The Filmasia Festival, an annual celebration of Asian cinema, returns to Prague from December 5 to December 10 at the Bio Oko cinema.

Over the past two decades, this event has introduced Czech audiences to the diverse world of contemporary Asian filmmaking. Since its first edition in 2005, the festival has screened nearly 250 films, including works from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

This year, Filmasia celebrates its 20th anniversary by focusing on women in Asian cinema.

The festival’s theme, Women in Asian Film, highlights the contributions of female directors and heroines, symbolizing a new era for the industry.

The program will feature four films by contemporary female filmmakers from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The Women Directors section presents:

• Fly Me to the Moon (2023): The acclaimed debut by Hong Kong filmmaker Sasha Chuk, mentored by industry veteran Stanley Kwan. Chuk will personally attend the festival to introduce her work.
• Fagara (2019): Directed by Heiward Mak, this Hong Kong drama explores family ties and resilience, with contributions from actress Sammi Cheng and producer Ann Hui. A post-screening discussion with Mak will offer further insights into her creative process.
• Next Sohee (2022): South Korean director July Jung delivers a gripping societal critique through this detective drama. Jung will also engage in a discussion following the screening.
• A Journey in Spring (2023): Taiwanese directors Peng Tzu-Hui, and Ping-Wen Wang present a poignant exploration of loss and self-discovery.

Special Screenings

This year’s Special Screenings section includes highly anticipated new releases:

• Exhuma (2024): A visceral South Korean horror film by Jang Jae-hyun that promises to thrill genre enthusiasts.
• Evil Does Not Exist (2023): Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, this Japanese environmental drama delivers a profound cinematic experience, reminiscent of the director’s previous work, Drive My Car.

In addition, audiences can enjoy a double screening of Wong Kar-wai’s classics Chungking Express and Fallen Angels, as well as the Taiwanese romantic comedy Salli, which subtly critiques the world of online dating.

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A majority of Czech employees fear job loss in 2025 and are considering changing jobs, driven by financial dissatisfaction, work-life balance, and limited career growth opportunities, according to a new survey.

A landmark revival begins in Prague: the city has officially opened the pilot operation of arch no. 36 of the Karlín Viaduct.

This historic arch, part of the Negrelli Viaduct, has undergone a modern transformation and is now an information and exhibition center. Built between 1846 and 1850, this architectural gem enters a new chapter as a cultural and community hub.

Urban Transformation in Karlín

Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček emphasized the broader implications of this project. He highlighted the coordination between various developments in the area, including the revitalization of the Karlín Barracks and the launch of an international architectural competition for new blocks near Florenc.

“Within 10 to 15 years, this district will evolve into a vibrant urban hub, integrating cutting-edge architecture and public projects like the future Prague railway junction,” he said.

Councilor Adam Zábranský noted that European cities often transform similar spaces into socio-cultural hubs. “Our vision includes glazing and utilizing up to 40 arches, which could inject energy into the Negrelli Viaduct area. For now, we await the trial results, which I fully support,” he stated.

They both expressed optimism about the potential for cafes, cultural spaces, and community activities within the viaduct’s arches. “This is just the beginning. These projects will further strengthen Karlín as a dynamic neighborhood,” she said.

A Space for Everyone

First Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib, emphasized the broader significance of the project. “Following the example of modern Western cities, we are bringing life back to the viaduct! If the trial succeeds, additional arches could host cafes, bistros, galleries, and shops for local creators. This will become another bustling space in Prague, where people can gather and enjoy,” he said.

The vision for the arches includes a balanced leasing strategy: 40% for commercial use, 40% for discounted creative leases, and 20% for short-term rentals, ideal for startups. “Our goal is a self-sustaining operation that benefits all residents,” concluded Zábranský.

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This autumn in Prague was among the warmest ever recorded at the Klementinum weather station.

The period from September through November 2024 ranked as the sixth to eighth warmest since measurements began in 1775.

The average temperature during this time reached 12.1°C, which is 1.1°C above the 1991–2020 average, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).

The record-holder for the warmest autumn remains last year, with an average temperature of 13.6°C, while the coldest autumn occurred in 1786, with a mere 5.8°C average.

