas decoration with badnjak and Christmas letter. On the letter is written the inscript 'Христос се роди', which means 'Christ is born'. That is traditional Christmas greeting in Serbia.

Tourism in Serbia - series

Development of modern Serbian tourism started in young independent Serbia in 19th century. In those times, rulers were hiring foreign geologists to survey therminal water and build spa centers. Today, tourism is officialy recognized as a primary area of economic and social growth. Due to it's geographical position, natural beauties embodied in spas, lakes, mountains, and villages, cultural heritage and a large number of international cultural events, Serbia is constantly attracting more and more tourists. The main destinations are big cities Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš. Important destinations are also big spas, mountains (for hiking in summer and skiing in winter) and villages (ethno-tourism).

Unfortunately, spas are not in good condition today. Many of them are really old with bad infrastructure. Some of them are suitable only for medical treatments (recover) with thermnial water, and they are visited only by domestic tourists - patients, but they also need to get modernised. The most popular spas are Vrnjačka Spa and Sokobanja (Soko Spa) with renewed infrastructure, new hotels and activities for young people, provided by private capital. Unfortunately, the state doesn't have money to renew all of them, so some of them were sold to private persons. That was the way to renovate some spas, but some of them became real wellness centers that are not affordable to many domestic tourists.

In 2018, Serbian Post started issues titled as "Tourism in Serbia". In a few years there was one stamp per year on this theme. We hope Serbian Post will continue promoting important touristic spots through stamps.

Zlatibor (125 years of organized tourism) (2018)

Zlatibor tourist center is located on and named after Zlatibor mountain in south-west Serbia. The tourist center is part of Čajetina muncipality. Tourist activity was established here in 1893 by King Aleksandar Obrenović who allowed fountain to be built. The spring for that fountain was renamed as "King's Drinking" and it is still active. Today Zlatibor is one of the most important touristic centers in Serbia with many new hotels and touristic facilities such as Stopića cave, Gostilje waterfall, Sirogojno village open air museum, "Shargan Eight" railway tour, ski center Tornik, "Dino park" adventure park. In 2021 was opened Gold Gondola, the longest (9 km) panoramic lift in the world. Unfortunately, developed tourism has attracted many investitors, so the tourist center is being built unplanned. It became real urban environment, instead of being an oasis in nature. Real estate prices are even higher than in many parts of Belgrade.

The stamp is contained of two pictures. The small picture depicts view on pedestian zone in Zlatibor tourist center. The big picture depicts the Open air museum Old village Sirogojno.

Sokobanja (2019)

Sokobanja is spa in Sokobanja muncipality in eastern Serbia. It is located in basin, surrounded by mountains (Rtanj and Ozren are the most important ones), with Moravica river and lakes Bovansko and Vrmdžansko nearby. Prince Miloš Obrenović ordered the construction of a hospital here in 1837. It was just a start of tourism in Sokobanja. Now it is modern spa and of the most visited tourist centers in Serbia. It is famous for extraordianry climate, modern hotels and wellness, historical villas, Byzantine archeological sites, medieval town Sokograd. Surrounding area is suitable for swimming in lakes and mountain climbing. In modern culture, Sokobanja is recognizable for rhyme writen by Serbian satirist Branislav Nušić: "Sokobanja, Soko-grad, dođeš mator, odeš mlad", which means "Sokobanja, Sokograd, you come old, you leave young".

The stamp is contained of two pictures. The bigger one depicts the medieval town of Sokograd (Sokolac) and the smaller depicts the Turkish bath Amam.

Golubac Fortress (2020)

Golubac is medieval fortress on the south side of Danube, located in north-east Serbia, Golubac muncipality. Like a gate, Golubac marks the entrance to the Đerdap national park. The name of the fortress came after word golub, meaning pigeon or dove. It is uncertain who built it and when, but it was an important in medieval Serbia. It has had defensive important defensive fucntion. It consists of three compunds and nine towers and palace. In period 2014-2019 the fortress was reconstructed. Today inside the fortress are located visitors center, archeological park, exibitions, souvenir shop, caffe, and there is also a pier for ships.

