The United States Postal Service (USPS) has launched two new commemorative Forever stamp collections, honoring American car culture and marking the Lunar New Year. These stamps, released in early 2026, celebrate both the artistry of lowrider cars and the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Horse, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of American life.
The USPS, known for using stamps to reflect the nation’s history and culture, has introduced these new releases as part of its 2026 stamp program. According to USPS press releases, the “Lowriders” stamp collection and the “Year of the Horse” Lunar New Year stamp are both carefully designed to capture significant cultural symbols, offering a glimpse into the creative and historical influences that shape American society.
A Tribute to Lowrider Culture
The “Lowriders” Forever stamp collection, slated for release in March 2026, celebrates the distinctive culture of lowrider cars. Rooted in Mexican American communities in the American Southwest, lowriders have become a symbol of pride and creativity. The collection features five iconic cars, including a 1958 Chevrolet Impala, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala, and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. According to the USPS, each vehicle was selected for its connection to the lowrider culture, which blends automotive engineering, art, and community spirit.
The stamps aim to honor the lowriders’ unique aesthetic and engineering features, such as hydraulic systems that allow the cars to “hop” or bounce. These modifications are not just for show—they represent a personal and communal expression of identity, social values, and artistic craftsmanship.
The photographs used for the stamps were taken by renowned photographers Humberto “Beto” Mendoza and Philip Gordon, ensuring an authentic representation of the lowrider tradition. “Lowrider cars represent a great deal of pride on the parts of the owners, the painters, and detailers, and the car clubs,” said USPS art director Antonio Alcalá. The collection will be unveiled on March 13, 2026, at an event in San Diego, where enthusiasts and collectors will gather to celebrate the first-day-of-issue.
Celebrating Lunar New Year with the Year of the Horse Stamp
In addition to the lowrider collection, the USPS has launched the “Year of the Horse” Forever stamp to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, which begins on February 17, 2026. The stamp features a vibrant horse mask, created by artist Camille Chew, made from hand-printed paper and adorned with colorful accessories such as flowers and tassels. This design draws inspiration from the traditional masks used in dragon and lion dances performed during Lunar New Year celebrations.
The Year of the Horse stamp marks the seventh release in the USPS’s ongoing Lunar New Year series, which began in 2020. According to the USPS, this stamp series will continue through 2031, with each year’s design corresponding to an animal from the Chinese zodiac. David Steiner, USPS CEO, emphasized the importance of these stamps in showcasing the diversity of American culture, stating that they provide a tangible connection to celebrations that are important to many communities across the country.
The “Year of the Horse” stamp was unveiled on February 3, 2026, at the Chinese Community Center in Houston, where a dedication ceremony was held. It will be available for purchase in panes of 20 stamps at USPS locations and online, offering a way for Americans to honor the Lunar New Year and its rich traditions.
Both stamp releases reflect the USPS’s commitment to capturing the cultural diversity and history that defines the United States. Whether honoring the artistry of lowriders or the vibrancy of Lunar New Year celebrations, these stamps offer a small yet meaningful way for the public to connect with important cultural milestones.
