New Issue: Easter (Croatia)

Here's a new stamp from Croatia, which was issued yesterday.

As you can see, it's a stamp that celebrates Easter.

For whatever reason, while we have had Christmas stamps since 1966, Royal Mail has never issued an Easter stamp. Many other European countries have and there have been all kinds of wonderful designs including eggs, bunnies, young animals and religious themes.

Croatia is one of those countries that releases a new Easter stamp every year. In the last few years they seem to alternate between secular and religious designs. Here is last year's stamp:

And here is the 2024 stamp, a much more serious religious artwork:

This year's stamp shows an Easter procession. We don't see any of the faces of the people involved, which I'm guessing is deliberate.

Design Quality - It's a single stamp and so is has to say "This is Easter" in a powerful way. It's also a year for a religious stamp, and what could be more powerful than a scene from an Easter service in Croatia? The people taking part are kept anonymous because we don't see their faces. Is this making it impersonal? Or is it saying that these are just a few of many people who will be celebrating Easter in church? It's a good photograph and it is framed well by the archway. I think it's a strong design. Personally, I prefer the more fun design from last year but the religious side of Easter is clearly important and it reminds us that as well as being a time to celebrate new life it is also a time for serious reflection. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - I think it's very good. If Christmas stamps have become an annual tradition there is no reason why Easter stamps shouldn't be. Countries like Croatia, Slovakia and Ukraine do this very well and they manage to balance secular Easter celebrations with the religious side of things. 8/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - Easter stamps have an obvious cultural relevance. I think traditional Easter services have some historical relevance too. 8/10

Innovation and Creativity - It's a traditional scene and it works well, but it's not particularly innovative or creative. 3/10

Collectability - There are of course people who enjoy collecting Easter stamps and look forward to them. 8/10

Personal appeal - I don't love this stamp but I think it is a really good one. I think it is more powerful than simply using a famous religious artwork about the crucifixion because it shows real people taking part in a real event. I'm giving it a high score because I really like the idea of an Easter stamp. I'm going to buy this and I might also buy some of the older Easter stamps from Croatia and other countries. 9/10

Overall score - 44/60