Croatian Post Celebrates Maritime Heritage: Stamps Featuring the Betina Gajeta Arrive
In collaboration with the Spanish Post, two new commemorative stamps will be issued on August 10, 2026, uniting two Mediterranean traditions.
In collaboration with the Spanish Post, two new commemorative stamps will be issued on August 10, 2026, uniting two Mediterranean traditions.
Starting August 10, 2026, citizens will be able to purchase two new commemorative postage stamps issued by Croatian Post in partnership with the Spanish Post. The motifs on the stamps celebrate the maritime traditions of two Mediterranean countries, depicting traditional fishing boats, the Croatian Betina gajeta and the Spanish llaüt from the Balearic Islands. The issue is presented in a joint sheet of 12 stamps, and a special first-day cover has also been prepared.
The visual identity of the issue is credited to Zagreb-based designer Alenka Lalić, while the depiction of the Betina gajeta is based on a photograph by Igor Turčinov.
The wooden Betina gajeta has been essential to the lives of locals on the island of Murter and in the town of Betina for centuries. Its wide and stable hull allowed for the transport of large quantities of cargo, making it indispensable in the daily lives of islanders. Today, this vessel is considered one of the most precious symbols of Croatia's traditional maritime heritage.
Organized shipbuilding in Betina has been developing since the mid-18th century. Local shipbuilders adapted the gajeta's form to the shallow sea and indented coastline, and the boats were built without any blueprints. Knowledge and skill were passed down orally from generation to generation. The vessel ranges from five to eight meters in length and is characterized by an open interior to maximize cargo space, as well as closed bow and stern for safer navigation.
The preservation of this tradition is significantly supported by the wooden boat regatta "Za dušu i tilo" (For Soul and Body), which annually brings together gajeta owners, builders, and all enthusiasts of maritime heritage in one place.
The second stamp features the llaüt, one of the most recognizable traditional vessels of the western Mediterranean and a symbol of the Balearic Islands. These boats were handcrafted by master artisans known as mestres d'aixa, using indigenous wood species such as pine, olive, almond, and carob. Each piece was a unique blend of functionality, masterful skill, and distinctive aesthetics.
In recent decades, the number of craftsmen engaged in building llaüts has significantly declined, making the preservation of this craft a priority. Today, numerous associations on the Balearic Islands are dedicated to restoring old boats, passing on knowledge to younger generations, and working towards establishing traditional shipbuilding schools and maritime museums.