An Exceptional Warm Trend

“This year’s autumn ranks within the top 4% of the warmest autumns recorded over the past 250 years,” meteorologists noted. Seven of the eight warmest autumns in Klementinum’s history have been recorded in the 21st century, highlighting the recent trend of rising temperatures.

September and October this year were particularly warm, while November fell within the “normal” temperature range. November’s average temperature of 5.5°C placed it between 77th and 82nd out of 250 Novembers recorded since 1775.

“Approximately one-third of past Novembers were warmer, while two-thirds were colder,” the Czech Meteorological Institute stated.

The warmest November on record at Klementinum occurred in 2015, with an average temperature of 8.7°C. By contrast, the coldest was in 1858, when temperatures plunged to an average of -3°C.

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The Colours of Ostrava festival has announced more exciting names for next year’s edition.

Sting will be performing at the festival, and he will be joined by his long-time collaborator Shaggy, who will also make his Czech solo debut. The festival will also welcome Snow Patrol to the Czech Republic for the first time.

The diverse lineup for the 22nd edition of the festival will feature a range of genres, from reggae to indie rock and electro-pop. Sting is no stranger to Czech fans, having performed here many times before.

However, what makes his upcoming performance truly special is the opportunity to see him share the stage with Shaggy, his close friend and musical partner.

The two musicians have a rich history together. In 2018, they released the joint album 44/876, which brought Sting back to his reggae roots. In 2024, Shaggy will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album Boombastic, and the 15th anniversary of his hugely successful Hot Shot, featuring hits like “Angel” and “It Wasn’t Me”.

Given that Shaggy will be performing on the same day as Sting, there is a possibility of a surprise guest appearance during Sting’s set.

“We’re thrilled to finally welcome Sting to Colours of Ostrava. Personally, he’s a fascinating figure in modern music, constantly experimenting with new genres. I’m even more excited that we’ve been able to arrange for Shaggy to perform on the same day as part of the program. He’ll perform his greatest hits, accompanied by a powerful band, adding a unique rhythm to the festival,” says Zlata Holušová, artistic director of Colours of Ostrava.

There’s also a special connection to the Czech scene. J.A.R., a popular Czech band, is also part of the lineup. J.A.R.’s frontman, Dan Bárta, previously performed with Sting’s guitarist, Dominic Miller.

Another highly anticipated act is Snow Patrol, the British band known for their iconic hits such as “Run”, “Chocolate”, and “Chasing Cars”—the latter still holds the title as the most-played song of the 21st century on British radio. The band will be making their first appearance in the Czech Republic at the festival.

Noga Erez, an artist celebrated for blending African and Latin American influences with Middle Eastern sounds, will also perform at the festival. Her latest album, The Vandalist, showcases her most original work yet.

Colours of Ostrava will take place from July 16 to 19, 2025. In addition to the traditional and VIP four-day tickets, the festival now offers new VIP+ and Fresh categories.

One-day tickets will also be available at a discounted price starting Thursday, December 5.

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This December, Manifesto Market in Prague transforms into a winter wonderland, offering holiday magic, creative workshops, and festive giveaways.

Winter Market Opens with a Festive Launch

On Saturday, December 7th, from 6 pm, Manifesto Market will host the grand opening of its Winter Market. Visitors can enjoy a variety of offerings, including food from international cuisines, cocktails, hot drinks, and a special mulled wine recipe.

The evening will feature live music and an array of festive activities, creating a lively ambiance for the season.

Christmas Gift Vouchers: A Unique Present

Manifesto Market is introducing Christmas Gift Vouchers as part of its seasonal offerings. Available in denominations of 1000 CZK and 2000 CZK, these vouchers offer the opportunity to explore Prague’s diverse culinary scene. More details about the vouchers can be found on the market’s official website.

Instagram Giveaway for the Holiday Season

From December 2nd, Manifesto Market runs a Christmas Giveaway on Instagram, offering participants a chance to win prizes such as restaurant vouchers, Jagermeister Orange bottles, and exclusive Manifesto Christmas mugs.

To participate, you must follow Manifesto Market on Instagram, like the giveaway post, and tag a friend in the comments. Additional chances to win are available by posting photos or videos from the market with the hashtag #ManifestoGiveaway24. The giveaway will run until December 20th, with winners announced on December 21st through Instagram Stories.

