2251) The "Dance of the Bear" ("ball de l'ossa d'Encamp"), Principality of Andorra ("Principat d"Andorra"): "Correus Espanyols" ("Correos Espana" or Spanish Post) has issued a postage stamp of 1.65 Euro depicting the popular festival: Date/Year of Stamp set issue: 11.02.2022:

2251) The "Dance of the Bear" ("ball de l'ossa d'Encamp"), Principality of Andorra ("Principat d"Andorra"): "Correus Espanyols" ("Correos Espana" or Spanish Post) has issued a postage stamp of 1.65 Euro depicting the popular festival: Date/Year of Stamp set issue: 11.02.2022:

The "Dance of the Bear" ("ball de l'ossa d'Encamp"):

The "ball de l'ossa d'Encamp" ("Dance of the Bear") is a popular theatrical and dance performance around a bear hunt that takes place on Carnival Monday in the parish of Encamp, Andorra. 

In the first half of the twentieth century the tradition was lost and the dances of the Bear were disappearing from the Principality. 

In Encamp, the dance of the bear revived in the fifties by the journalist and writer Rossend Marsol Clua (Sícoris), who formalised its representation.

 The "Dance of the Bear of Encamp" together with the "Last Bear of Ordino" that is celebrated in the first week of December, are the only manifestations that survive of this ancestral Andorran tradition. 

These two festivals are included in the "General Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of the Government of Andorra" as "Intangible Assets", and their inclusion in the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO" is also being processed.

The Andorra Bear Festival is considered a theatrical farce, in other words, a one-act comedy performance. This festival features a variety of characters typical of Andorran rural life of the last century and the hunting of the animal is presented as a pretext to stage the trifles in which they are immersed.  

During these festivities, a variety of characters from Andorran rural life appear and the hunting of the animal is presented as a pretext to stage the trifles in which they are immersed. 

The bear dance is, therefore, a carnival representation where the people caricature the social classes, mocking both the rich and the poor.

 At the end of the performance, garlic and quince oil are distributed to all attendees.

The Stamp:

The Postage stamp of 1.65 Euros depicting the Bear Dance.

The First Day Cover (FDC) shows the Bear Dance at left. At top right is affixed the postage stamp issue to celebrate the festival.

The square shaped Cancellation Stamp is titled "BALL DE L'OSSA" and is of Andorra la Vella Post Office. The Cancellation is dated -"11.02.2022". 

Interesting links to posts on Portugal and Spanish Coins and postage stamps on this blog:

For interesting posts on Coins and stamps of Portugal, please visit the following links:

1) Portuguese "Estado da India" or "State of India:

2) India-Portugal: Joint Stamp issue: A set of two Commemorative Stamps in the denominations of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- and 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 07.01.2017

3) Did you Know Series (15): A visit to Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part III): i) Indo-Danish Coins ii) Indo-Dutch Coins iii) Indo-French Coins iv) Indo-Portuguese Coins

4) "Four Leaf Clover": Endangered Flora Species: A Silver Proof 5 Euro Coin and a Brilliant Uncirculated Cupro-Nickel Coin issued by the Impresa Nacional Casa de Moneda (INCA) in September 2018

5) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

6) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker"character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp issue: 31.03.2020

7) Portuguese Numismatics (1st Group): A set of four Stamps in the values of N20g, A20g, E20g and 120g issued by CTT Correios (Portuguese Post) in partnership with INCM ("Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (the "Portuguese Mint & Official Printing Office") depicting coins from various periods of history: Date od Stamp set issue: 22.04.2020

_{^{8) Ancient Postal Routes, Portugal: EUROPA 2020 Theme: CTT or CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) has brought out three Postage stamps of the values of 0.86 Euro each on the theme: Stamp set issue date: 25.05.2020}}

_{^{9) Ancient Postal Routes, Azores (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 Euro each issued by Correios, (Portugal Post) on behalf of Azores: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020}}

_{^{10) Ancient Postal Routes, Madeira (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 each issued by CTT or "CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) on behalf of Madeira: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020}}

