Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Prague City is revisiting the idea of limiting noise from concerts after 10:00 p.m.
City councilor Adam Zábranský (Piráti) revealed plans to draft a new decree addressing the issue and introduce a citywide regulation that includes specific exceptions for designated areas.
Addressing a Recurring Issue
The debate over concert noise intensified during the pandemic when protective measures led to performances being relocated from Lucerna Music Bar to Prague Open Air in Braník. Nearby residents complained about the frequent loud music, prompting then-councilor for legislation, Hana Kordová Marvanová, to propose a regulation limiting noise.
Zábranský now seeks inspiration from similar noise ordinances in other Czech cities, where regulations are already in place for larger metropolitan areas.
He proposes extending the ban on certain events, such as concerts, across Prague after 10:00 p.m., with potential exceptions allowing activities until 11:00 p.m. in less noise-sensitive zones.
Balancing Noise Control and Cultural Events
Zábranský suggests defining exceptions for specific locations where noise complaints are less likely, striking a balance between maintaining cultural events and respecting residents’ rights.
“There is an agreement that a specific regulation is necessary because the current situation is unsatisfactory,” Zábranský explained.
He emphasized that the decree would directly address music-related noise, preventing operators from disputing that music does not qualify as noise—a common argument currently used.
However, he acknowledged that finalizing the regulation’s details would involve challenging negotiations.
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Classical crossover star, singer, and composer Matteo Bocelli – the son of legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli – captivated his audience at a sold-out Prague concert this past June, promising to return to the city soon.
True to his word, Matteo has announced his brand-new 2025 Summer Nights world tour, including a highly anticipated performance at O2 universum Prague on 4 June 2025.
From his first major appearance on the single Fall On Me with his father, Andrea Bocelli, in 2018, to performing a reimagined version of Time to Say Goodbye with Hans Zimmer’s new composition at the 2024 Oscars, Matteo has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
His A Night With Matteo tour sold out globally renowned venues, including the Sydney Opera House and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Matteo has performed for dignitaries such as His Majesty King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and President Joe Biden, and even opened for music legend Lionel Richie.
In 2020, he released his first single, the beautiful love song Solo, blending the elegance of a classic aria with modern pop melodies. Three years later, in the summer of 2023, he launched his long-awaited debut solo album Matteo, followed by a successful world tour.
Recently, Bocelli unveiled a new single, If I Knew, featuring multi-platinum and Oscar-nominated artist Sofia Carson. His concerts are celebrated for seamlessly moving across musical genres, combining classical music, Italian pop, and timeless classics.
Tickets for the Prague concert will be available soon at Ticketmaster and Ticketportal.
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Prague’s beloved farmers’ markets are gearing up for another season. Two iconic markets—Náplavka in Prague 2 and Kubáň in Prague 10—will open their stalls on Saturday, February 1.
Náplavka: Celebrating 16 Years of Community and Fresh Produce
Sixteen years ago, the first-ever farmers’ market on Prague’s Rašínovo nábřeží embankment marked the start of a tradition that few initially believed would thrive. “Attempts to establish a market here had failed before. Even farmers were skeptical at first, and we had to work hard to convince them,” recalls Jiří Sedláček, chairman of the Archetyp Association, which operates the market.
The persistence paid off. From its humble beginnings with just 28 vendors, Náplavka has grown into a bustling marketplace with 90 to 100 stalls offering an array of farm-fresh goods every Saturday from February to December, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year, the market will reopen on February 1, featuring handmade salamis, artisanal pâtés, pickled meats, fresh fish (weather permitting), pastries, spices, and a variety of other culinary delights.
Kubáň: A Neighbourhood Market
Farmers’ markets on Kubánské náměstí have been a staple of Prague 10 since 2010. After a few changes in management over the years, the Archetyp association returned in 2019 to restore its original charm.
Shoppers can look forward to a variety of goods, including fresh milk, yogurt, sausages, meat, baked goods, and grilled fish. In February, two special Slaughterhouse Feasts will take place on the 8th and 22nd, offering hearty, traditional fare and a chance to indulge in Czech culinary traditions.
Heřmaňák: A Cosy, Sustainable Market
Heřmaňák, located on Řezáčovo náměstí in Prague 7, stands out as the first partially packaging-free farmers’ market in the Czech Republic. Surrounded by mature ash trees, this small, intimate market has been running since 2017 and operates year-round, weather permitting.
The market emphasizes sustainability, encouraging customers to bring their own packaging and offering opportunities to donate items like eggshells or stale pastries to free-range chicken farms.
On February 15, Heřmaňák will host its popular ZAB Heřmaňák slaughter feast, providing yet another opportunity to celebrate traditional Czech cuisine and culture.
