The Ukrainian owner of the Orion nightclub in Prague’s Žižkov district has decided to temporarily close the venue, with the possibility of a permanent closure.

The club has been a popular gathering spot for young Ukrainian citizens, who make up the majority of its clientele.

However, their presence has caused significant disruptions for local residents. Regularly, clubgoers engage in disruptive behavior such as public drunkenness, fighting outside the club, and leaving behind garbage, vomit, and urine in the street.

In some cases, they have even been known to scratch parked cars.

The disturbances have been an ongoing issue since 2020, with the situation recently escalating to the point where it caught the attention of major Czech media outlets. This increased media coverage appears to have pressured the club owner into taking action.

The Orion is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. About a week and a half ago, the club faced a raid by both the Czech Customs Office and the police, who discovered violations involving the sale of alcohol and tobacco products without the appropriate Czech excise duties.

In response to the complaints, the owner posted a notice in Ukrainian on the club’s door, urging patrons to keep the noise down and respect the area, as the club has faced hefty fines due to their behavior. This led to the club’s closure last weekend, with a sign reading “Temporarily Closed.”

Legally, the club owner cannot be held accountable for the behavior of individuals outside the venue, as public disturbances are the responsibility of the offenders. The only actions taken by Prague 3 authorities in recent years have been to increase police patrols, issue fines to intoxicated troublemakers, and install surveillance cameras near the club.

Michal Vronský, the mayor of Prague 3, commented, “The reason for the closure seems to be an effort to de-escalate the situation and avoid more media attention. However, the issues at the club are well-documented, and, for me, nothing has changed. I will continue to monitor the situation.”

He also plans to meet with the club owner in the near future to discuss the establishment’s future.

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The latest data on producer prices in agriculture indicates a potential increase in food prices in the coming months.

However, despite this uptick in agricultural costs, experts do not anticipate a return to the widespread high inflation seen in previous years.

In October, agricultural producer prices saw a 2.4 percent year-on-year increase, marking the first growth in 17 months.

“The period of price declines in agriculture has ended for now. This shift was initially observed in meat prices, and now the downward trend in plant-based products has also halted. Food producer prices—and subsequently, retail prices—have started to rise,” explained Petr Dufek, Chief Economist at Creditas Bank.

Radomír Jáč, Chief Economist at Generali Investments CEE, also pointed to the expected rise in food prices.

“The trends in the food industry reinforce expectations that food prices for final consumers will continue to increase, potentially accelerating toward the end of the year. In general, food prices will likely be one of the key drivers of inflation in the Czech economy as 2023 ends,” he said.

Despite these rising costs, analysts pointed out that price growth in the industrial sector remains weak, and the construction industry is not seeing dramatic increases either.

“Construction prices are growing more slowly than overall inflation. While consumer prices rose by 2.8 percent year-on-year in October, material and product costs in the construction industry rose by only 0.8 percent, and the price of construction work increased by 2.3 percent. The slower, more stable price growth in construction is a positive development, as it encourages more interest in renovations, which help reduce household energy costs,” said Libor Vošický, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stavební spořitelna Česka spořitelna.

Overall, analysts do not foresee a significant rise in inflation. While there may be price shocks for some specific products, they agree that the current data on producer prices does not suggest inflation will spike to the levels seen in recent years, when it exceeded 10 percent.

“This is not an inflation surge, though some consumers may be surprised by price hikes for certain items,” Dufek concluded.

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Are you curious about the work of a gravedigger? On November 23, Prague is hosting a Grave Digging Workshop, offering participants a rare chance to explore the world of burial practices up close.

Organized by the Prague Cemeteries and Funeral Services (Hřbitovy a pohřební služby hl. m. Prahy), this workshop follows the success of their Open Day on November 17, which featured activities like nighttime cemetery tours and crematorium visits.

Event Details: When and Where?

The workshop will take place on Saturday, November 23, at Ďáblický hřbitov Cemetery.

Participants can choose between two sessions: one at 9:00 AM and the other at 1:00 PM. Tickets cost 400 CZK and must be purchased in advance.

