Thursday, November 28, 2024
The Staropramen Brewery is marking its 155th anniversary with a special celebration at its renowned “Pub Under the Chimney.”
The festivities will take place on Thursday, September 19, starting at 5 p.m., offering visitors not only a chance to savor some of the brewery’s finest beers but also to commemorate this significant milestone in a unique setting.
The event will feature the popular Staropramen 10-tank beer, along with this year’s new additions: Extra Hops, Staropramen Non-Alcoholic, and Cool+.
The entrance is located on Svornosti Street.
Guests will witness the ceremonial tapping of a keg by skilled brewers, showcasing time-honored brewing techniques. Beer lovers will have the chance to enjoy a variety of brews from multiple tap points.
In addition to beer and food, there will be live music and a photo booth for visitors to capture memories of the day. Every adult attendee will receive one complimentary beer.
If the weather allows, guided tours of the cylindroconic fermentation tanks will be available, offering a unique perspective on Prague from the brewery’s vantage point.
Staropramen is the second-largest brewery in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1869 and the brand name Staropramen, literally meaning “old spring”, was registered in 1911.
It is owned by Molson Coors and its products are exported to 37 countries, mostly in Europe and North America.
In May 2023, it was announced that English actor Orlando Bloom is the new brand ambassador for Staropramen beer.
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Ondřej Kolář (TOP 09), the former mayor of Prague 6, has recently proposed raising the price of Lítačka to CZK 10,000.
Kolář argues that this would lead to a more pleasant experience for passengers, preventing situations where drivers “slam the door in the face of an elderly lady trying to catch the tram or bus.”
His coalition partners are also considering a fare increase, though the exact amount remains undecided.
However, Zdeněk Hřib, the Deputy Mayor for Transport from the Pirate Party, advocates keeping the current fare, which is among the lowest in Europe.
Hřib highlights both the environmental benefits of encouraging people to leave their cars at home and the social importance of affordable public transport, catering even to those with tight budgets.
The Prague Transport Company reports that only about 15% of the cost of operating the city’s public transport system is covered by ticket sales, with the remaining 20 billion CZK subsidized by the city.
The necessity of a functional public transport system is evident; just last week, when the Strahov Tunnel caught fire, the resulting gridlock demonstrated how easily the city’s traffic could grind to a halt without it.
The Pirates’ reluctance to increase fares is commendable, but should Prague take a bolder step?
Cities like Tallinn in Estonia, about 40 municipalities in France, and the entire country of Luxembourg have made public transport free.
In the Czech Republic, cities such as Frýdek-Místek, Hořovice, Benešov, Lovosice, Strakonice, and Litoměřice have also embraced this model. These places have seen a dramatic rise in public transport usage and a significant drop in the number of cars on the road.
The result? Cleaner air and more money left in people’s pockets.
However, not everyone agrees. Critics label free public transport as a populist move.
Prague 6 Transport Councillor Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš (ODS) even suggests that free transport would transform the system into “a shabby service overwhelmed by undesirables.”
What do you think?
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On Wednesday, September 11, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issued a third-level, maximum flood danger warning across most regions of the Czech Republic.
This alert follows predictions of a significant increase in river levels due to continuous and heavy rainfall forecasted from Thursday to Sunday, September 12-15.
According to ČHMÚ, the south-eastern regions and mountainous areas in the north and north-east could receive an average of 150 to 250 mm of rain over the four-day period.
In some areas, particularly around the Jeseníky mountains, rainfall may exceed 300 mm. In other parts of the country, except for the western and north-western regions, rainfall levels are expected to range between 100 to 150 mm.
Extreme precipitation is also expected in the Vysočina, South Bohemia, Hradec Králové and Liberec regions.
In response to the escalating situation, Czech Environment Minister Marek Vyborny has scheduled an emergency briefing for 3:00 PM, where he is expected to provide further details on the measures being taken.
“These are really extreme rainfalls that may come to the Czech territory,” Environment Minister Petr Hladik told a news conference.
He said strong winds may fell trees, threatening lives and property. “There will be saturation of soil, forests, and flash floods may appear in places where they are not normally expected.”
He said the situation had forced the Czech authorities to reject a German request to reduce water discharge through the Elbe river, which Germany asked for after a road bridge collapsed in Dresden.
A lower rainfall and flood warning was issued for Prague, which suffered catastrophic floods in 2002, and western parts of the country.