New Year’s Eve Celebration with a Roaring 20s Theme

Manifesto Market is also preparing a New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st. The event will run from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, featuring a Roaring 20s theme. The evening will include the Gatsby Feast, a four-course menu inspired by the decadence of the 1920s, alongside live entertainment.

The Gatsby Feast menu includes:

• Pink Diamond Oysters with homemade cocktail sauce and vinaigrette
• Shrimp Gyoza with ponzu reduction and umami mayo
• Reverse Seared Picanha with mulled wine demi-glace, roasted caramelized carrots, and potato purée
• Revani – a sweet sponge cake served with vanilla ice cream and pistachios

You can also look forward to a signature New Year’s Eve cocktail or opt for the Bubbles Package, which includes the meal and unlimited Prosecco and Crémant.

Entertainment will feature live DJs and saxophone performances, alongside hourly midnight countdowns to mark the new year across different time zones. Tickets are available online.

 

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The charming tradition of St. Nicholas falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. 

If you find yourself walking the streets on that evening, you may run into a group of strange characters: St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), the Angel (anděl) who represents the Good, and the Devil (čert) representing the Evil. All wear costumes.

Mikuláš looks a bit like Santa Claus whose origin was supposedly inspired by St. Nicholas.

All three characters walk the streets, stopping children and asking them if they were good in the past year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or recite a short poem.

They are then rewarded with sweets,  candy or other treats, which are handed out by the Angel. Bad kids would be put in the Devil’s sack and taken to hell, or would only get a sack of potatoes or coal instead of candy – of course it does not really happen!

 

What does the tradition look like?

On the evening of December 5th, Mikulas knocks on the doors of Czech households with the devil and an angel alongside him, handing out treats to good children.

The devil’s work, on the other hand, is to spook and symbolically punish those children who were not kind and good. St. Mikulas is portrayed as a man with a long, white beard dressed in a red bishop’s garment. Children mostly receive chocolates or snacks, but also oranges or potatoes. “Bad children” may receive coal. Children usually have to sing a song or a rhyme in order to get a candy.

But, why do we hand out candies?

The tradition has its roots in the 10th century. It started during boy bishop games, which took place in monastery schools. In the games, one boy would carry a crutch with which he took to the monastery for one day as St. Mikulas and was master of the school.

In the 13th century, this holiday became St. Mikula’s day, and a new game was invented in which a groom handed out treats to children. One of the grooms, named Ruprecht, was supposed to reward but also scare children, which, over the course of time, changed to the devil and angel joining Mikulas on his gift-giving errand. Since then, this trio wanders from one door to another across the whole Czech Republic.

Why is it so popular?

Nowadays, this tradition is loved by almost every child in the Czech Republic, even those who were not so good and kind for the whole year. While it is not a nationwide public holiday in the Czech Republic, but merely a religious observance, it is still a great occasion on which families gather to have a nice evening. The role of Mikulas is often taken up by a friend of the family or a grandad, and not the father, so that children will be surprised.

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Prague authorities have launched a public awareness campaign to promote the humane treatment of carp, a traditional symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations.

Running until December 23, the campaign highlights carp suffering when handled improperly, such as being kept in bathtubs, killed unprofessionally, or released into rivers.

“We want to emphasize that certain practices surrounding carp handling are extremely cruel and cause immense suffering for these animals,” said Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) at a press conference.

“This issue has been discussed for many years, and some retailers have already taken steps to address it. The initiative does not aim to ban the sale of live carp in Prague’s streets but seeks to encourage professional and humane practices.”

Why Keeping Carp in Bathtubs is Harmful

Experts warn that keeping live carp in bathtubs causes severe stress and health issues for the fish. “The temperature difference in bathtubs, combined with chlorinated water, creates an environment that is toxic and distressing for carp,” explained Ondřej Slavík, a specialist in fish behavior from the Czech University of Life Sciences. “The fish often exhibit signs of extreme stress, such as poor respiration, necrosis, and erratic swimming.”

