MaltaPost is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Winning Stamp Award in the SEPAC Stamp Competition 2025/2026, with its entry receiving the highest number of votes from across Europe and being crowned the most beautiful stamp among all participating countries.
The Small European Postal Administrations Cooperation (SEPAC), of which MaltaPost is a member, brings together thirteen 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.
The theme for 2025 was "Architecture", and MaltaPost's philatelic 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 MaltaPost's official entry for the competition.
The winning stamp portrays the impressive Neo-Gothic church that dominates the village skyline. Renowned for its intricate stonework, 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 Philately at MaltaPost, expressed her delight at the achievement: "We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from SEPAC. This award reflects the dedication, 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."
The award-winning stamp was designed by Mariah Grech, a local artist from Marsaxlokk and an MCAST graduate specialising in Game Art and Visual Design, Interactive Media and Photography. Commenting on the award, Mariah Grech said: "Designing this stamp was both a privilege and an inspiring creative 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."
This achievement continues to showcase Malta's artistic talent, cultural heritage and philatelic excellence on the European stage.