_{^{11) 300 Years of the Foundation of Royal Academy of History (1720-2020), Portugal: Two Single Stamps of 0.53 Euro & 1.00 Euro and one stamp of 2.00 Euro contained on the Miniature Sheet (MS) issued by CTT or Correios de Portugal (Portuguese Post): Date of Stamps issue: 22.06.2020}}

_{^{12) "Linha Do Douro" ("The Douro Line (Train)", Portugal:12th Coin in the Ibero-American Coin Series titled "Historic Trains" brought out by the "Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda" (INCM): Date of issue: 06/2020}}

_{^{13) "Portuguese Numismatics Series (2nd Group)," Portugal: A set of Four Postage Stamps issued by CTT (Correios de Portugal, S.S. - Portuguese Post), in collaboration with INCM (The Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda - (National Printing House and Mint), Portugal: Date of Stamp Set issue: 30.03.2021}}

14) "Endangered National Wildlife", Portugal: EUROPA - 2021: Correios de Portugal (CTT - Post of Portugal) has issued two Stamps featuring Critically Endangered National Wildlife - The European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis") and Saramugo ("Anaecypris hispanica"): Date of Stamp set issue: 07.05.2021

15) "Endangered National Wildlife", Madeira (Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA - 2021: Correios de Portugal (CTT-Portugal) has issued two Stamps featuring Critically Endangered National Wildlife - Zino's Petrel (Pterodroma madeira") and The Loggerhead Turtle ("Caretta caretta"): Date of Stamp set issue: 07.05.2021

16) "Endangered National Wildlife", Azores (Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA - 2021: Correios de Portugal (CTT - Post of Portugal) has issued two Stamps featuring Critically Endangered National Wildlife - Azores Noctule ("Nyctalus azoreum") and The Blue Whale )"Balaenoptera musculus"): Date of Stamp set issue: 07.05.2021

17) A 30 Escudo Banknote (1959), Goa, Portuguesa India: Printed by Banco Nacional Ultramarino in 1959, this Banknote was in circulation in Portuguese Goa, India

18) "Discovery of Antarctica", Portugal: Correios da Portugal (CTT - Portuguese Post) has brought out a set of stamps featuring the important discovery hypothesised by Aristotle in )384-322 BC): Date of Stamp set issue: 16.06.2021

19) "Handicraft Jewellery in the Mediterranean", Portugal: "EUROMED" theme for 2021: CTT-Correios de Portugal, S.A. (Portuguese Post) has issued two postage stamps depicting traditional Portuguese jewellery - "Gaio Arrecada" & "Monte Moliao Arrecada": Date of Stamp set issue: 09.07.2021

20) "Joao Da Nova, Portuguese Sea Explorer, Portugal: "Five Centuries of the Portuguese presence in the Southern Seas": A set of two stamps issued on him by CTT or Corrieos de Portugal Post (Portuguese Post): Date of Stamp issue: 11.10.2021

21) Vhils (b.1987), Street Artist, Portugal: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Casa Da Moeda (Portuguese Mint): The Coin features artwork of a stylised Human Eye by Vhils: Date/Year of Coin issue: 18.11.2021

22) Portuguese Numismatics, Portugal: "Correios de Portugal" (CTT) (Portuguese Post in collaboration with "Imprensa Nacional Casa Da Moeda" (INCM) has brought out the final set of four coins minted between the 16th and 20th Centuries depicted on stamps: Year of Stamps issue: 24.01.2022

The "Age of Discovery" Escudo Banknote Series:

1) Joao de Barros (1496 - 20.10.1570) (Sea-faring Explorer and Historian), Portugal: "The Age of Discovery" Escudo Banknote Series which was replaed by the Euro on 28.02.2002: A 500 Escudo Banknote issued by Banka de Portugal featuring Barros: Date of Banknote issue: 17.04.1997

2) Pedro Alvarez Cabral, Portugal: "The Age of Discovery" Escudo Banknote Series which was replaced by the Euro on 28.02.2002: A 1000 Escudo Banknote issued by the Banka de Portugal featuring Cabral: Date of Banknote issue:15.04.1996

