World Post Day

World Post Day is celebrated each year on9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since that time, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

In most countries philatelic exhibitions are organized during this period and special stamps and date cancellation marks are issued on 9 October. Other activities include the display of World Post Day posters in post offices and other public places; open days at post offices, mail centers and postal museums; the holding of conferences, seminars and workshops; as well as cultural, sport and other recreation activities. A World Post Day message from the Director General of the Universal Postal Union is sent each year to all Posts, read during celebrations and published in the media. The UPU in cooperation with UNESCO has, for the past 33 years, organized an International Letter-writing Competition for young people. Most participating Posts use World Post Day to award prizes to the winners of the competition.