The special postage stamp issued for the 100th anniversary of the International Music Festival “Varna Summer” was validated in an atmosphere of genuine philatelic excitement. The event attracted a large number of collectors, among whom the presence of philatelists from Varna, Dobrich and Sofia stood out prominently. Their participation turned the ceremony into a gathering of the community, which not only observed the validation but actively contributed to its significance through their own philatelic initiatives.

Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and the representative of “Bulgarian Posts” Veselina Komitova placed the official cancellation on the jubilee stamp, while the festival’s artistic director, Mario Hossen, emphasized the symbolic connection between culture, statehood and philately. For everyone present, this was a moment in which the festival’s history materialized into a small but meaningful symbol - a stamp that will remain a testament to the century‑long tradition of “Varna Summer.”

Particularly impressive was that philatelists from Varna, Dobrich and Sofia had prepared numerous original philatelic materials created especially for the anniversary. Among them were postal covers, first‑day covers and maximum cards - all crafted by the collectors themselves. These items were created as a gesture to the event and as valuable philatelic artifacts meant to accompany the new stamp. Many of them were signed by Mayor Kotsev and Maestro Hossen.

The design of the jubilee stamp is the work of artist Maya Staykova, who created an elegant composition featuring stylized sailboats and the treble clef - symbols referring to Varna’s maritime spirit and the musical essence of the festival. The print run of 6,000 copies and the face value of 1.15 euro make it a valuable element of philatelic heritage, while the interest in it was further enhanced by the rich set of original materials prepared by the collectors.

The event became a celebration not only for philatelists but also for all admirers of culture. Attendees were invited to the upcoming concerts in the festival’s program, including the evening performance of the European Union Youth Orchestra. Thus, the validation of the stamp naturally blended into the festive atmosphere of the jubilee edition - as a sign of respect for the past, recognition of the present and a confident message toward the future of Bulgarian culture.