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Starting May 1, 2025, there will be direct air connections between Prague and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.
According to a statement from Václav Havel Airport in Prague, Air Montenegro has announced seasonal flights until October 23, 2025.
The flights will be operated using Embraer E195 aircraft, accommodating up to 116 passengers. The route will have three weekly departures—on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—with a flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Tickets are now available, with prices starting at CZK 2,600 for a one-way trip.
Additionally, Air Montenegro plans to operate flights from Prague to Tivat, a popular Montenegrin resort destination, during the summer season.
These flights will run from June 11 to September 26, 2025, departing on Wednesdays and Fridays.
What to do in Podgorica
Podgorica offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While it may not have the fame of coastal towns like Kotor or Budva, Podgorica provides a quieter, authentic experience.
Start your journey with a visit to St. George’s Church, one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 10th century. Set at the foot of Gorica Hill, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Nearby, Gorica Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.
The Ribnica Bridge, built during Roman times, is a must-see. Located at the confluence of the Ribnica and Moraca rivers, this picturesque spot is ideal for photos and offers a glimpse into Podgorica’s rich past.
Art lovers should not miss the Modern Art Gallery, home to a collection of Montenegrin and international works, or the Millennium Bridge, a contemporary architectural highlight symbolizing the city’s modern identity.
You can also explore Skadar Lake, just a short drive from the city. This stunning national park is famous for its diverse bird species, scenic boat rides, and serene surroundings.
Wrap up your day by enjoying local Montenegrin cuisine. Try traditional dishes like čevapi, kačamak, or a seafood feast, paired with local wines from the nearby vineyards of the Zeta Valley.
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Music and gastronomy have been inseparable for the culinary team at Ze Mě since their early days, blending their passion for food with the rhythm of beats.
Known for hosting unconventional dining experiences, this group is now preparing a new event that promises to elevate food and music into a single unforgettable experience.
Scheduled for January 31, the Frying Room will debut at the Coal Mill (Uhelný mlýn) in Libčice nad Vltavou, combining live cooking, Czech rap, and electronic music in a way never seen before.
Founded by Vojtěch Nemrava, Ze Mě gained recognition for creative pop-ups featuring dishes cooked over open flames and paired with carefully curated music. Their events often include thematic decor—forest branches, fog, or walls adorned with duck wings—to create an immersive atmosphere.
“We’ve been intertwining food, music, and drinks since our beginnings. Our first events revolved around cooking over fire with DJs playing drum and bass, grime, or techno. We love the connection between food and music,” says Nemrava.
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The Frying Room will feature live cooking sessions, interactive food experiences, and performances by notable Czech artists. Dominik Citta, better known as Nik Tendo from the Milion+ music label, is among the event’s headliners.
NobodyListen, a prominent Czech producer and DJ, will accompany Tendo and oversee the music lineup. Together, they aim to create an electrifying yet cohesive atmosphere.
Guests can expect an array of dishes, from welcome courses and hearty fire-grilled meals to fries, fried chicken, caviar, and truffle-based creations. “There will be healthy options and indulgent ones. We want to offer a variety of flavors to match the event’s energy,” Nemrava explains.
To maintain an intimate vibe, only 300 tickets will be available. Guests will also enjoy a dedicated train ride from Prague to Uhelný mlýn.
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Prague has undergone significant changes over the past 30 years. Rare photos from the socialist era of the 1980s show a quieter city, free from the crowds of tourists and the commercial signs we see today.
Jindřišská Street, which connects Wenceslas Square and Senovážné Square, still looks similar today, even though the tram routes have changed.
However, Charles Bridge is now packed with visitors almost all day, while in the 1980s, it was a peaceful spot for locals early in the morning.
Photos of children playing in Rytířská Street remind us of a time when people still lived in the city center, something that feels unimaginable today.
The old-new synagogue is one of Prague’s iconic sites, but in the 1980s, it had a neglected appearance, with a worn facade and an untidy interior.
Thankfully, it has been restored to reflect its historical importance.
Wenceslas Square has also changed. Slogans like “With the Soviet Union forever” have disappeared, and the National Museum has been beautifully renovated, making the square a much more pleasant place to visit.
Photos: vintag.es
More than 100 theatres across the Czech Republic will open their doors to the public on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as part of the annual Theatre Night (Noc divadel) event.
Since its launch in 2013, Theatre Night has been an integral part of the European Theatre Night project, held in connection with World Theatre Day.
Participating Cities and Activities
The event will span several cities, including Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, Plzeň, Olomouc, and České Budějovice, among others. Visitors can look forward to live performances, backstage tours, and various cultural experiences at an unusual evening hour.
In addition to performances, participating theatres will host lectures, workshops, and creative competitions tailored for audiences of all ages. Each venue will offer its own curated program, promising one-of-a-kind experiences unavailable on regular days.