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It has been a month since Ukrainian doctor Vitaliy Slavnov was fatally injured on Lazarská Street after being struck by a piece of falling ledge.
His tragic death has prompted a wave of public support, with more than half a million crowns already donated to his surviving wife and three children.
The General Health Insurance Company (VZP), which owns the building where the incident occurred, has also expressed its intention to assist the family.
The company suggests that a hidden defect dating back to the construction of the building, 125 years ago, may be the cause of the accident.
The tragic incident took place shortly before noon on August 8th. Slavnov was waiting at the Lazarská bus stop, seeking shelter from the rain, when a piece of the ledge detached from a nearby building.
The falling debris pierced through the roof of the shelter, killing Slavnov instantly. In the aftermath, firefighters removed an additional hundred kilograms of loose material from the building’s façade.
A public donation drive was quickly organized for Slavnov’s widow, Anna, and their children—Zlata, Bohd, and Nastya. As of 1 p.m. today, the account has accumulated CZK 525,000.
The insurance company confirmed it holds a policy for incidents like this. “We anticipate sending a specific proposal to the family’s legal representatives within a few days, based on the same terms as would apply to a Czech citizen,” their statement continued.
Since the incident, VZP has secured the damaged ledge, and further safety measures are ongoing at the site. “Our internal investigation suggests that a hidden defect likely caused the accident, originating from the building’s construction approximately 125 years ago,” the company added.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the case as manslaughter by negligence. Detectives have commissioned a report from a civil engineering expert, which is expected to take several months.
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Two first-half Pavel Sulc goals guided the Czech Republic to a 3-2 win over Ukraine on Tuesday in the Nations League, with a late penalty ensuring the win for the hosts in a match in which both sides created a number of chances.
The Czechs, with a revamped lineup following a 4-1 thrashing by Georgia, struck first when Sulc re-directed a Vaclav Cerny shot past Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Ukraine kept pushing forward and equalized in the 37th minute when Vladyslav Vanat headed home after Mykola Shaparenko whipped in a cross from the left flank.
První úkol splněn ✅
Česko poslal do vedení ve 21. minutě Pavel Šulc a rozjásal Eden. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/dOom8eo8Ov— ČT sport (@sportCT) September 10, 2024
Sulc netted his second for the Czechs just before the break when he brought the ball down with his chest and hammered a volley into the net.
Captain Tomas Soucek extended their lead with an 80th-minute penalty before Georgiy Sudakov pulled a goal back for Ukraine.
Ukraine remain winless in Group B1 while the Czechs notched their first victory. The Czechs next host Albania while Ukraine face Georgia in October.
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Brno councilors have approved a request for a ban on the entry of electric scooters and unicycles into the pedestrian zone in the city centre.
They expect to finalize the ban by the end of the year. Bolt, one of the companies operating the scooters, has suggested alternative measures such as speed limits to address safety issues.
“The council approved the proposal unanimously, and we anticipate it could be implemented by the end of the year,” stated Deputy Mayor Machů.
“The ban would cover key pedestrian areas like Svobody Square, Masaryk Street, Česká Street, and nearby locations. We believe these vehicles do not belong in these areas, and our decision is based on regulations already adopted in other cities.”
He pointed out that cities like Madrid have announced plans to remove electric scooters from streets by the end of October.
Deputy Mayor Machů added that the last discussion with representatives of scooter-sharing companies took place during the summer holidays last year, and since then, there has been no noticeable improvement in the situation.
Data from Bolt indicates that the city center of Brno is the most popular destination for scooter users. “Banning shared scooters doesn’t make sense. Instead, we should encourage constructive dialogue between city officials and micromobility operators,” argued Peter Mesarč, Director General for Micromobility in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. “Our suggestions include speed reductions in specific areas or at certain times of the day.”
Electric scooters are also widely used by food delivery couriers, such as those working with Wolt. “Scooters, like bicycles, offer easy access to restaurants in hard-to-reach locations, so banning them could negatively impact some businesses. It might also increase the time needed to deliver food to customers, although the exact effect is still unclear,” commented Jana Jarošová, a spokesperson for Wolt.
Ostrava banned electric scooters in the city centre two years ago and the measure has won praise from both officers and pedestrians. A similar ban is being considered by the authorities of Prague 1.