Led by Adam Vokač, a gravedigger and cemetery caretaker, this 3.5-hour masterclass will cover the details and techniques of this age-old profession. Participants will:

• Learn about grave typologies and the legal framework surrounding burial practices in the Czech Republic.
• Explore modern burial methods and trends both locally and globally.
• Gain hands-on experience by digging a grave and practicing the ceremonial act of lowering a coffin.

Each attendee will receive a certificate of participation and written materials summarizing key takeaways from the event.

Participants are required to sign an informed consent form before the workshop. The organizers recommend wearing sturdy boots, warm, work-appropriate clothing, and gloves to ensure comfort and safety during the session.

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As temperatures drop, Prague is preparing expanded winter shelters for its homeless population.

Starting December 1, the city, in partnership with the Social Services Center (CSSP) and non-profit organizations, will increase its capacity to provide safe, warm spaces for those in need.

The initiative includes field programs, hygiene centers, and hospital crisis beds, extending support through the harsh winter months until March 31.

Like in previous years, day centers will extend their hours, and emergency facilities will operate continuously to ensure round-the-clock care.

Prague will enhance its field programs, deploying teams to assist homeless individuals on the streets. These workers will provide medical assistance and transport individuals to appropriate facilities, especially during freezing conditions.

The initiative also emphasizes stronger collaboration with social workers, police, and emergency services.

Crisis Beds and Hygiene Centers

Hospitals will again offer crisis beds to those in need. Last winter, Na Františku Hospital and the aftercare hospital in Vysočany hosted several such beds, which are expected to be available again this year. Hygiene centers will also operate, enabling individuals to wash, change clothes, and receive essential care.

Support from Non-Profit Organizations

Key non-profit organizations, including Naděje, the Salvation Army, and the Archdiocesan Charity, play a vital role in assisting the homeless during winter. Naděje, for instance, manages a night shelter, a mobile outreach team, and a night hygiene center.

“We are also distributing winter clothing sourced from collections and direct purchases,” said Hana Šimková, Naděje’s communications manager.

The exact number of homeless people in Prague remains unclear, but estimates suggest several thousand, with many lacking official residency in the city.

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The band, which can boast many well-known hits, returns to the biggest Czech hall on October 5, 2025, which it sold out two years ago.

Today, GRAMMY® nominated band, OneRepublic have announced the ‘Escape to Europe’ 2025 Tour. Kicking off at Dublin’s 3Arena on 18th September 2025, the band will perform at 27 arenas across major European cities including London, Paris and Berlin, concluding in Lisbon in November 2025.

The band will be joined by special guest Ella Henderson, who’s UK number 1 debut single ‘Ghost’ was co-written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder.

This Summer, OneRepublic released their sixth studio album “Artificial Paradise”, which included huge hits “RUNAWAY” plus “I Ain’t Worried” which featured in blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, and has been streamed over 3 billion times.

The album also included their latest collaboration with David Guetta, “I Don’t Wanna Wait”, which has amassed nearly a billion streams since its release.

OneRepublic is comprised of singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keys Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher.

The band released their debut set Dreaming Out Loud in 2007. The release included the 20m selling smash single “Apologize,” which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide and received a Grammy nomination.

The band’s sophomore album, 2009’s Waking Up, produced the hit singles “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets” and “Good Life.” The certified-platinum album Native followed in 2013, featuring the No.1 hit and 41 million-selling single “Counting Stars.” OneRepublic released Oh My My, their fourth full-length album in 2016.

OneRepublic’s 2021 album, Human features singles which combined have over 2.5 billion global streams: “Someday,” “Run,” “Somebody To Love,” “Wanted,” “Didn’t I,” “Better Days” and “Rescue Me.”

In April, the group released their smash hit single with David Guetta, “I Don’t Wanna Wait”, which has amassed nearly a billion streams globally since its release.

This summer, the band collaborated with Italian Electronic group Meduza and German artist Leony for the release of “Fire”, the official song for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, which they performed in Berlin at the Closing Ceremony for the tournament.

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MINT Market is a modern marketplace featuring fresh fashion, jewellery, design, gourmet food, cosmetics, and other crafted products, offering a platform for small and emerging designers, and creators, to establish their own businesses.

This year, it returns for the first and last time to Hall 13 at Holešovice Market.

More than 90 selected creators will showcase their work on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1, allowing visitors to pick up locally made gifts.

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, with free and accessible entry. Four-legged friends are also welcome.

