“Stamps are privileged messengers of a people’s natural and cultural heritage. With the mail we send, we share notes on our history and traditions, literary curiosities, examples of architecture and biodiversity. We mark famous dates, pay tribute to figures from our culture, and distinguish moments that, due to their relevance, are important to all of humanity”, says CTT, in a statement.

With this in mind, CTT asks all interested parties to send suggestions for themes “which, due to their importance, could illustrate next year’s postage stamps”.

Suggestions must address certain themes such as “historical and cultural figures”, that is, “personalities who, due to their trajectory and work, stood out on the national scene and whose commemorative dates of birth we mark (centenaries, bicentennials and other important dates)”.

Two other areas involve “dates in history”, seeking “events that determined and contributed decisively to the development of our identity as a people”, or events of “international projection”, that is, “events that, given their relevance and global nature, mark Portugal’s relations with other peoples and cultures, and are worthy of worldwide celebration”.

CTT is also looking for “thematic” suggestions, relating to “general themes that evoke distinct aspects of our cultural (material and immaterial) and natural heritage, highlighting our uniqueness as a people”.

Proposals must be sent by the end of next March to the person responsible for New Philatelic Issues at CTT, Lurdes Além, by post (to Avenida dos Combatentes, 43, 1643-001 Lisbon) or via email filatelia.design@ctt.pt