postais

Postais, in Portuguese, refer to postcards—small cards designed for sending brief messages through the postal system without an envelope. They are commonly used as keepsakes, travel m souvenirs, and items of philatelic and cultural interest. The term postais is contrasted with carta-postal or cartão-postal in some regions, reflecting regional naming variations within Portuguese-speaking countries.

Historically, postais emerged in the 19th century as a simple, inexpensive way to communicate. They typically feature an image, photograph, or illustration on the front, while the reverse side carries the recipient’s address and, in many cases, a short message. Over time, formats and postal regulations varied by country, including changes to how text and images were arranged on the card. The spread of printing technologies and tourism helped popularize postais as both a means of communication and a form of visual documentation.

Types and designs of postais are diverse. Real photo postcards capture images from photographs, while illustrated or printed postcards depict landscapes, city scenes, art reproductions, and contemporary graphics. In the 20th century, different finishes and printing techniques—such as linen and glossy chromes—appeared, expanding the visual range of postais. Today, they remain widely collected by enthusiasts and are exchanged through networks and events, sometimes alongside stamps, capstone to the broader field of philately.

In Portuguese-speaking communities, postais form part of cultural and historical archives, capturing regional imagery, traditions, and daily life. They continue to be valued for both communication and as physical mementos of places and moments.