MINT Markets not only support independent creators but also various non-profit organizations and sheltered workshops. This time, the Organization for Aid to Refugees will present items including soaps made by seniors and Ukrainian refugee women, alongside a large-scale photo exhibition featuring works by refugee children from Ukraine.

The photos capture moments from their daily lives, providing a glimpse into how they perceive their new world in the Czech Republic. Each photo, taken by the children themselves on disposable cameras, includes a brief story from the author.

The team behind MINT Market has been organizing successful design markets since 2010, uniquely bringing modern and sustainable goods across the Czech Republic.

Known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere and diverse selection of fair-trade, eco-friendly, bio, zero-waste, and upcycled products, MINT Market allows designers to present their work to a broad audience without dedicating all their time or resources.

“Supporting small and local brands has been a core principle of our project since the very beginning,” says MINT Market founder Lenka Šašková. In 2023 alone, MINT Market held 58 sale days across 48 markets, and in its 14-year existence, it has organized over 350 events with more than 1.2 million visitors.

You can find a list of sellers, news and more information on the website, in the Facebook event, or on Instagram.

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Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) recently claimed that his government is the most successful in the history of the Czech Republic.

Speaking on the holiday edition of Questions of Václav Moravec, Fiala expressed his intention to lead the coalition in the 2025 elections, seeking another term as prime minister.

According to Fiala, significant progress requires continuity.

“Four years were not enough,” he stated. “I need eight years. Then we will achieve salaries comparable to those in Germany, along with world-class universities and leading companies. Czechia will no longer be just an assembly plant.”

His ambitious vision, reported by Novinky, aims to bring the country’s economic standing closer to that of its wealthier neighbors, Germany and Austria.

Current Wage Disparities

The comparison between Czech and German wages starkly highlights the gap. According to Eurostat, the average gross annual salary in Germany exceeded €50,000 (approximately 1.2 million CZK) in 2022. This equates to a monthly salary of around 100,000 CZK. By contrast, the Czech average is barely half that figure, placing it below the European average.

Fiala acknowledged these challenges but remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of continued reforms and investment. “We’ve started the transformation, but real results take time. It’s a long-term effort to reshape the economy,” he explained.

The prime minister also highlighted a few milestones his administration has achieved during its term.

He praised his government’s handling of the Ukrainian refugee crisis. “We faced an unprecedented situation, but we provided support and integrated refugees swiftly and efficiently,” Fiala said, emphasizing the Czech Republic’s role as a leader in addressing humanitarian challenges.

Fiala also highlighted a significant milestone: freeing the Czech Republic from reliance on Russian energy. “This was a critical step in ensuring the country’s energy security,” he explained, citing it as a response to growing geopolitical instability. The shift away from Russian energy, he noted, has positioned Czechia as more resilient in the face of global crises.

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Prague is set to experience a week of challenging weather with strong winds, and significant temperature fluctuations.

Wind gusts could reach up to 70 km/h, posing potential risks for residents, while the week will remain cold until a significant warm-up arrives on Sunday, bringing daytime temperatures as high as 15°C.

Monday will bring cold, humid air sweeping in from the northwest, with widespread precipitation. Higher altitudes can expect snowfall, while lower regions will see rain. The morning will start with cloudy skies, turning rainy in most areas by the afternoon. Fresh southwesterly winds could gust up to 55 km/h, and daytime temperatures will range between 5–7°C. Precipitation is expected to ease later in the evening.

On Tuesday, cloudy skies will dominate, with rain likely in several locations. Morning temperatures will drop to 3 to -1°C, while the afternoon will see a slight improvement, with highs of 8–10°C. Winds will intensify, with gusts reaching 70 km/h, making it one of the stormiest days of the week.

Wednesday will bring more wintry conditions. Rain and snow will mix in some areas, though precipitation is expected to subside by the afternoon. Morning temperatures will hover between 4–2°C, with afternoon highs reaching only 3–5°C. Winds will persist, with speeds of 55 to 70 km/h.

Thursday will remain cold and breezy, with cloudy to partly cloudy skies. Snow showers are expected in some areas during the day. Morning lows will drop to 0 to -2°C, and afternoon temperatures will settle between 3–5°C. Winds will stay strong, with gusts up to 70 km/h.