Gamzigrad - Felix Roumilana (2021)

This is one of the most important archological sites in Serbia. It is the imperial palace of the Roman emperor Gaius Valerius Maximianus Galerius (305-311, period of Tetrachy). It was built in 3/4 century near today's village Gamzigrad and city of Zaječar in eastern Serbia. Galerius named the palace Felix Romuliana after his mother Romuliana. On the site were found well preserved palaces and temples, with mosaics, sculptures and other artifacts. The palace is protected as UNESCO world heritage site (WHS) since 2007. The stamp depicts part of the site.

650 years of Stari Grad (Old town) Užice Fortress (2023)

Užice is city in western Serbia. Near city, on a rocky hill near river Djetinja, is located fortress called Stari Grad, which means Old Town. The fortress was built in 14th century. It is conducted of a few connected walls and towers. It was Serbian medieval fortress. In 15th century it was conquered by the Ottomans, until XIX century when it was abandoned. The fortress has been protected since 1983. In last years the upper town was reconstructed. There is a plan to reconstruct middle town and down town, as well as the bridge.

Joy of Europe

Joy of Europe is an international children’s gathering event. It is organised every year at the beginning of October. The first festival was organised in 1969. Since then, this event brings together children of Europe from 7 to 15 years of age who promote friendship through different activities and also present exchange of different cultures. A great writer and children’s friend Duško Radović put together fifteen universal symbols (child, Europe, bread, play, book, love, mother, peace, father, song, friend, bird, joy, freedom, sun) connecting children all around the world by dancing, singing and finally by image.

A part of “Joy of Europe” since 1998 has been the international art competition under the same name. At the contest, the children works are divided into five categories for children between five and eighteen. Over the time, the contest expanded much beyond the boundaries of Europe, bringing together children and youth from the entire world.

Joy of Europe commemorative stamps are tradition since 1974 in Yugoslavia. Today, as result of the art competition, the works of the most talented children from Europe and the world find their place on the stamps Serbian post named “Joy of Europe”.

2006. two stamps

2007. Work by Isidora Ljuboja, 7 years old, Serbia

2008. one stamp

2009. Work by a boy from UAE.

2010. Pink pig, drawing by Tamara Vukomanović, 6 years old, Serbia

2011. Andreja Nikolić, 7 years old, Serbiathe first award in individual competition of age 7-10

2012. Darja Celišćeva, 7 years old, Serbia

2013. The drawing of Rita Kavai (9 years, 2nd grade of Primary School J.J.Zmaj, Subotica, Serbia) won the 1st prize on the competition (22 RSD stamp).

Maja Trifunović (6 years, Art worhshop Dlan, Obrenovac, Serbia) won the third prize 46 RSD stamp).

2014. K. Banuchander, 10 years old, India.

2015. Dhanui Mihirbhai Doshi (the winner of the competition), 10 years old, India

2016. Katarina Kovačević, 11 years old, Serbia.

2017. Uglješa Milenković, 11 years old, Serbia.

2018. Teodora Despotović, 7 years old, Serbia.

2019. Anđela Marjanović 14 years, Serbia.

2020. Tanja Novaković, 15 years old, Serbia

Because of the global pandemic, the Children’s Cultural Centre decided to cancel the scheduled programme related to the International Visual Arts Competition “Joy of Europe”. It was decided that 2020 visual meeting would take a virtual form, and the 23rd International Visual Arts Competition “Joy of Europe” had the character of a non-competitive show. The visual art schools and ateliers that have been represented in the visual art meetings “Joy of Europe” for more than ten years were cordially invited to display the recent works of their young artists. The selection of artworks was characterised by global pandemics, and the message was clear, connected to isolation, communication, introspection and the whole situation in those times.

2021. Dunja Sudžum, 11 years old, Serbia

2022. Nebojša Jovčić, 11 years old, Serbia