Prague 10 is planning to transform Malešický Park with the construction of a new restaurant and observation tower.

The project, designed by Amont Studio from Basel, Switzerland, won an international architectural competition, marking the next step in the park’s revitalization.

The cost of the project is estimated at 60 million crowns. The plan aims to breathe new life into the park by introducing a dining and leisure space that will cater to both locals and tourists.

The restaurant is designed to seat 50 guests indoors with space for an additional 90 seats on the terrace. The 30-meter observation tower promises to offer panoramic views of Prague, making it a standout feature in the city’s landscape.

“The goal of this architectural competition was to select the best design for a garden restaurant with an observation tower. This project will further develop the public infrastructure of Malešický Park,” said Martin Valovič, the head of Prague 10.

Valovič also noted that the proposed location for the restaurant seamlessly integrates with existing roads and structures, maintaining the urban landscape while leaving room for other park uses.

“Now, we will move forward with discussions on the next steps, including the preparation of project documentation and signing contracts,” Valovič said, though no specific timeline for construction has been established yet.

A key part of Malešický Park’s evolution

Malešický Park, originally a natural landscape park covering 8.8 hectares, has evolved into a well-loved urban park.

In 2013, the park underwent an extensive revitalization, funded by the EU, which expanded the recreational facilities for both passive and active use. Today, Malešický Park is one of the most visited green spaces in Prague 10, offering a variety of activities for families, athletes, and nature lovers alike.

The area designated for the restaurant is currently occupied by underused warehouses.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The inflation rate across the European Union decreased to 2.1 percent in September, down from 2.4 percent in August, according to a report released by the Eurostat statistical office.

In contrast, inflation in the Czech Republic has increased, rising from 2.4 percent in August to 2.8 percent. It’s important to note that Eurostat utilizes a calculation methodology that is harmonized with EU standards, which differs from the approach taken by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ).

In the Eurozone, the inflation rate fell to 1.7 percent in September from 2.2 percent in August. This revised figure is lower than the initial estimate of 1.8 percent for September inflation in euro-using countries.

Last September, the inflation rates were significantly higher: 4.9 percent in the EU and 4.3 percent in the Eurozone, while the Czech Republic recorded an inflation rate of 8.3 percent.

Ireland reported the lowest inflation rate this September, registering at zero percent. Following closely were Lithuania with 0.4 percent, and both Slovenia and Italy at 0.7 percent. On the other hand, Romania faced the highest inflation rate at 4.8 percent, trailed by Belgium at 4.3 percent and Poland at 4.2 percent.

When compared to August, annual inflation decreased in twenty EU countries, increased in five, and remained unchanged in two.

In September, services were the primary contributor to annual inflation in the Eurozone, accounting for 1.76 percentage points. This was followed by the categories of food, alcohol, and tobacco, which contributed 0.47 percentage points, and non-energy industrial goods at 0.12 points. In contrast, the energy sector helped to moderate price increases, contributing negatively at -0.60 percentage points.

According to the CZSO methodology, the September inflation rate in the Czech Republic was recorded at 2.6 percent, an increase from the August figure of 2.2 percent. The office attributes this rise mainly to higher prices for food and fuel.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

This week in Prague will feature mild autumn weather, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. While it won’t be freezing yet, a shift is expected towards the weekend.

Let’s dive into what the upcoming days hold.

On Monday, the forecast remains consistent with partly cloudy to clear conditions. Morning fog might reduce visibility in some areas. Daytime temperatures will hover between 14 and 18 degrees, with low cloud cover keeping some spots around 12°C. Winds will be moderate and weak in the west and southwest.

Tuesday starts off mostly clear, but clouds will begin to build from the northwest as the day progresses, with rain or scattered showers expected. Temperatures should peak between 15 and 19 degrees, but northern regions under heavier cloud cover may only reach 13°C.

Wednesday sees a similar weather pattern with clear to partly cloudy skies. However, the southeastern part of the country may experience increased cloudiness and occasional rain in the morning. The highest temperatures will range from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius.