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Saturday, September 14, Different Americká Experience (or Zažít Americkou jinak) will take place on Americká street.
The event is organized under the multicultural festival, neighbors’ celebration *Different City Experience (or Zažít město jinak).
“For this edition, we’ve crafted an event with an unparalleled aura. Beyond bringing local businesses and neighbors together for a day, it fosters a truly one-of-a-kind global community, allowing attendees to savor cultures and delicacies from virtually every corner of the globe,” shares event coordinator Omri Goz.
The heart of the festival will be the La Calle Mexicana stage, featuring performances by Prague’s first original Mexican mariachi band, Mariachi Azteca De Praga, groups like Grupo Latinsky and Cumbia Coopeerativa, and several DJs.
The program will also include a dance workshop, an antigravity yoga demonstration, and a drummer parade. As tradition goes, there will be an official celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, El Grito, together with the Mexican and Latin American community, complete with a Piñata made especially for the occasion.
At the fountain on the corner of Americká and Záhřebská, the Burza #4 stage will be set up near the establishment of the same name, which has been supporting the event for several years. Several DJs will take turns performing there throughout the day. On the Apelace 21 stage at Záhřebská 21, jazz will mix with house sets, while visitors can slow down at the Soundset stage on the corner of Americká and Uruguayská.
Local businesses and organizations will also have a presence at the festival. The social and cultural center Letohradská 10, run by Latin American and Czech artists under the name Kolektivole z.s., will be showcasing their work.
As every year, the library on Záhřebská Street will engage children with plenty of competitions and fun games. Just a few steps from its stage, the independent theater Divadlo D21, which recently celebrated its 21st birthday, will set up its booth, returning to Americká once again.
You’ll also be able to see a sculpture by Mexican artists created to mark Mexico’s Independence Day and other art installations.
Throughout the day, you can taste delicacies from Mexican, Latin, and global cuisine. Enjoy trendy street food or visit the local establishments. There will also be a MINT Market where you can purchase design pieces from local designers and original products from Latin America. At the Art&Deco by TSD booth, you can also join a workshop on painting glass with acrylic markers.
Find more info here
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Apple’s latest commercial for the iPhone 16 Pro has once again highlighted the Czech Republic’s captivating scenery, even though the tech giant has yet to open an official store in the country.
The ad, which showcases the new flagship phone, features an intriguing mix of Prague’s urban landscape and the natural beauty of the Czech countryside.
In contrast to previous ads where the Czech setting was immediately apparent, this time it takes about a minute before viewers can clearly recognize the first location.
The initial scene is particularly familiar to residents and regular visitors of Prague. It features the escalator shaft at Jiřího z Poděbrad station, recently renovated to eliminate advertising space.
The old escalators visible in the commercial were replaced by new ones in January 2023, indicating the footage was likely shot before this upgrade.
The ad then shifts to a historic metro train carriage, specifically the Soviet-era 81-71 type. This model was phased out in Prague fifteen years ago and was last used on the B line before being replaced by the modern 81-71M trains.
Apple’s commercial doesn’t limit itself to Prague. It also showcases one of the Czech Republic’s natural wonders: the Prachovské Skály. The footage highlights the Imperial Passage, a ravine named after Emperor Francis I, characterized by its vertical rock walls.
The final scenes return to Prague, near the Nusle Bridge. The ad creatively transitions from the roof of the Congress Centre to the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House.
The commercial concludes with a final shot that’s challenging to pinpoint, leaving viewers guessing about its exact location…
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Despite having the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union, the Czech Republic struggles to create favorable conditions for its workers.
According to the latest Prosperity and Financial Health Index, the country ranks 18th out of 27 EU members, reflecting a range of issues such as low labor market flexibility and a significant gender pay gap.
One key factor contributing to this poor ranking is the limited availability of part-time work in the Czech Republic. Many employees lack the option to work flexible hours, a stark contrast to countries like the Netherlands, where 24% of employees can choose when and where they work through options such as flexitime or teleworking.
In the Czech Republic, only 14% of employees enjoy such flexibility. The nation also performs poorly regarding gender pay equality, placing among the worst in the EU for the gender pay gap.
Three Years of Decline in Labor Market Conditions
The Czech labor market has been deteriorating for three consecutive years. In 2022, the country held the 15th position among EU members for labor market conditions. However, the latest analysis shows it has slipped to 18th place.
