La Orotava Philatelic Event Celebrates Local History Through Commemorative Stamps

Stamp collecting may seem like a relic of the past in our digital age, but it is proving its worth as a tool for preserving history in La Orotava. The local philatelic group, Las Pintaderas, has launched a five-day event to celebrate the town’s identity through three official postal cancellations. Supported by the local council, this initiative highlights how physical items like stamps can serve as vital pieces of our collective memory.

The program focuses on three main themes: architecture, science, and art. It kicks off this Monday at noon at the Casa de los Balcones. Built in 1632, this historic site is the subject of the first commemorative stamp. It was chosen for its significance as a prime example of traditional Canarian architecture, particularly its woodwork and design.

On Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., the focus shifts to science at the Orotava Canary Foundation for the History of Science. The event marks the 250th anniversary of Jean Charles de Borda’s 1766 expedition. The French navigator’s work measuring Mount Teide was a major breakthrough in 18th-century cartography, a legacy now honored through this collection.

The cycle concludes on Friday, October 2, at 11:30 a.m. at the Liceo Taoro with a tribute to sculptor Ezequiel de León. To mark the centenary of his birth, a special postal cancellation will be unveiled in honor of the artist, who was celebrated as an "Illustrious Son of Tenerife" for his work as a sculptor and restorer.

Mayor Francisco Linares believes this project helps share the town’s history far beyond its borders. By using envelopes and postcards as historical documents, the Las Pintaderas group ensures that these local milestones remain preserved for researchers and collectors alike.