Thursday’s weather remains largely unchanged, with clear skies and fog or low clouds in some areas. Temperatures will range from 13 to 17 degrees, with cooler spots, especially under prolonged cloud cover, dropping to 11°C. Winds will stay light, occasionally picking up from the east to southeast.

Unfortunately, the mild and sunny spell will come to an end over the weekend. Cloud cover will increase, and rain or showers are expected from the west. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, ranging between 11 and 16 degrees Celsius.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) has expanded its retro fleet with the purchase of a vintage Škoda 706 RTO MTZ bus.

This iconic vehicle, manufactured in 1970, originally operated in Jihlava for seven years.

After changing ownership in the 1990s, the bus was carefully restored in 2021 by its new owner, an entrepreneur who had planned to organize paid retro tours around Jihlava. However, the business venture did not succeed, and the fully renovated bus was put up for sale.

“We seized the opportunity because there are very few of these buses left in such excellent technical condition after a major overhaul,” said Jan Šurovský, Technical Director of the Prague Public Transport Company.

“We decided to add this model to our retro bus fleet to enhance the historic Route K, offering an authentic experience to our passengers.”

The Škoda 706 RTO MTZ bus was once a common sight on the streets of Prague in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As part of the restoration, technicians recently replaced one incorrectly sized wheel and repainted the bus in its original period livery, ensuring it looks just as it did decades ago.

 

This bus will now serve Prague’s historic “K” route, replacing the Karosa 6380 model, which is scheduled to be sold.

Passengers will be able to experience this retro ride for the first time on Sunday, October 20. The bus will also be available for private excursions, offering a unique journey into Prague’s transport past.

Route K: A Nostalgic Journey Through Prague

Route K will take passengers on a trip through the following stops: STADION STRAHOV – Koleje Strahov – Malovanka – Park Maxe van der Stoela – Vozovna Střešovice – Prašný most – Vítězné náměstí – Lotyšská – Na Santince – Dukla, Juliska – U Matěje – Špitálka – Dyrinka Han – Sušická – Na Pískách – Starodejvická – Pod Vyhlídkou – Macharovo náměstí – Vozovna Střešovice – Park Maxe van der Stoela – Pohořelec – Malovanka – Koleje Strahov – STADION STRAHOV.

For just 100 CZK, passengers can enjoy a memorable trip through some of the most historic parts of Prague on this vintage bus.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

School canteens across the Czech Republic are set for significant changes aimed at improving the quality of food served to students.

With growing concern over unhealthy eating habits among children, the Ministry of Education is preparing to update regulations that will ensure more nutritious meals are provided in schools.

Recent inspections by the State Health Institute (SZÚ) have highlighted alarming issues in school meal programs. Some canteens were found to include sweetened teas and juices as part of children’s daily fruit intake, while others served portions of meat containing bones, reducing the actual edible quantity.

Rising Childhood Obesity

Up to 25% of Czech teenagers are now considered overweight, a statistic that reflects broader lifestyle problems. Many school canteens are failing to meet the necessary nutritional standards.

“We observed insufficient energy value, low levels of beneficial fats, excessive salt, and issues related to the serving of sweetened beverages,” said Barbora Macková, the chief hygienist and head of the SZÚ, in an interview with Novinky.

Perhaps the most shocking finding was the practice of considering sweetened juices and teas as a portion of fruit. According to experts, a single glass of these drinks is equivalent to about seven pieces of candy in terms of sugar content. Additionally, the frequent use of pre-packaged soups containing high levels of salt is another issue that needs addressing.

Healthier Menus on the Way

In response, the Ministry is set to introduce a revised decree. One of the key changes is the requirement that fish be served weekly—a shift from the current bi-weekly schedule. The new rules also call for an increased presence of legumes, as well as a greater emphasis on fruits and vegetables in meals.

The balance between vegetable and animal fats will be adjusted, with a ratio of 1:2 in favor of healthier vegetable fats. Unhealthy fats like palm and coconut oil will be banned entirely. The new beverage regulations prohibit sweeteners such as sugar, honey, syrup, and concentrated fruit juices.