Countries like the Netherlands, Austria, and the Nordic nations, including Denmark, lead in providing the best conditions for employees. These countries are characterized by high levels of work flexibility; for example, 42.8% of jobs in the Netherlands are part-time, compared to just 6.9% in the Czech Republic, the 9th lowest rate in the EU.
Meanwhile, countries in Eastern and Southern Europe face even worse labor market challenges. Spain, for instance, has the EU’s highest unemployment rate at 12.2% and suffers from a lack of part-time job opportunities and overall labor market flexibility.
The Hidden Costs of Low Unemployment in the Czech Republic
While the Czech Republic enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in the EU at 2.6% in 2023, this achievement comes with its own set of challenges. The nation’s low unemployment rate results from a robust industrial sector that demands a large workforce. As of 2021, 35.8% of all domestic workers were employed in the industry, the highest share in the EU, according to the Czech Statistical Office.
Despite a recent decline in job vacancies, many people continue to find employment. “In the first half of this year, the Labor Office helped 140,000 people secure new jobs—65,000 more than last year. In July alone, 18,405 people were placed in new roles, a 105% increase from the previous year,” comments Daniel Krištof, Director General of the Labor Office.
Gender Pay Gap: A Persistent Problem
“The Czech labor market lacks flexibility for employees. For instance, only 6.9% of all jobs are part-time, compared to 42.8% in the Netherlands,” says Milan Mařík, an analyst from the Europe in Data project. This lack of flexibility exacerbates gender inequality, with the gender pay gap in the Czech Republic rising by over one percentage point to 17.9%, the third highest in the EU.
“During the COVID-19 period, many low-income women lost their jobs, which led to a temporary reduction in the gender pay gap in the statistics. The rise in 2022 could partly be seen as a normalization back to pre-COVID levels,” explains economist Martina Myslíková from the Institute of Sociology at the Czech Academy of Sciences.
The Role of Flexible Employment for Parents
More flexible forms of employment also benefit parents who wish to stay economically active while caring for their children. “Few companies offer long maternity or parental leave without also facing a high gender pay gap. In the Czech Republic, parents can typically stay at home with their children until they are two or three years old, which, while beneficial for families, often disrupts mothers’ careers and leads to lower earnings,” concludes the analysis.
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The Czech Film and Television Academy (CFTA) has selected its Oscar nominee for this year, a choice that surprised no one.
The CFTA has chosen “Waves,” a film directed and written by Jiří Mádl, to represent the Czech Republic at the 97th Academy Awards.
This historical drama revisits the turbulent year of 1968 when Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia under the guise of “brotherly assistance.”
“Waves” is inspired by the true story of a group of journalists from the International Life Department of Czechoslovak Radio who risked everything to provide independent news coverage during those critical days. The film had its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and has already made a significant impact on the Czech film scene.
It hit Czech cinemas on August 15.
The selection process for the Oscar nominee took place from August 30 to September 8, with CFTA members choosing from 13 Czech feature films submitted by their producers. Following “Waves” in the voting were Viktor Tauš’s “Amerikánka,” which has not yet been released in cinemas, and Adam Martinec’s “Mord” (in alphabetical order).
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025. The Academy will announce the shortlist of 15 films in the International Feature Film category on December 17, 2024, with the final nominations set to be revealed on January 17, 2025.
Czech Films and the Oscar Journey
To date, only three films from Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have won the coveted Oscar for Best International Feature Film: “The Shop on Main Street” (1965) by Jan Kadár and Elmar Klos, “Closely Watched Trains” (1967) by Jiří Menzel, and “Kolya” (1996) by Jan Svěrák. Six other Czech films have been nominated for the award over the years.
More recently, Václav Marhoul’s “The Painted Bird” made it to the Oscar shortlist in 2019, followed by Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” in 2021.
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This year’s Mladí ladí jazz festival is set to bring an impressive lineup of global music stars and innovative performers to unconventional venues across Prague and other Czech cities.
Highlighting the festival will be Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla, who will perform for Czech audiences at the Municipal House on October 7.
Santaolalla, an Argentinian composer celebrated for his work on the films Brokeback Mountain and Babel and the popular game and TV series The Last of Us, has earned numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.
You can get your ticket here.
