In 2026, the city of Madrid celebrated a particularly significant cultural, botanical, and historical event: the issuance of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of the Villa de Madrid International New Rose Competition and the creation of the iconic Ramón Ortiz Rose Garden in the Parque del Oeste. This stamp pays tribute to a tradition that, since its inception, has placed Madrid firmly on the international map of excellence in the world of roses.
The Rose Garden, built between 1955 and 1956, opened its doors to the public as the official competition venue on May 24, 1956, the date of the first edition of the event. Since then, this space has become an essential meeting point for breeders, experts, and rose enthusiasts, who find in this garden a privileged setting to present and evaluate new varieties. Currently, and as a complement to this prestigious professional event, a popular competition is also held every year during the month of May, allowing the public to vote for their favorite roses, thus strengthening the community's connection with this historic garden.
Inspired by world-renowned rose gardens such as Bagatelle in Paris, Rome, and Geneva, the Madrid Rose Garden was conceived with an international vocation. The vision that made this project possible was that of Ramón Ortiz Ferré, Head Gardener of Madrid and successor to Cecilio Rodríguez, who promoted the creation of a garden that combined botanical rigor, landscape design, and openness to the world.
The prestige achieved by the Rose Garden was confirmed in 2006, when it received the distinction of "Garden of International Merit" awarded by the World Federation of Rose Societies, for its exceptional quality, uniqueness, and beauty.
The issuance of this commemorative stamp is therefore a tribute to seven decades of dedication, innovation and love for roses, as well as to a unique space that is part of Madrid's landscape heritage.