Canteens will be required to serve more substantial and nutritious portions, with special provisions for students with dietary restrictions, such as those with celiac disease.

These new guidelines are set to take effect from the beginning of the next school year.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Prague Airport will offer passengers 13 new destinations for the 2024 winter season.

Starting this winter, Václav Havel Prague Airport will connect travelers to 115 destinations across 56 airlines during the upcoming autumn-winter aviation season (October 27 – March 31).

This is a significant increase—four times more than last year—but still 60% lower than the pre-pandemic record from 2019.

Flights to European favorites like Edinburgh, Nice, Naples, Nantes, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Athens will now be available throughout the winter season, as they were previously limited to summer schedules.

Completely new destinations have been introduced, including Liverpool, Belfast, Kayseri in Turkey, and exotic spots like Manama (Bahrain), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), and Holguín (Cuba).

The airport will also resume several popular long-haul winter flights to tropical destinations such as the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), Vietnam (Phu Quoc), Thailand (Krabi), Kenya (Mombasa), Zanzibar, Oman (Salalah), Cape Verde (Sal), and Cuba (Santa Clara).

Passenger Growth Outlook

Prague Airport forecasts that total passenger traffic will reach 16.2 million in 2024, up from 13.8 million last year. Low-cost airlines play a significant role in this recovery, currently handling around half of the airport’s traffic.

By the end of this year, these carriers are expected to serve 7.4 million passengers, accounting for approximately 45% of the overall volume.

As of now, the airport is operating at 80% of its pre-pandemic capacity. However, a full recovery to pre-COVID record levels is anticipated by 2025.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Last year, the Indian Film Festival celebrated its 20th year and this year it enters its third decade of this amazing adventure, regularly bringing the best and most interesting of Indian cinema to audiences.

The stars (not only) of Bollywood’s silver screen will shine at Cinema Světozor from October 31 to November 2, 2024.

“Due to organizational reasons, we had to shift the date a bit and it falls on India’s most important festival Diwali (November 2). That’s why we also included the immortal hit Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham, which shows the celebrations of this festival in a truly lavish way and is still played by Indian families on these festive days,” says Radim Špaček, the festival’s artistic director.

In addition to these classics, you can look forward to current films telling interesting stories that you will remember for a long time.

A diverse range of genres will be represented, for example, by Srikanth, a biographical drama based on a true story about a blind boy who wants to become the President of India and has so far made it to become a wealthy businessman and influential philanthropist.

“My personal pick is the gritty thriller Joram about a rural man’s escape from political gangsters and corrupt cops, all the while with his baby in his arms,” adds Špaček. Laapataa Ladies is an emotionally charged story of two brides mistaken on a train. Crew, on the other hand, is an action comedy about a trio of stewardesses who embark on a crime spree.

And finally, the award-winning drama 12th Fail – again based on a true story – describes the tribulations of young students with high school entrance exams, as this film thematizes the pervasiveness of corruption and dishonesty in state institutions and private enterprises.

The atmosphere of India and especially the festival of Diwali will be highlighted during the festival by the decoration of the cinema hall by Sanu Babu and complemented by food from an Indian restaurant or the offer of the traditional drink “masala chai”.

The Bollywood dance party in particular has become a tradition. This year’s will be hosted by DJ Deepak at the Chapeau Rouge club on November 2.

The festival also has a Facebook event where interesting facts and details about the films.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

New regulation targets organized groups, but a complete ban on begging with animals remains legally impossible.

Prague city councilors have approved an amendment to the public ordinance, prohibiting street performers from using animals in their acts.

The rule primarily targets foreign groups operating in the city’s historic center. Violators of the new regulation face financial fines, with foreign offenders potentially facing deportation.

However, despite this crackdown on street performances, a blanket ban on begging with animals in Prague is not possible, as begging is considered a basic human right.

“This amendment will ban future outdoor performances involving animals, whether the animal plays an active or passive role,” explained Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), Prague’s deputy mayor.

Animal Welfare Concerns

Concerns about animal welfare and public safety largely drive the new rule. Animals used in street performances are often subjected to high levels of stress and can behave unpredictably, posing a risk to passersby.