A Diverse Lineup of International Talent
Santaolalla isn’t the only big name at this year’s festival. American saxophonist Colin Stetson, known for his unique musical style and contributions to the soundtrack of the video game Red Dead Redemption II, will also perform in Prague. Stetson, who has collaborated with artists like Lou Reed and the Chemical Brothers, will take the stage on October 22 at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.
Besides these headliners, the festival will showcase several young and promising musical acts. The London-based duo Blue Lab Beats, winners of a Grammy Award and celebrated for their fusion of jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, and electronica, will perform on October 13 at Rock Café in Prague and on October 14 at the Jazz Tibet Club in Olomouc. The duo, consisting of Mr DM (David Mrakpor) and NK-OK (Namali Kwaten), first gained attention with remixes of hits by Dua Lipa and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Another exciting addition to the lineup is ECHT!, a Belgian group known for its eclectic blend of jazz, electronic, and hip-hop influences. They will perform at Fuchs2 on October 2, returning to Prague after a successful appearance at last year’s Mladí ladí fest. The group, featuring guitarist Florent Jeunieaux, bassist Federico Pecoraro, pianist Dorian Dumont, and drummer Martin Méreau, won acclaim in the Red Bull Elektropedia competition in 2020 and is known for its dynamic live performances that challenge traditional jazz norms.
Rounding out the festival’s lineup is the Irish duo Negro Impacto, who will perform on October 25 at Jazz Dock in Prague. Comprised of singer Chi Chi and producer Laurenc, the duo has gained attention for their blend of neo-soul, r’n’b, rock, and funk.
Bringing Global Jazz to Unique Prague Venues
Festival director Jan Gregar emphasizes the diversity and uniqueness of this year’s program, which includes a mix of legendary artists and fresh talent across various genres. “In this year’s dramaturgy, we are going across genres and scenes. Look forward to electronic, soul, and funk. In addition to now-legendary artists such as Gustavo Santaolalla and Colin Stetson, we are also inviting progressive projects such as Blue Lab Beats, ECHT!, and Negro Impacto to the Czech Republic. In addition, we have also prepared a workshop for music producers with Grammy winners Blue Lab Beats,” he says.
Workshops and Emerging Talent
This year, the festival will host a special workshop led by Blue Lab Beats, offering music producers a chance to learn from the Grammy-winning duo. The workshop, held at Rock Café on the afternoon of October 13, will explore how to blend genres like jazz, hip-hop, and electronica, along with practical demonstrations of their production techniques.
Participants will also get insights into their non-musical production careers and the duo’s journey from remixing tracks to winning international awards. The workshop is open to the public for a fee, but ticket holders for the evening concert can attend for free after registration.
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Prague is set to invest significantly in its cultural landscape, with new funding allocated for the renovation of theatres and museums, as well as the organization of various cultural events.
Among the notable projects, the Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre and the Theatre in Dlouhá will receive new seating, while the historic Desfour Palace will undergo extensive reconstruction and Troja Castle will benefit from exterior restoration work.
“I see this financial boost to Prague’s culture as an investment in our future. It will not only foster the development of the city’s cultural offerings but also increase its appeal to tourists and visitors,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism.
“The renovation of Desfour Palace, in particular, is crucial. This building is currently in a state of disrepair, and its restoration will create a new cultural space designed for students, families, tourists, and other groups. It’s a great and innovative project.”
The Desfour Palace has been managed by the Museum of the City of Prague since 2020. The city has committed CZK 751.3 million to its reconstruction, prioritizing the renovation due to the building’s dilapidated condition, which has rendered it unsafe for entry.
In addition, Prague will provide CZK 20 million to the Prague Municipal Theatres, which manage three theatre stages, for their modernization efforts. A major part of this investment will be upgrading to LED technology for stage lighting, which promises greater efficiency, lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance costs. This transition is planned to take place between 2025 and 2028.
Support is also planned for the Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre, which will receive CZK 2.3 million to replace seating in its main hall. Similarly, the Dlouhá Theatre will benefit from new seating with the city’s contribution of CZK 8.8 million.
The Gallery of the Capital City of Prague is also set to receive a new grant. The city will allocate CZK 1.8 million for the restoration of the painted ceiling decoration on two floors of the side alcove towers of Troja Castle, along with the preservation of stucco decorations on the walls of the west tower.
For various cultural projects and activities planned for 2025, Prague has allocated CZK 3.19 million. This funding will support cultural cooperation and exchange programs, grants, and promotional activities.
