February 2022 - European Capital of Culture

Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg’s second largest city, is located in the south of the country and will hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2022. The European Capital of Culture initiative emphasizes the importance of culture in promoting the values on which the European Union is built: Diversity, Solidarity, Respect, Tolerance and Openness. This initiative has been in place since 1985, and cities are selected on the basis of a cultural program that must have a strong European dimension.

In February 2022, the Luxembourg Post issued stamps based on the logo of “Esch2022 – European Capital of Culture 2022.” The motto of Esch-sur-Alzette is “Remix Culture.” “Remix” means to create something new from something existing, that is, to be predictable to a certain extent, but also to enjoy creative freedom. The colorful – like gemstone – stamps stand for the idea that “Remix” takes place in different dimensions like nature, art, itself and Europe.

I myself experienced this idea of remix a few years ago when I visited the newly emerging part of the University of Luxembourg in Belval / Esch-sur-Alzette, where once stood the largest ironworks in Luxembourg. Here, a highly ambitious urban development project is being built – with a special feature: parts of the former industrial plant are being preserved and integrated into the new concept in a unique way. Thus, the last two blast furnaces are not only witnesses of a bygone era, but also landmarks of the new Belval. Even if the pictures of them seem rather “bare”: I for my part can only say – impressive! A very special atmosphere…..

Issued on: 2022-02-22
Colors Multicolor
Designers: Lex Weyer
Printers: BPost Philately & Stamps Printing
Format: Se-tenant
Perforation: Die Cut
Printing: Offset lithography
Gum: Self-Adhesive
Face value: 5*L 50g º – No Face Value
Description: Issued in booklet pane containing two sets of five designs. Face value €0.80 per stamp on the day of issue

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