Slavík also pointed out that transporting carp in plastic bags poses additional risks, as the fish may suffocate during transit. You can find his study here.

The Myth of River Rescue

Releasing carp into rivers, often seen as a compassionate alternative, can also lead to the fish’s demise. “For carp, rivers are an unfamiliar and hostile environment. Unlike the calm ponds they are bred in, rivers have currents and lack sufficient shelter,” Slavík explained. “This makes them easy prey and significantly reduces their chances of survival.”

Campaign Visibility

To ensure maximum impact, the campaign will appear on digital screens throughout the city, including in public transportation hubs like the Národní třída metro station, medical facilities, and on street furniture. A website provides additional resources and educational materials.

Statistics from the State Veterinary Administration reveal the scale of the issue, with 3,000 carp sales points across the country, 200 of which are in Prague. Around 15% of buyers opt to take live fish home.

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Czechia continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the whole of the European Union, as the bloc’s overall unemployment figure remained at 5.9% in October, unchanged from September.

Compared to the same period last year, the EU unemployment rate has dropped by 0.2 percentage points, according to the latest report from Eurostat.

In October, unemployment in the Czech Republic decreased by 0.2 percentage points from September, reaching 2.6%.

It’s worth noting that Eurostat’s methodology differs from that of the Czech Labour Office. While the EU-wide unemployment rate held steady, the eurozone unemployment rate also remained at 6.3%, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 0.3 percentage points.

Malta and Spain at Opposite Ends of the Spectrum

Following the Czech Republic, Malta reported the second-lowest unemployment rate in October, holding steady at 3%, a 0.3 percentage point decline compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, Spain recorded the highest unemployment rate among EU countries, standing at 11.2%, followed by Greece at 9.8%, which saw a significant month-on-month increase of 0.5 percentage points. Finland ranked third, with an 8.8% unemployment rate.

Gender Disparities in EU Employment

Eurostat’s report also highlighted disparities between men and women across the EU. In October, the unemployment rate for women in the EU was 6.1%, unchanged from September, while the rate for men stood at 5.7%, reflecting a marginal 0.1 percentage point decrease. Similar patterns were observed in the eurozone, where unemployment rates for women and men were 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively.

Czech Republic: Data Collection and Methodology

The figures for the Czech Republic are based on data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ), which relies on household surveys. Eurostat’s methodology differs slightly, as it measures unemployment for individuals aged 15 to 74, whereas the CZSO focuses on those aged 15 to 64.

According to the CZSO, the October unemployment rate was 2.7%, while the Czech Labour Office reported a 3.8% unemployment rate for the same month.

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The Czech Republic is set to end its reliance on Russian oil as it closes the pipeline taps after more than 60 years.

Starting December 5, the country will no longer benefit from an EU exemption on Russian oil imports, halting the flow of crude through the Druzhba oil pipeline.

This decision marks a turning point in Czech energy independence and reflects broader European efforts to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

The Druzhba pipeline, a Cold War-era project, was the first to deliver oil to Czechoslovakia, beginning in 1962. For decades, it served as a vital artery, delivering up to 18 million tons of oil annually before the fall of communism in 1989.

Marek Vošahlík, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, confirmed the decision: “In light of the Czech Republic’s steps toward independence from Russian oil, there is no reason to extend the exemption.”

Transitioning to Alternative Oil Supplies

The Czech Republic has outlined a plan to replace Russian oil. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), which will double its capacity to deliver up to eight million tons of oil annually starting next year.

The country imports oil through two main sources: the Druzhba pipeline and the German IKL pipeline, which connects to the Italian TAL system originating in Trieste.

In 2022, approximately 58% of the country’s 7.4 million tons of imported oil arrived via Druzhba. The remainder flowed through the TAL network, which will soon play a more dominant role.

Reuters noted that much of the Czech Republic’s Russian oil products have been sourced from Slovakia’s Slovnaft refinery, owned by Hungarian energy company MOL. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár recently indicated that Slovakia has no immediate plans to halt Russian oil imports, but the Czech Republic is preparing to fill the gap through alternative rail-imported oil products.

Securing Energy Stability Amid Change

By July 2025, the country aims to eliminate its reliance on Russian oil fully. This timeline aligns with the operational start of the TAL pipeline expansion and the expiration of current contracts held by PKN Orlen, which include Russian crude imports.