Friday’s forecast is similar, with mostly cloudy skies and occasional snow showers. Temperatures will remain chilly, ranging from 0 to -2°C in the morning to 3–5°C in the afternoon. Winds will slightly weaken but remain noticeable, with gusts of up to 55 km/h.

As the weekend begins, Saturday will remain cloudy, with occasional rain, some of which may freeze. Morning temperatures will linger around 0 to -2°C, while the afternoon will bring only modest warmth, with highs of 3–5°C.

Finally, Sunday will provide a much-needed reprieve from the cold. Although cloudy skies and occasional rain are expected, daytime temperatures will rise significantly. Morning temperatures will range from 6–4°C, with the afternoon reaching a pleasant 12–15°C—a welcome break after a week of wintry weather.

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November 17th is not at all just an ordinary day in the Czech Republic. It is a very important day for Czechs not only for one but for two reasons.

The original event that 17 November commemorated was the resistance of student demonstrators in 1939 to the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Initially, a student named Jan Opletal was shot in a protest and died on 11 November.

His funeral, attended by thousands of students, turned into another anti-Nazi demonstration.

Students tore down the German street signs, which symbolized the humiliation of the Nazi occupation. This provoked the Nazis so much that on November 17 they ordered to close all Czech universities and colleges.

One witness to those events said that the Gestapo and German soldiers had swept into student dorms in Prague, Brno, and Příbram, and dragged students off to Ruzyně prison. Nine student leaders were murdered by the Nazis and more than 1,000 sent to concentration camps.

As a result of these tragedies, in 1941, the 17th of November was marked as International Students’ Day. Fifty years later, on November 17, 1989, history would repeat itself.

Fifty years after such oppression, in 1989, Czech students organized a demonstration to commemorate the student martyr Jan Opletal and the International Students Day. It started off as an officially-sanctioned march but turned quickly into a demonstration demanding the resignation of the country’s communist government. Students were brutally beaten by riot police.

At least 167 people were injured. One student was reportedly beaten to death, and – although this was later proved false – this rumor served to crystalize support for the students and their demands among the general public. A number of workers’ unions immediately joined the students’ cause.

This demonstration, which took place on November 17, 1989, is believed to have sparked the Velvet Revolution which eventually led to the freedom of the Czech people.

During the Velvet Revolution from Saturday, November 18th, until the general strike of November 27th, mass demonstrations took place in the main cities.

Massive demonstrations of almost 750,000 people at Letna Park in Prague on November 25 and 26 and the general strike on the 27th were devastating for the communist regime.

With the growing street protests and with other communist regimes falling around, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia finally announced on November 28 they would step out.

A memorial was built on Národní třída (Avenue of the Nation) in Prague to remember the Velvet Revolution and the students who started it.

The Dvorecký Bridge, one of Prague’s key infrastructure projects, is on track for completion within the next year.

Builders have already finished the pillars, three of the six spans, and laid the first tram tracks. Connecting Prague 4 and Prague 5, the bridge is designed to serve pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and emergency services, making it a vital addition to the city’s transportation network.

Construction Progress: Two-Thirds Complete

Construction manager Petr Koukolík reports that approximately two-thirds of the work is finished. “We’ve completed connecting the tram track to the existing line at Podolské nábřeží. Next week, we will lay the final asphalt layers, allowing Podolské nábřeží Street to reopen for traffic,” Koukolík said.

The project, originally scheduled for completion in three years, faced delays due to unforeseen subsoil issues along the riverbanks.

“At the start, geological challenges caused significant delays. Once we overcame those, progress improved. This project is unique, both in its complexity and design, which has been a learning experience for everyone involved,” Koukolík added.

A Game-Changer for Prague’s Public Transport

Scheduled for completion in January 2026, the bridge will accommodate two tram lines. According to Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Zdeněk Hřib, the lines will significantly enhance the city’s transit system.

“Tram line 20, for example, will cross the river here and continue along the opposite bank, while line 2 will use it in the other direction. This will transform Prague’s traffic flow, reducing the current reliance on the city center as the main transit hub and providing more direct routes for commuters,” Hřib explained.

The Name Debate: A Tribute to Women?

