In the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign that symbolises energy, freedom, strength and forward movement.

To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse, MaltaPost has issued a set of two stamps featuring the horse, respectively, within a Chinese and Maltese cultural context. The €0.45 stamp was designed by local artist Maria Christina Bugeja, while the €1.91 stamp was created by Fang Jun from China.

The Horse is traditionally associated with dynamism, enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure, encouraging progress and the pursuit of new opportunities with confidence and determination. People born under this sign are often described as lively, intelligent and charismatic with a natural ability to inspire others and a strong will to succeed.

The Year of the Horse is believed to favour initiative, travel, creativity and open communication, making it a time when new opportunities arise that can lead to significant personal and collective achievements. The Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated on the 17th of February.

This stamp set will be issued in a sheet of 10 stamps, with each stamp measuring 35mm x 35mm, a comb perforation of 13.77 x 13.66, and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 98mm x 203mm and were produced by Printex Ltd in the offset process. The issue consists of 500,000 of the €0.45 stamp and 60,000 of the €1.91 stamp.

The stamps are now available 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; by telephone 2596 1740 or via e-mail info@maltaphilate

Photo: MaltaPost

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