Highlights in Prague
Prague residents will have the chance to explore over 30 theatres, including the National Theatre, Švandovo divadlo in Smíchov, and the Jára Cimrman Theatre in Žižkov.
Theme for 2025: “Neighbourhood”
The 2025 Theatre Night will revolve around the theme of “Neighbourhood,” encouraging participants to reflect on the concept from various perspectives.
“Are neighbors simply the people who keep us awake at night or the ones we worry about when hearing distressing news from their countries?” the organizers ask. “Through Theatre Night, we aim to explore the funny, serious, intimate, and communal aspects of neighborhood relationships.”
Pre-Registration and Programme Details
Some events will require pre-registration, and the full list of participating theatres and programs will be available soon on the event’s official website.
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The Christmas tree from Old Town Square was removed on January 9th.
Its wood will be repurposed to create outdoor furniture and furnishings for social facilities, while part of it will return to its native Krompach.
The festive season officially concluded on Monday, January 6th, when Prague residents saw the tree lit for the last time on Three Kings Day. Dismantling began promptly the next day, with workers carefully removing hundreds of decorations and kilometers of light chains. By Thursday, January 9th, the tree was fully disassembled and prepared for its next chapter.
On Thursday morning, the tree was lifted from its anchoring shaft with heavy equipment. After its trunk was cut, the tree was taken away for further processing into carpentry wood. Prague plans to use the wood for outdoor furniture and furnishings in selected social service facilities. However, part of the tree will return to Krompach in the Lužické hory, its place of origin.
For example, the tree will be used to create an insect hotel for a school garden in Krompach and products to benefit the Paprsek Children’s Center in Prague 9.
Dřevo Praha will process the tree in Sibřin, where the logs will be left to dry. The prepared material will then be sent to the workshops of the Jarov Secondary Vocational School, where students from the carpentry and joinery fields will begin production, usually starting in March.
Last year’s tree was used to create mobile flower beds and insect hotels, which were given to the residents of the Sulická Home in Prague 4, as well as a garden bench that, at the request of the tree’s owner, is now in use at a senior home in Mimoň.
The Christmas markets on Old Town Square began on November 30th. They saw the highest attendance during New Year’s Eve celebrations and the opening weekend.
According to the organizing company Taiko, attendance exceeded the previous season, and stallholders’ sales returned to pre-COVID levels.
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A significant cold snap is approaching the Czech Republic, with meteorologists predicting a sharp drop in temperatures next week.
On Monday, temperatures will dip to -2 to -6 °C. Daily highs are not expected to exceed -3 to 1 °C, and the snow cover could reach around -9 °C.
The bitterly cold weather is not exclusive to the Czech Republic, with the German website The Weather Channel warning that Monday night could be the coldest of the entire winter so far for parts of central Europe. Temperatures of up to -15 degrees, and even -20 degrees in some mountainous areas, are expected.
However, Tuesday will bring an even greater drop in temperature. Lowest night temperatures are predicted to be -5 to -10 °C, with the snow cover reaching around -12 °C. Daytime highs will struggle to climb above -3 to +1 °C, with the southwestern half of Bohemia potentially seeing up to +3 °C.
Meteorologists attribute this cold front to a high-pressure system spreading from western to central Europe, which will also lead to the passage of a cold front through the country on Tuesday evening.
However, the extreme cold is not expected to last long in the Czech Republic.
On Wednesday, the weather will be predominantly cloudy, with occasional rain, including the possibility of freezing rain. Snowfall is expected, particularly in the northeastern half of the region. Temperatures will reach a maximum of five degrees Celsius above zero, accompanied by a moderate northwest-to-west wind blowing at two to six meters per second. Conditions will remain similar on Thursday.
From Friday to Sunday, we can anticipate clear to partly clear skies, with fog or low clouds developing in some areas.
Daily high temperatures will range from two to seven degrees Celsius; however, in areas with low clouds or fog, temperatures may hover around zero.
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Six people died when a propane-butane cylinder exploded in a restaurant in the northwest Czech city of Most, setting the building on fire, emergency services said on Sunday.
“The fire spread extremely fast after a gas heater was probably knocked over,” the local fire service posted on X.
Eight people were injured in the fiery blast that occurred late on Saturday evening, and 30 people were evacuated from the restaurant and surrounding buildings, the Czech fire rescue service said on X social media platform.
The fire brigade said it had rescued one seriously injured restaurant guest who had been trapped in a bathroom.
Czech Radio reported around 20 guests were in the restaurant at the time of the explosion. It started at 11.17 pm on Saturday and was under control by midnight, the fire service said.
“Despite all efforts… the fire had tragic consequences for six people,” it said.
