Long gone are the days when gastronomy was considered a matter of secondary importance. Today, there is agreement that it is rather one of the most relevant aspects of the cultural heritage of the peoples. To a certain extent, one can properly say in this connection: tell me what (and how) you can eat and i'll tell you who you are...
Several years ago, the CTT published a volume providing a synthesis of what could be called the 'art' of Eating in Portuguese. illustrated with the stamps of the world's first issue to be launched dealing with Gastronomy. Related subjects, also of the greatest socio-cultural importance, were also published in books - one about the Convent Sweets, anotherWine in Portugal.
This book - it too, enhanced by an appreciable number of stamps recently issued by European postal administrations - is, as it were, an instant portrait of the traditions and essential characteristics of the gastronomic culture of many countries that are now our partners in the European project.
If t is true the strength and wealth of the Union are heightened through the identity and originality of each of its members, this is rightly one of the fields in which such an assertion makes sense. We are sure that its initiative will make yet another contribution, singular through original, to strengthening the ties uniting peoples that history has so often out in opposition, but now believe they should value that which, while differentiating them, enriches them - which is a lot.
