Cuba stamps year 2017 Grand Theater Ballet Alicia Alonso set

Cuba stamps year 2017 Grand Theater Ballet Alicia Alonso set MNH (**) stamps Released by Correos de Cuba on April 22, 2017, this set uniquely ties together Cuban architectural history, philately, and its rich ballet legacy. The theater—originally opened in 1838 as the Tacón Theater—serves as the grand headquarters for the National Ballet of Cuba (Ballet Nacional de Cuba), which was famously founded and directed by the legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso. The Structure of the Set The 2017 issue consists of a block of 4 individual stamps plus one standalone Souvenir Sheet (Hoja de Bloque). Rather than focusing strictly on ballet choreography, the design beautifully pairs the physical history of the theater with the art form that defines it. The artwork includes: The Historic Interior: Images depicting the original 19th-century Tacón Theater interior layout, paying homage to the theater’s roots before its grand 20th-century Neo-Baroque remodel. The Modern Facade: The iconic exterior structure featuring the towering statues and allegorical sculptures carved by Giuseppe Moretti, representing Education, Music, Drama, and Benevolence. The Great Chandelier: A close-up focus on the massive, luxury central crystal chandelier hanging inside the main performance hall (the García Lorca Hall). The 19th-Century Souvenir Sheet: The separate souvenir sheet beautifully contrasts the modern era by depicting the theater during the 1800s, complete with historical horse-drawn carriages operating along the Paseo del Prado out front. Philatelic Details & Collecting Context For cataloging and identification, you can easily spot this set by a few key markers: AttributeDetailsOfficial TextInscribed with “180 Aniversario Inauguración Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso” along the margins or frames.FormatTypically collected as a Mint Never Hinged (MNH) block of 4, alongside the corresponding Souvenir Sheet.First Day Cover (FDC)Official First Day Covers are highly prized by collectors of performing arts philately. They were uniquely postmarked at the Cuban Postal Museum in Havana on the April 22, 2017 release date.