Eight others were injured, six of them seriously. They were taken to hospitals in Prague, Most and the regional capital of Usti nad Labem.
“When the firefighters arrived at the scene, the building was already fully engulfed in flames. The intervention commander immediately began extinguishing the fire and dispatched a team of firefighters with a high-pressure hose to rescue a guest trapped in the restroom. The seriously injured guest was successfully rescued from the burning building,” firefighters’ spokeswoman Lucie Pipiš said in a press release.
The firefighters managed to get the fire under control shortly after 01:00, one member of the volunteer unit was injured during the intervention.
Rescuers deployed ten crews to the scene, supported by the air rescue service from Pilsen.
“The air rescue team assisted in transporting patients to the Královské Vinohrady Hospital in Prague. We treated a total of eight patients. Five were transported to Prague, two to the hospital in Most, and one to the trauma center in Ústí nad Labem. The injuries are severe,” Petr Bureš, regional director of the emergency service in Ústí nad Labem, told reporters.
This is the sixth most tragic fire in Czechia since 1990. The deadliest occurred in August 2020, when an arson attack on an apartment in Bohumín claimed 11 lives.
The Czech Republic boasts one of the world’s strongest passports, ranking fifth in the 2024 Global Passport Index.
Arton Capital’s annual index evaluates the freedom of travel offered by passports, highlighting both practical and symbolic measures of global mobility.
The Value of a Strong Passport
A strong passport represents freedom and opportunity, enabling holders to travel to most countries without the need for visas. In contrast, weaker passports reflect limited travel options and significant barriers. The Global Passport Index examines travel freedom and considers geopolitical, economic, and social factors.
Czech citizens can travel visa-free to 126 countries, obtain visas on arrival in 50, and need advance visas for only 22 destinations. This positions the Czech passport alongside Croatia and Estonia, ahead of countries like Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Japan, and Canada.
Top Performers and Shifting Trends
For the fourth consecutive year, the United Arab Emirates leads the rankings, granting its citizens visa-free access to 133 countries. This achievement stems from proactive diplomacy and rapid economic modernization.
European nations dominate the top 20, with Spain securing second place and Germany tied with Finland and France for third. However, the United Kingdom and the United States have both experienced significant declines.
The UK passport’s power has dropped due to Brexit, strained EU relations, and changes to its immigration system.
The U.S. passport remains strong but lags behind other major economies. American citizens enjoy visa-free access to 123 countries and visa-on-arrival privileges in 50.
Weakest Passports in the World
Syria ranks at the bottom, overtaking Afghanistan for the weakest passport. Syrian passport holders can travel visa-free to just nine countries, while requiring prior visas for 158 destinations. Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan, and Yemen also face significant travel restrictions.
Even North Korea, the world’s most closed-off nation, ranks higher at 89th place.
Despite its isolation, North Korean passport holders have access to a handful of friendly countries like Cuba, Laos, and Mongolia.
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Global Preschool, a renowned early childhood education center located in Prague 6, is pleased to announce an Open House event on January 31, 2025.
This occasion offers prospective families an opportunity to explore the school’s facilities, meet the dedicated teaching staff, and gain insight into the unique educational programs that have been fostering children’s growth for nearly three decades.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1996 by an Indian-Icelandic couple, Global Preschool has built a strong reputation for providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 6 months to 6 years. The school’s mission is to cultivate happy and confident children who develop a healthy awareness and appreciation of others and the environment.
Montessori-Based Approach
Global Preschool’s curriculum is rooted in Montessori principles, emphasizing hands-on exploration and learning in engaging surroundings. This approach encourages children to develop confidence, curiosity, and respect for others. The school balances structured routines with child-initiated play, ensuring comprehensive development across all areas.
Diverse and Qualified Staff
The preschool prides itself on its diverse community and expert teachers. All staff members are highly qualified professionals, holding diplomas from accredited Montessori training programs (AMI, NAMC). The team includes individuals from various cultural backgrounds, enhancing the school’s inclusive atmosphere. Regular collaboration with a child psychologist, pediatrician, and nutritionist further supports the well-being and development of the students.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
In August 2006, Global Preschool relocated to a renovated villa in the picturesque setting of Šárka’s valley. The facility was expanded in 2018 to include a new toddler school, providing younger children with their own unique space. In 2019, a Primary Learners program was introduced, allowing families from other Prague neighborhoods to benefit from the school’s distinctive programs.
Open House Details
The Open House on January 31 will provide an immersive experience into the daily life at Global Preschool. Attendees will have the chance to tour the classrooms, observe the Montessori-based teaching methods in action, and engage with the educators.
Information about the various programs, including Infant and Toddler Care, Pre-Primary, and Primary Programs, will be available.
For more info and reservations:
T: +420 739 315 551,
