Dominican Post Unveils Stamps Honoring San Carlos Sports, Music Legends

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The Dominican Postal Institute (INPOSDOM) recently unveiled a new series of commemorative stamps, honoring 14 distinguished sports and music figures from the historic San Carlos neighborhood of the capital.

INPOSDOM Director General Erick Guzmán Núñez, a native of San Carlos, presided over the ceremony. He underscored the significance of recognizing the enduring legacy of a community that has played a pivotal role across various facets of the nation's history.

“Today, through philately, we celebrate the living memory of a community that has been a firm and silent protagonist in the construction of our history,” Guzmán Núñez stated. “Seeing the faces and legacies of our athletes, musicians, and leaders immortalized on these postal stamps is a source of pride, gratitude, and hope.”

The collection consists of two special series: “San Carlos Sports Legends” and “San Carlos Music Legends.” These series collectively pay tribute to 14 emblematic figures who have enriched Dominican culture and sports.

The "San Carlos Sports Legends" series features Manuel Henríquez, Antonio Martínez, Evaristo Pérez, Sergio Abreu, Fausto “Ceja Rodríguez,” Iván Mieses, Luis “Piñao” Ortiz, and Francisco Martínez.

Meanwhile, the "San Carlos Music Legends" series celebrates Carlos Piantini, Francis Santana, Milton Peláez, Fernando Echavarría, Ricardo Ureña, Santiago Cerón, and Milly Quezada.

Distinguished guests attended the event, including Col. Diego Roberto Pesqueira Grullón, Director of Strategic Communications for the National Police; Lorenzo Ramírez, Director General of Passports; José Caraballo, a national deputy; and Óscar Pared, a member of the Dominican Philatelic Society. Milton Peláez Jr. and Iván Mieses also attended, representing the music and sports honorees, respectively.

Each series saw 10,500 copies printed, arranged in sheets containing seven individual stamps. Each stamp carries a face value of RD 35.00 and measures 30 x 40 millimeters.

Designed for durability and collector value, the stamps were produced on tropicalized and gummed paper with a 13½ perforation. Architect Alejandro Vignieri was responsible for the design, while Editorama handled the printing.

This stamp issue was authorized by Decree No. 606-23, dated November 29, 2023, and is designated as philatelic series No. 13-25 by the Dominican Postal Institute.

Founded in 1685 by Canary Islander families as Villa Blanca, San Carlos stands as a significant historical, educational, cultural, and sporting landmark within Santo Domingo. Over centuries, it evolved from a rural settlement into a vibrant urban sector deeply intertwined with the nation's historical developments.

Beyond its crucial role during the April 1965 Revolution, San Carlos has been the birthplace of iconic educational institutions and numerous talents who have elevated the Dominican Republic's profile on both national and international stages, particularly in music and sports.

Through this commemorative issue, INPOSDOM reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting the Dominican historical and cultural heritage, paying tribute to communities like San Carlos that have left an indelible mark on national history.