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H.M. the King Simeon II of Bulgaria was very involved in the exhibition attending their main events accepting the invitation of Mr. Spas Panchev. Left photo, H.M. The King arriving to the exhibition. Right, this created a great expectation from the Media 

Opening ceremony: Speech of Mr. Spas Panchev in presence of H.M. The King and other authorities

On Sunday 20th October, the curtain fall on the European Philatelic Exhibition “Plovdiv Phila 2019” held in Plovdiv (Bulgaria), the European city of culture 2019. The Philatelic Exhibition was organized by the Philatelic Federation of the Bulgarian Philatelic Societies with the European Philately Academies, under the Recognition of FEPA and Support of FIP.

Participated exhibits from 16 national federations: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Israel, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey. Participated also two philatelic academies: Italy and Turkey. There were about 500 frames and 18 titles of philatelic literature.

Joint postmark of the special issue by H.M. King Simeon II of Bulgaria (in the middle), the Mayor of the city f Plovdiv, President and Director of Bulgarian Post and Mr. Spas Panchev

Was displayed the very special collection of Mr Idor Gatti. His collection of Bulgaria stamps, cancellations, very rare and unique items was displayed on 30 frames.

Left photo: During the event, Claudio Ernesto Manzati (right side) of Post Horn presented the Magazine to H.M. King Simeon of Bulgaria, who said words od appreciation for the quality of the magazine while Thomas Mathà (left side), President of the AIEP, the International Association of Philatelic Experts and co-founder of the Magazine of International Postal History awarded H.M.King Simeon of Bulgaria for his support to Philately. Right photo: Mr. Spas Panchev, H.M. The King and Mr. Bojan Bracic who represented FEPA as well as Slovenian Commissionner.

There were no jurors. Were awarded only the best National and the best International exhibits chosen by the national commissioners and some experts who were present.

Beside the exceptional mentioned exhibit of Mr Gatti there were two more Bulgarian exhibits of very high level, both already awarded with gold medals (Mr. Spas Panchev and Mr. Orlin Todorov).

Mr. Idor Gatti, winner of the Grand Prix National, Mr. Spas Panchev and Mr. Bojan Bracic

During the closing gala dinner, the names of the winners of the two Grand Prices were revealed: the National one for Bulgarian collections went to Mr. Idor Gatti while the International one to Mr. Vittorio Morani for his collection “Tuscany 1848-1866: Letter mail in, from and to Tuscany. Routes, Rates and Charges”.

Mr. Spas Panchev, Mr. Vittorio Morani winner of the Grand Prix International for his collection “Tuscany 1848-1866: Letter mail in, from and to Tuscany. Routes, Rates and Charges” and Mr. Yigal Nathaniel.

FEPA was represented by its Secretary General Mr. Bojan Bracic  who made a speech greeting all presents and congratulating the organizers for such innovative and excellent exhibition.