Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545453
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 JUNE 2026 CULTURE MaltaPost wins top honours in SEPAC Stamp Competition MaltaPost has won the SEPAC Stamp Competition 2025/2026 with a design by Maltese artist Mariah Grech, after its stamp was voted the most beautiful across Europe MALTAPOST has won the pres- tigious Winning Stamp Award in the SEPAC Stamp Competi- tion 2025/2026, after its entry received the highest number of votes from across Europe and was named the most beautiful stamp among all participating countries. The award-winning stamp was designed by Mariah Grech, a lo- cal artist from Marsaxlokk and an MCAST graduate specialising in Game Art and Visual Design, Interactive Media and Photogra- phy. The Small European Postal Administrations Cooperation (SEPAC), of which MaltaPost is a member, brings together thir- teen European postal operators. Each year, SEPAC launches a joint stamp issue based on a common theme and invites the public to vote for their favourite design. "Designing this stamp was both a privilege and an inspiring cre- ative journey. Capturing the character and grandeur of this iconic landmark was a rewarding challenge and I am thrilled that the design has resonated with so many people across Europe," Mariah Grech said, commenting on the win. The award-winning stamp was designed by Mariah Grech The award-winning stamp was designed by Mariah Grech The theme for 2025 was Archi- tecture, and MaltaPost's phila- telic issue featured three stamps showcasing notable architectural landmarks from Malta and Gozo. The €1.91 stamp, depicting the majestic Parish Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Għajnsielem, Gozo, was selected as Malta- Post's official entry for the com- petition. The winning stamp portrays the Neo-Gothic church that dominates the village skyline. Renowned for its intricate stone- work, elegant pointed arches and soaring spires, the church stands as a remarkable testament to Malta's rich architectural and cultural heritage. Mary Simpson, Head of Philat- ely at MaltaPost, expressed her delight at the achievement. "We are honoured to receive this pres- tigious recognition from SEPAC. This award reflects the dedica- tion, creativity and passion that MaltaPost invests in producing philatelic issues of the highest quality. Winning this award for the second time, following our success in 2022, is a source of great pride for MaltaPost and for everyone involved in the project." MaltaPost said this achieve- ment continues to showcase Malta's artistic talent, cultural heritage and philatelic excellence on the European stage. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The award-winning stamp was designed by Mariah Grech Stamp voted most beautiful in Europe