SEND ME WITH THE CIRCUS

The postage stamps from 2002, known as the "Europa" edition, represent a unique European philatelic project dedicated to the circus. In this special year, CEPT (the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations) selected the circus as the theme to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of this art form in Europe. The stamps were issued in multiple European countries and depicted famous circus figures and scenes that evoke the circus's joy, wonder, and tradition.

The special value of these stamps lies in their celebration of renowned clowns and performers who shaped circus history, such as Joseph Grimaldi, the pioneer of English clowning; Swiss clown Grock; legendary British clown Coco (Nikolai Poliakoff); and the French-Italian clown Jean Cairoli. These figures embody a unique aspect of circus art, from laughter and play to extraordinary skill and charisma.

This philatelic edition carries strong cultural value, preserving the memory of a time when the circus was one of the most important forms of entertainment. The stamps celebrate the artistic heritage of the circus, evoking its ability to connect people of different generations and cultures with a shared sense of joy and wonder.