Energy security envoy Václav Bartuška emphasized the transition’s feasibility: “From July 2025, we should no longer be using Russian oil. The expanded TAL-PLUS pipeline will provide the necessary capacity, with supplies likely coming from Iraq and South America’s Guyana, depending on pricing trends.”

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The Christmas Markets on Old Town Square opened last week. Here’s what you can expect to pay for your favorite holiday treats this year.

On Saturday, the lighting ceremony of the Old Town Square Christmas tree officially kicked off Prague’s most popular Advent event.  The Christmas markets, which will run until January 6, are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Rising Prices for Festive Treats

A small mulled wine (0.2 L) or a classic trdelník will cost you 100 CZK each. A Pilsner beer (0.4 L) is priced at 80 CZK. Other seasonal specialties have also seen price increases, reflecting broader inflation trends.

“We’ve raised prices by 10 to 20 crowns this year, especially for items like beer, mulled wine, and roasted corn. Inflation has made it unavoidable.” Tree ornaments cost between 80 and 150 CZK, while a bunch of mistletoe is priced at 70 CZK.

Complete Price List for Food and Drinks

• Beer: Pilsner (0.4 L) – 80 CZK
• Soft Drinks: Ralinovka, Cola, or Mattoni (0.4 L) – 70 CZK
• Hot Drinks: Espresso – 70 CZK, Cappuccino – 90 CZK, Tea – 70 CZK, Hot Chocolate – 90 CZK, Mulled Wine (0.2 L) – 100 CZK, Hot Apple or Forest Fruit Drink (0.2 L) – 70 CZK, Punch – 90 CZK, Mead (0.2 L) – 130 CZK
• Food:
• • Sausage in a Baguette – 150 CZK
  • Trdelník – 100 CZK
  • Lángos – 180 to 220 CZK
  • Pumpkin Soup – 155 CZK
  • Roasted Chestnuts – 140 CZK
  • Grilled Chicken (¼ portion) – 150 CZK
  • Burger – 299 CZK
  • Fruit Dumpling – 99 CZK
  • Gingerbread Pack – 150 CZK
  • Potato Spirals – 100 to 150 CZK
  • Baked Sausage – 150 CZK
  • Waffles – 130 to 150 CZK
  • Roasted Corn – 80 CZK

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The Prague Public Transport Company has secured a preliminary building permit for the construction of a new tram line through the Žižkov Freight Station.

The construction is expected to begin next year and finish by the end of 2027.

The new tram line will stretch from Olšanská Street to Habrová in Jarov, with six stops planned:

• Nový Žižkov
• Nákladová
• Malešická
• Nad Kapličkou
• Habrová
• Sídliště Jarov

The route, nearly two kilometers long, will run along the northern edge of the freight station. The section from Olšanská and Jana Želivského streets will be double-tracked, while the final 500 meters to Jarov will use a single track along the existing railway surface. Future phases aim to extend the line to Malešice.

“This line will provide better connectivity for the area and support the redevelopment of Žižkov,” said Pavel Dobeš, Deputy Mayor of Prague 3.

Land Acquisition in Progress

A critical step in the project is the acquisition of the historic Žižkov Freight Station building and surrounding land.

Negotiations are currently underway between the city and the Sekyra Group, which holds pre-emptive rights to the property. At the start of November, Prague announced plans to sign a cooperation agreement with Sekyra Group to secure these rights.

The station, owned by Czech Railways, will play a central role in the urban transformation. According to Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial and Strategic Development, “The Žižkov Freight Station area is pivotal for Prague’s growth. It is vital to ensure that this new urban district is both pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible by public transport.”

A Vision for Žižkov’s Future

The redevelopment of the Žižkov Freight Station area is considered one of Prague’s most significant urban transformation projects. The plans include the creation of a new city district with a central square, parks, two elementary schools, five kindergartens, and approximately ten thousand apartments.

This transformation is already underway. Developer Central Group is constructing 4,600 apartments across three projects on the former railway station site. Other developers, including Sekyra Group, Penta, and Finep, are also planning to build in the area.

 

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