Pospíšil mentioned that in consultation with city police and the Regional Veterinary Administration, specific instances of animal abuse were documented. “These are clear cases of mistreatment, sometimes bordering on cruelty. We have groups of foreign nationals who, for example, play the accordion while using animals to appeal to the emotions of tourists and locals, effectively soliciting money,” Pospíšil noted.

In some cases, these groups exploit animals as a way to bypass the existing ban on begging in certain parts of Prague. To counter this, Pospíšil proposed a separate amendment to outlaw begging with animals, but the measure was blocked due to a legal ruling.

Begging and Legal Challenges

“The Ministry of the Interior holds that begging is a basic constitutional right,” Pospíšil explained. This legal opinion is based on a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, which makes it impossible to impose a blanket ban on begging with animals across the city.

As a result, the ban only applies in designated areas, such as around Charles Bridge and other key tourist hotspots.

For foreign offenders who breach the new ordinance, Pospíšil has requested their expulsion from the country. However, enforcing financial penalties has proven challenging, with many fines remaining unpaid.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

A baby Rothschild giraffe, one of the rarest giraffe species in the world, was born at the Safari Park Dvůr Králové in the Czech city of Dvůr Králové nad Labem.

This species, classified as endangered, has fewer than 700 individuals remaining in the wild.

The newborn arrived on the morning of October 14 after a one-hour labor. She is the 184th Rothschild giraffe born at this park, which has been home to this species for over 50 years.

While the baby giraffe is yet to be named, both she and her mother are in excellent health. Shortly after birth, the calf was able to stand on her own and began nursing right away.

“This was not the first birth for the mother—she’s quite experienced. Our camera operator was fortunate enough to capture the birth, allowing visitors to witness this remarkable event. Unlike many animals, giraffes give birth while standing, meaning the newborn’s first experience of life is a fall from a significant height,” explained zoologist Luděk Čulík.

Despite the critical endangerment of Rothschild giraffes in the wild, their population in captivity, particularly in zoos and wildlife reserves, is relatively stable.

Conservation efforts focus on ensuring sustainable breeding practices to maintain a genetically diverse population.

“The goal now is to continue breeding programs that are not only successful but also ensure long-term genetic diversity,” Čulík emphasized.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Lenny Kravitz, a four-time Grammy Award winner and a true icon across multiple musical genres, has just announced the European dates for his acclaimed “Blue Electric Light Tour.”

As part of this tour, Kravitz and his band will perform at some of the largest venues across Europe, including Prague’s O2 Arena, London’s Wembley Arena, and Paris’ La Défense Arena.

Kravitz’s much-anticipated concert in Prague is scheduled for March 12, 2025. Fans can purchase tickets starting at CZK 1,690, with general sales opening on October 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available through the Ticketmaster and Ticketportal platforms.

However, members of the Lenny Kravitz Fan Club, Live Nation Club, and O2 customers will have the exclusive opportunity to access tickets earlier.

The “Blue Electric Light Tour 2025”

This tour builds on what Billboard refers to as the “Lennaissance” — a period of renewed and global success for Kravitz.

His twelfth studio album, “Blue Electric Light,” released in May 2024, has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Described by The Associated Press as “gorgeous… some of the rocker’s best material in years,” the album showcases Kravitz’s signature style, blending elements of rock, psychedelic funk, and soul.

In 2024, Kravitz was also honored with multiple prestigious awards.

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards, the Best Rock Award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, and the CFDA Fashion Icon Award.

Kravitz’s 2024 European tour leg was a massive success, with sold-out shows featuring live performances of tracks from his new album alongside his greatest hits.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

On Wednesday, October 16, Prague marked a somber anniversary: the deportation of Jewish citizens during the Nazi occupation.

Exactly 83 years ago, on October 16, 1941, the first group of civilians sentenced to the so-called “Final Solution” were sent from the now-defunct Praha-Bubny railway station to Poland.

The first train was headead for the Łódź ghetto, carrying around a thousand Jewish men, women, and children. Out of those deported, only 24 survived.

