On 9 May 2014, MaltaPost will issue a set of two stamps depicting traditional Maltese musical instruments. One of the stamps will also be participating in this year's EUROPA stamp competition themed -"National Music Instruments".

The EUROPA stamp issues encourage cooperation between European postal operators, by creating awareness of Europe's common roots, culture and history and common goals through such philatelic issues. For this year's issue, the Malta stamps highlight musical instruments that were popular in the 19th century. They portray details from an oil painting by the renowned Italian artist Girolamo Gianni who was active in Malta in the latter part of the 19th century. The stamps depict bagpipe and drum musicians performing at Valletta's Porta Reale.

The €0.59 stamp will be Malta's entry for the Best EUROPA Stamp Contest. The contest is an annual online event where creative entries from across Europe compete for the best design. One can vote for the best EUROPA stamp by visiting www.posteurop.org

The "National Music Instruments" set was designed by MaltaPost and will be issued in a sheetlet bearing 11 stamps. Each stamp measures 47.15 mm x 20.5mm, has a perforation of 13.6 x 13.7 (comb.) bearing the Maltese Crosses watermark. Printex Ltd has printed the stamps in offset and the issue consists of 39,600 of each stamp.

The stamps will be available as from Friday 9 May 2014 from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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