3) Vasco da Gama, Portugal: "The Age of Discovery" Escudo Banknote Series which was replaced by the euro on 28.02.2002: A 5000 Escudo Banknote issued by the Banka de Portugal featuring Vasco da Gama: Date of Banknote issue: 12.09.1996

My Stamp Album - The Adventures of Tori & Co.:

i) "MyStamp Album - The Adventures of Tori & Co." ("O Meu Album De Selos As avebturas de Pori & Companhia"), Portugal: Correios Portugal (Portuguese Post) began this Stamp Series in 2017, where Tori & his friends travel through space and time learning about the country's history, economy etc: Year of first issue: 2017

ii) My Stamp Album - "The adventures of Tori & Co." ("O Meu Album De Selos As avebturas de Pori & Companhia"), Portugal: Correios Portugal (Portuguese Post) began this Stamp Series in 2017, where Tori & his friends travel through space and time learning about the country's history, economy etc. Year of Second issue: 2018

iii) "My Stamp Album - The Adventures of Tori & Co." ("O Meu Album De Selos As avebturas de Pori & Companhia"), Portugal: Correios Portugal (Portuguese Post) began this Stamp Series in 2017, where Tori & his friends travel through space and time learning about the country's history, economy etc.: Year of third issue: 2019

iv) "My Stamp Album - The Adventures of Tori & Co." ("O Meu Album De Selos As avebturas de Pori & Companhia"), Portugal: Correios Portugal (Portuguese Post) began this Stamp Series in 2017, where Tori & his friendes travel through space and time learning about the country's history, economy, technology and Natural Resources etc.: Year of fourth issue: 2020

v) "My Stamp Album - The Adventures of Tori & Co." ("O Meu Album De Selos" As Avebturas de Pori & Companhia"), Portugal: Correios Portugal (Portuguese Post) began this Stamp Series in 2017, where Tori & his friends travel through space and time learning about the country's history, economy, technology, Natural Resources etc: Year of fifth issue: 2021

For interesting posts on Coins and stamps of Spain, please visit the following links:

 1) Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: the creator of Don Quixote: Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of his death by issue of two coins in the denomination of 200 Euros (Gold) and 10 Euros (Silver) by the Royal Spanish Mint - Real Casa de la Moneda in 2016

 2) Comprehensive history of the Dollar illustrated on a Kilo coin minted by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in association with the Real Casa de la Moneda on 29.05.2017 

3) Treasures of the Spanish Museums: Fifth Part of the Series: Paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum depicted on coins released on 07.06.2017

4) Old Town of Avila, Spain: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on a 2 Euro Proof Coin by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM- "National Coinage & Stamp Factory - The Royal Spanish Mint)

5) History of Navigation (or "Historia de la Navigacion"): 2nd issue: A set of four coins brought out by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM):: 02/2019

6) Spanish Renaissance: 200 Euro (4 Escudo) Gold and Silver 10 Euro (8 Reales) Collector Coins: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Coin Programme" depicted on Gold and Silver Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda: Issue date: 27.05.2019

7) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

8) "The Firebird", Principality of Andorra (Principat d' Andorra), Spain: A 0.70 Euro postage Stamp dedicated to the Russian community in Andorra: Stamp issue date: 30.10.2019

9) "Nacional Museo del Prado", Spain: Celebrating the Bicentenary milestone (1819-2019): Commemorative Silver Coins of 30 Euros issued by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda on 20.11.2019: Coins minted by the Madrid Mint

10) Machu Picchu: "Wonders of the Modern World". A 1.35 Euro Stamp brought out by Correos Post, (Spanish Post) on 15.09.2017

11) Petra, Jordan: "Wonders of the Modern World Stamp Series" begun in 2015: A Stamp issued by Correos Post (Spanish Post) of the tariff value of "C" Class: Stamp issue date: 14.01.2020

12) Colosseum of Rome, Spain: "Wonders of the Modern World Stamps series": Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has brought out a Stamp featuring the Colosseum of Rome in its latest Stamp issue: Date of Stamp issue: 21.01.2021