Throughout the course of World War II, approximately 50,000 Jewish citizens from Prague were transported via Bubny station to German and Polish concentration camps. The vast majority did not return.

The deportations were preceded by a series of harsh, discriminatory policies. Jews were allowed to take no more than 50 kg of personal belongings. Before departure, they were forced to hand over their remaining possessions, including the keys to their homes.

Preparation for deportation typically took three to four days. On the designated day, Jewish citizens were ordered to gather at an assembly point near the Praha-Bubny station. German soldiers and local police organized them into groups and escorted them to the waiting trains.

In recent years, the Bubny station has been the site of an annual memorial event called Drumming for Bubny. Participants, including descendants of deported Jews, gather to beat cardboard drums alongside professional drummers. This symbolic act represents breaking the passive silence of society, a reminder that the Holocaust became possible through the silent complicity of those who stood by.

This year, due to technical issues, the event could not take place. However, organizers found a creative alternative. They gathered on Veletržní Street, in front of the Mama Shelter hotel, where they projected images of deported Prague citizens and other Holocaust victims onto the building’s facade.

“The Prague-Bubny station is undergoing reconstruction, so we are exploring new ways to hold commemorative events at these important historical sites. This year, we chose to project images onto the place where Jews once gathered before deportation,” explained Pavlína Šulcová, director of the Monument of Silence nonprofit organization.

In 2015, a project to transform the Praha-Bubny station into a memorial complex called the Monument of Silence was launched. The future museum will feature modern exhibition halls and spaces for discussion, designed to remind visitors of the atrocities committed within Hitler’s concentration camps. The project has received financial backing from both the Czech and Prague governments.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The average age in the Czech Republic is rising at a rapid pace. In 2023, it reached 42.8 years, a significant jump of four years since the turn of the century.

Among regions, Central Bohemia holds the youngest population, with an average age of 41.5 years, followed closely by Prague at 41.7 years.

Unlike other parts of the country, these areas have seen little change in average age over recent years. On the other end of the spectrum, Zlín Region has the oldest population, averaging 43.9 years.

This data, published by the Czech Statistical Office, highlights how Prague is handling population aging better than most regions. The average age in the capital has only risen by half a year since 2000, remaining relatively stable over the past two decades. In fact, the last two years saw the lowest average age in the city in over a decade.

“Both Central Bohemia and Prague attract younger populations due to better job opportunities,” says Tomáš Fiala, a demographer from the University of Economics in Prague. He adds that this migration, including an influx of foreign workers, helps balance the population age.

In Prague, for instance, foreigners made up around 25% of the population last year—a dramatic increase compared to just 5% at the end of the 20th century.

On the flip side, regions like Olomouc and Zlín have the lowest proportion of foreigners, with immigrants making up just 4% of the population.

Some Regions Age Faster Than Others

According to statisticians, residents of Karlovy Vary have experienced the largest increase in average age, with a jump of 5.9 years since 2000. Moravian-Silesian residents saw a close 5.7-year increase.

Looking toward the future, the Central Bohemian Region is in the strongest position. For every 100 children under the age of 14, there are only 106.3 residents aged 65 and older. In contrast, the Karlovy Vary Region faces a more concerning ratio, with 149 seniors per 100 children.

This age index, which compares the ratio of seniors to children, has worsened across the entire country. In 2023, the national average was 129.5 seniors per 100 children—a stark rise from 85.5 at the start of the millennium.

Declining Birth Rates Play a Key Role

One of the primary reasons behind this aging trend is longer life expectancy, but a steep decline in birth rates is an even more pressing factor.

The total fertility rate, which measures the number of children per woman aged 15-49, has fluctuated in recent years. From 2018 to 2020, the rate stabilized at 1.71 children per woman. In 2021, it briefly surpassed the 1.8 threshold, reaching 1.83—the highest level in three decades.

However, this sudden rise was followed by an even sharper drop. By 2023, the fertility rate had fallen to 1.46 children per woman. According to experts, “For the first time in 18 years, the number of live births dropped below 100,000.”

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more