While “Dvorecký Bridge” is the working title, the final name has yet to be decided. Local authorities, including the municipal topographic commission, are considering alternatives such as Zlíchovský Bridge or Podolský Bridge, inspired by nearby areas.

Hřib has suggested naming the bridge after a notable female figure. “I would truly appreciate if this bridge honored a woman, contributing to greater gender representation in Prague’s landmarks,” he said. The final decision is expected next year.

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On Sunday, November 17, Prague will commemorate the Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy with free access to select historical and cultural landmarks.

Here’s a list of places to visit and experiences you shouldn’t miss this weekend.

Free Entry to Four Branches of the National Gallery

Take advantage of complimentary admission to four branches of the National Gallery. These renowned exhibitions will be open from 10:00 to 18:00:

• Old Masters I (Schwarzenberg Palace)
• Old Masters II (Šternberg Palace)
• Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe 1200⁠–⁠1550 (Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia)
• 1796⁠–⁠1918: Art of the Long Century (Trade Fair Palace)
• 1918–⁠1938: First Republic (Trade Fair Palace)
• 1956–1989: Architecture for All (Trade Fair Palace)
• 1939–2021: The End of the Black-and-White Era (Trade Fair Palace)

 

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Liechtenstein Palace on Kampa Island

Explore the Liechtenstein Palace, a historic gem usually closed to the public. Located on picturesque Kampa Island, this building has hosted dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Emperor Akihito of Japan.

The guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes, offering a unique glimpse into a venue reserved for state events.

• Address: U Sovových mlýnů 506/4, Prague 1
• Opening Hours: 09:00–16:00

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Museum of Czech Garnet

Admire a dazzling collection of jewelry crafted from Czech garnet, a stone synonymous with the nation’s history and craftsmanship. While regular admission costs 150 CZK, entry on November 17 is free.

• Address: Muzeum českého granátu, Karlova 8, Prague 1
• Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00

 

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National Technical Museum for Just 80 CZK

Dive into the industrial past at the National Technical Museum, which is offering heavily discounted tickets for the occasion. Adults can enter for only 80 CZK (down from 280 CZK), while children pay just 40 CZK.

Discover a vast collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, trains, and other First Republic-era marvels, along with exhibits on Czech engineering achievements.

• Address: Kostelní 42, Prague 7
• Opening Hours: 09:00–18:00

 

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Sametové Posvícení Satirical Parade

Join the 13th annual Sametové Posvícení, a carnival-style satirical parade tackling contemporary political and social issues through humor and art. With around 150 participants dressed in elaborate masks, the event combines entertainment with thought-provoking commentary.

Accompanied by live piccolo and drum music, the parade is part of the Freedom Festival, celebrating the Velvet Revolution.

Procession Route:

• 15:30: Park Kampa – Opening Ceremony
• 16:15: Charles Bridge towards Bethlehem Square
• 18:45: Ovocný trh – Closing Ceremony

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Ryanair has added another destination to its summer 2025 flight schedule, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore northern Italy.

The low-cost carrier has announced a new direct route from Prague to Trieste, expanding its portfolio of Italian destinations. This picturesque coastal city is not only a gateway to Italy’s Adriatic coast but also a strategic hub for trips to Slovenia and Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.

The inaugural flight is set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, with the route offering two weekly departures every Thursday and Sunday.

Flights will operate throughout the summer season, with the final flight scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Thursday Flights

• Trieste to Prague: 09:30 – 10:50
• Prague to Trieste: 11:15 – 12:30

Sunday Flights

• Trieste to Prague: 06:15 – 07:35
• Prague to Trieste: 08:00 – 09:15

This schedule allows travelers flexibility for both weekend getaways and extended vacations.

Affordable Tickets Now Available

Tickets are already on sale in Ryanair’s booking system, with return fares starting at CZK 3,498 for spring travel dates. For example, those planning to make use of the May public holidays (May 1–8) can find excellent options.

Why Visit Trieste?

Trieste is more laid back and less touristy than the popular Italian destinations and has much to offer people interested in unique culture, history, beauty and fantastic local restaurants and shops.

The city has outstanding architecture on the Adriatic sea, a unique mix of Italian/Austro Hungarian culture and welcoming locals. Plus, Trieste is an excellent base for day trips to Slovenia, Croatia and the region.

Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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