12) The New Silk Road: A Joint issue of a two stamp set of 1.50 Euros each by Spain (Correos Post) and China: Stamps issue date: 01.07.2019

13) Charming Towns, Spain : For the past five years, Correos (Spanish Post) has issued Stamps and Postcards on four beautiful Spanish villages as old-fashioned accordion-style postcards: Date of PostCards/Stamp set issue: 30.03.2020

14) "International LGBTQ Pride Day", Spain: The LGBTQ Pride Day Flag (Rainbow Flag) depicted on the first ever stamp issued: Date of Stamp issued: 15.06.2020

15) "Card Games", Spain: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a Stamp Sheet of 3.80 Euros representing the four suits (Swords, Pentacles, Cups & Wands) in a Tarot Deck, as the Origins of Card Games: Date of Stamp Sheet issue: 02.07.2020

16) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the Eurostar Programme" II) The Fabrica Nacoinal Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de Moneda have issued their fifth and final Gold (200 Euros) and Silver (10 Euros) Proof Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 09/2020

17) Classical Music Genres, Spain: Correos (Spanish Post) has brought out this Stamp of 4.00 Euros, dedicated to Classical Music: Date of Stamp issue: 18.11.2020

18) Spain: Second Coin released in the popular Coin Series titled - "V Centenario Vuelta al Mundo" (meaning - Fifth Centenary of the First Circumnavigation of the World") Collector Coin Series released by the Fabrica Nacional Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda on 16.11.2020

19) The Carnival of Canillo, its Harlequins and its King "Carnelstoltes", Principality of Andorra (Spain): Correos Espaniyol (Spanish Post) has issued a postage stamp of 1.50 Euro depicting two Harlequins in traditional Carnival Costumes: Stamp isue date: 12.02.21

20) The Historical Centre of Toledo, Spain: A Postage Stamp of 5.80 Euro highlighting the UNESCO World Heritage City of Toledo issued by Correos (Spanish Post): Issue Date: 19.03.2021

21) Spanish Museums, Spain: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued 3 Stamps of 1.50 Euro each, highlighting Spanish Culture through Historical Museums - i) Postal and Telegraph Museum, Madrid ii) National Museum of Roman Art, Merida and iii) Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, La Rioja: Date of Stamps set issue: 26.03.2021

22) "PuyDu Fou Theme Park", Spain: Postage Stamps brought out by Correos Espana (Spanish Post) dedicated to the popular Theme Park in the country: Date of Stamps issue: 26.03.2021

23) Graphic Humour, Mikel Urmeneta, Spain: The "Graphic Humour Stamp Series" this year has a stamp dedicated to him featuring his humourous creation of Little Red Riding Hood & the Blue Wolf: Date of Stamp issue: 31.03.2021

24) Mail Art, Spain: The first Postage stamp in the World dedicated to this form of expression/art discipline, issued by Correos Espana (Spanish Post) on the theme "Aire" depicting a world ball, protected with a gas mask, symbolically highlighting Environmental Pollurion on our planet: Date of Stamp issue: 13.04.2021

25) "Endangered National Wildlife", Principality of Andorra ("Principat d'Andorra"): EUROPA - 2021: Correos (Spanish Post) has issued a set of two Stamps featuring Critically Endangered National Wildlife - The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus): Date of Stamp set issue: 30.04.2021

26) "Endangered National Wildlife", Spain: EUROPA - 2021: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a Postage Stamp featuring Critically Endangered National Wildlife - The Iberian Lynx ("Lynx pardinus"):Date of Stamps issue: 14.05.2021

27) Carbarceno Nature Park, Spain: "Fauna 2021": Espana Correos (Spanish Post) has issued a Stamp of 2.50 Euro featuring this Nature Park: Date of Stamp issue: 10.06.2021

28) The "Giants Of The City of Ontinyent", Spain: 75th Anniversary: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a Postage stamp of 0.70 Euro commemorating the milestone of this popular Festivity: Date of Stamp issue: 16.06.2021

29) Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, Spanish Explorer, Spain: "Discoverers of Oceania Stamp Series": Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a Stamp printed on wooden paper, simulating the material on which ships were built: Date of Stamp issue: 22.06.2021

30) "Caceres", Spain: "Urban World Heritage Stamp Series": "Espana Correos" (Spanish Post) has issued an intaglio Stamp of 5.80 Euro depicting the Old Town od Caceres: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 30.09.2021

31) "El Camino de Santiago" (or "The Way of St. James"), Spain: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a booklet and Philatelic Document of 15 Stamps on the occasion of the Xacobeo 2021-2022: Dateof issue: 28.10.2021

32) Salvador Dali, Spain: Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) - Real Casa de la Moneda has issued a 10 Euro (8 Reale) Silver Proof Coin depicting one of Spain's most celebrated artists of the 20th Century: Date/Year of Coin issue: 01.11.2021

33) "Doubloons", Spain: A Commemorative Doubloon Coin of the value of 1.50 Euro issued by the Spanish Mint evoking the enduring popularity/mystique of this historical piece: Date of first issue: 01.12.2021

34) 1,000 Peseta Banknote, Spain: This Banknote featuring Hernan Cortez (Front) and Francisco Pizzarro Gonzalez (Back) was issued by the Banco de Espana (Bank of Spain), before it was replaced by the euro in 2002: Date of issue: 12.10.1996

35) Francisco de Goya, Spain: 275th Anniversary (1846-2021): Gold and Silver Proof Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de la Moneda mark the 275th Anniversary of Goya's birth: Year of Coin issue: 2021

36) The Dance of the Bear" (ball de l"ossa d'Encamp"), Principality of Andorra "Principat d'Andorra"): Correus Espanyols (Correos Espana" or Spanish Post) has issued a postage stamp of 1.65 Euro depicting the popular festival: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 11.02.2022

For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:

1) Europa Coin Programme: A series of six coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

2) The Golden Age of Finnish Art: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Mint of Finland with the theme "The Age of Iron And Glass" on 20.02.2017

3) Baptism of Christ: 50 Euro Gold and 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta on the theme "Baroque and Rococo Art" on 14.03.2018

4) The "Baroque & Rococo Era" in France : Coins feature, The Hall of Mirrors, Rococo elements of the Palace of Versailles, philosopher Voltaire and the Dancing King Louis XIV in gold & silver coins issued during 2018, under the "Europa Coin Programme"

5) Suomenlinna Fortress & its Architect Augustin Ehrensvard: The "Baroque and Rococo Periods" of Europe: 10 Euro Silver coin issued on 18.05.2018 

6) Leonardo da Vinci, France: The latest issue from the Monnaie de Paris, France highlights him on the latest Europa Silver Star Coin Programme issued by the Paris Mint: Coin issue date: 03/2019

7) i) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Central Bank of Malta issues 50 Euro (Gold) and 10 Euro (Silver) Proof Coins featuring "Architecture and artwork of the Gothic Era" in 05/2020 (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the Ages of Europe: Date of Coins issue: 08.05.2020

8) Baptism of Christ: "Europa Coin Programme": Baroque & Rococo periods: Guiseppe Mazzuli's famed statue depicted on Central Bank of Malta Gold and Silver coins issued on 14.03.2018

9) Malta: Renaissance Era Ship design depicting the Order of St. John's "Gran Carracca Sant' Anna" features of the latest Europa Silver Star Programme issue from the Central Bank of Malta: Coin issue date: 15.03.2019

10) i) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Central Bank of Malta issues 50 Euro (Gold) and 10 Euro (Silver) Proof Coins featuring "Architecture and artwork of the gothic Era" in 05/2020 (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the ages of Europe: Date of Coins issue: 08.05.2020

11) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the Eurostar Programme" II) The Fabrica Nacoinal Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de Moneda have issued their fifth and final Gold (200 Euros) and Silver (10 Euros) Proof Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 09/2020

12) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Imprensa Nacional - Casa Da Moeda, Portugal has issued the final Gold, Silver and Copper-Nickel (5 Euro) Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 11/2020