Norway 2026 - Folk Costumes (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)

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Technical Details:
Issue Date: 02 March 2026
Designer: Design: Magnus Rakeng,
Photos: Ole Ekker / Norsk Flid
Printer:Joh. Enschedé Security Print
Process:Offset
Size:30 x 38 mm


About Folk Costumes (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)

More Than Just a Festive Garment

On 5 December 2024, the use of traditional Norwegian folk costumes – bunads – was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition highlights the “bunad” as a living tradition, a craft, and a social practice deeply tied to personal and national identity in Norway.

UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as living traditions and knowledge passed between people, including rituals, crafts, and social customs. The bunad nomination began in 2017, led by five key organisations. The application was based on expert knowledge, surveys, and input from craftspeople and wearers across the country. It was approved at UNESCO’s 19th international meeting in Paraguay, where Norwegian representatives in bunads drew significant attention.

The bunad symbolises local and regional identity and is worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. Over 70% of Norwegian women and 20% of men own a bunad, used for celebrations such as Constitution Day, weddings, baptisms, and confirmations. With over 450 types, many bunads are inherited or handmade by family members, involving traditional techniques and materials like Norwegian wool. The UNESCO listing honours both the wearing and the craftsmanship.

This recognition brings responsibility: authorities, organisations, and individuals must work to preserve and pass on the tradition. The bunad is inclusive, with both traditional and creative expressions, and now stands as a globally recognised cultural heritage to be protected and shared with future generations.

Liechtenstein 2026 - Dance Theater

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Dance Theater

With the “Dance theater” series of permanent stamps, Philately Liechtenstein explores the expressive power of dance as a fusion of movement, art, and emotion. The four designs capture different moods and forms of contemporary dance, illustrating how the body, music, and space engage in dialogue with one another.

The “Rock murmurs” stamp (face value CHF 1.20) explores the connection between movement and nature. Power, rhythm, and grounding merge into a choreography reminiscent of the dynamics of alpine landscapes.

“La Principessa” (face value CHF 1.90) focuses on the poetic and narrative side of dance. Expression, elegance, and vulnerability combine to create a stage character that bridges tradition and contemporary interpretation.

“Barefoot & Brocade” (face value CHF 2.50) plays with contrasts such as closeness and distance, freedom and discipline. Here, dance is experienced as a physical expression of inner emotions and personal stories.

“In Green” (face value CHF 3.10) embodies energy, community, and creative transformation. Movement becomes the visible rhythm of inspiration, encounter, and shared experience.

The series explores central themes of dance: movement as an expression of passion, courage, and creativity, as well as a resonant space for emotions, community, and artistic freedom.

Our new self-adhesive definitive stamps are dedicated to “Fasnacht”(meaning carnival), a tradition that is actively celebrated in Liechtenstein. “Fasnacht” comes from Middle High German and literally means the night before the start of Christian Lent. With these colorful stamps, we want to highlight this tradition that is typical of the region. Shortly after the turn of the year, many venues are decorated and the first masked balls and parades begin. One highlight is the international “Parade” (face value CHF 1.00) in Schaan with over 1,600 participants. In earlier times, on Fat Thursday, young people would try to lure housewives away from their “Soup pot” (face value CHF 1.20) and steal the pot or the roast. This custom is hardly practiced in Liechtenstein today.

On the other hand, the “Guggamusik” (face value CHF 1.90) is very popular. These are music groups in elaborate costumes who provide loud and eerily beautiful accompaniment to many events and organize big concerts. There are no limits to the imagination when it comes to costumes and “Masks” (face value CHF 2.50). Carnival newspapers such as “Wingertesel,” “Räbahobel,” and many more are also eagerly awaited, as they delight in poking fun at the misfortunes and funny incidents of the past year.

Thailand 2023 - Thai Heritage Conservation Day: Nora Dances

 

Thailand 2023 - Thai Heritage Conservation Day: Nohra Dances..
A traditional dance-theatre from Southern Thailand.

The series is the Thai Heritage Conservation Day 2022 issue, released on 2 April 2022. All four stamps depict different poses from Nora, also called Manohra or Nohra.


3.00 THB (Blue) - Tha Thephanom (ท่าเทพพนม)
3.00 THB (Pink) - Tha Khihnon Ron Ram (ท่าขี้หนอนร่อนรำ)
5.00 THB (Yellow) - Tha Phra Thewada (ท่าพระเทวดา)
5.00 THB (Green) - Tha Phrom Sih Nah (ท่าพรหมสี่หน้า)

What is Nora?

Nora is much more than a conventional dance. It is a form of dance drama/performance art, combining:
- highly energetic and acrobatic dance
- singing and musical performance
- storytelling and legends
- elaborate hand and finger movements
- colorful beaded costumes
- distinctive crowns/headdresses
- bird-like wings and tails
- very long curved metallic fingernails

It is particularly associated with Southern Thailand.

Thailand 2023 - Thai Heritage Conservation Day

 

India 2024 - Joint Stamp Issue India-Romania: Folk Costumes