Spain EXFILNA FDC

Spain FDC
Name: EXFILNA 2008, Oviedo
Date of Issue: 28 April 2008

On occasion of the XLVI edition of the National Philatelic Exhibition, one of the most important in Spanish philately whose aim is to promote stamp collecting, Correos, as always, issues a souvenir sheet depicting the Cross of Victory and in the background, the main building of the Campoamor theatre in Oviedo, the town where this year's Exfilna edition takes place from the 28th April to the 3rd May.

The Cross of Victory, also known as Pelayo cross, is the main theme of the stamp and souvenir sheet. This emblematic piece is the symbol of Asturias, it is kept in the Holy Chamber of the San Salvador cathedral in Oviedo and it is a remarkable exponent of the Asturian Pre-Romanesque period. It is a Latin cross with its arms widening towards their tips and at its centre there is a relic box. It is made of oak wood and covered in gold and precious gems. It was made during the reign of King Alfonso III the Great who donated it in the year 908. According to the legend, this cross was worn by Don Pelayo in the battle of Covadonga.

The Campoamor theatre is the venue where the prestigious Principe Felipe awards ceremony is held. It is a clear symbol and scenario of the cultural life of Oviedo. It was built by architects José López Salaberry and Sirgo Borrajo Montenegro from 1883 to 1892. It was named after the famous Asturian poet Ramón de Campoamor on proposal of writer Leopoldo Alas Clarin and suffered major restorations in 1916 and 1940 after being reduced to rubble during the Civil War. It reopened its doors in 1948 with a clear influence from the European romantic classicism and from then on has been the venue fro the performance of plays, zarzuelas, and concerts.

Oviedo is the capital of the principality of Asturias, a modern, commercial and monumental city which this year houses the XLVI edition of the Exposición Filatélica Nacional in the Auditorium-Congress Palace Principe Felipe.

Francisco M. Peñacorveira, Thank you sent this real posted FDC to me. Please send an email to me asap.

Comment: This is my 1st real posted FDC from Spain, I'm so surprise because I don't know the sender before this FDC. He did a very professional job, but I want to remind all of my blog's visitors, you'd better contact with me before you send anything to me.