Wednesday, November 27, 2024
More than 100 light sculptures and objects composed of 400,000 lights illuminate Žluté lázně this season with the theme “Bell’s Journey Through Space.”
Returning for its third year, the “Lights Tell…” exhibition invites visitors to a cosmic spectacle inspired by the enchanting fairy tale character, Bell.
The “Bell’s Journey Through Space” display enchants visitors with planets, stars, the Sun, spaceships, and astronauts, offering both an astounding visual experience and interactive educational elements.
Through advanced animations, attendees can learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy in a fun, engaging way—perfect for curious kids and adults alike!
The exhibition blends the Christmas spirit with a cosmic theme. The Star of Bethlehem, symbolized by a comet, guides visitors through the exhibition’s vast expanse, culminating at a cosmic wish tree.
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Handcrafted Light Sculptures by Decoled
“Lights Tell…” is distinguished by its handcrafted light sculptures, created by the Czech family company Decoled. Led by owner Eva Poláčková, Decoled’s team of designers and artisans work year-round to develop these one-of-a-kind pieces. Each sculpture not only complements the unique venue of Žluté lázně but also highlights Czech craftsmanship in each design detail.
Designed with a focus on ecology and sustainability, the exhibit uses energy-efficient LED lights and recyclable materials crafted with 3D printing technology. Visitors can engage with interactive elements that offer a playful exploration of space science while reducing environmental impact.
“Our mission is not only to illuminate spaces but to bring light and joy into people’s lives,” shares Eva Poláčková. With 15 locations across Europe, the exhibition brings joy to communities throughout the continent.
Open daily from 4 PM to 9 PM, the event provides the perfect setting for an evening stroll or a family outing with cosmic holiday vibes—perhaps even a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Venue: Žluté lázně Complex, Podolské nábřeží 3/1184
Opening Hours: Daily (Mon-Sun) 4 PM – 9 PM
Exhibition Dates: November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
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Patti Smith Quartet will perform on July 19 at Forum Karlín in Prague as part of their European tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her album “Horses”.
Released in December 1975, Horses is regarded as a landmark punk rock album, with Smith’s unique style influencing countless artists.
The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios and produced by John Cale of The Velvet Underground, featuring Czech-American guitarist Ivan Král, Smith’s collaborator and friend who passed away in 2020.
Few other artists can light up big stages with their huge presence as perfectly as Patti Smith.
“If you go on stage, you have to put yourself at risk,” Leonard Cohen once said, and there is hardly an artist who embodies this claim as perfectly as Patti Smith: her concerts are one-of-a-kind performances.
Audiences can experience the next step in the artist’s transformation from punk icon to wise but still fierce, sometimes downright angry, combative shaman.
Patti Smith is not only one of the great icons of rock music, but also of literature.
In addition to Patti Smith herself, the band also includes Jackson Smith (guitar), Tony Shanahan (keyboards/bass) and Seb Rochford (drums).
Ticket price from CZK 1690
Tickets on sale on Ticketmaster and Ticketportal from 13.11. at 10:00
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A tram and bus collided in Prague-Libeň early this evening, resulting in six injuries, including the bus driver, who required assistance from firefighters to be freed from the vehicle.
“All patients are stable and conscious, with minor to moderate injuries, mainly affecting the head, arms, and legs. After thorough treatment, each was transported to a medical facility,” the Prague City Health Rescue Service posted on X, noting that three ambulance teams, a doctor, and an inspector responded to the accident.
The incident took place at Dr. Václav Holý Square. Traffic, which was temporarily halted, resumed around 6:40 p.m. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision.
The Prague City Transport Company (DPP) initially reported that tram service was suspended between the Kobylisy and Palmovka stops due to the accident.
Lines 3, 10, and 24 were rerouted in both directions, with a replacement bus service, X10, established in the affected area. Additional updates can be found on the DPP website.
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On November 21, the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague will present a concert for game enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike at the Dvořák Hall at Rudolfinum.
Accompanied by the Bohemian Choir Prague and the renowned Boni Pueri choir, the 70-piece orchestra will perform orchestral renditions of beloved game soundtracks, bringing iconic video game music from consoles to the grand stage.
The event, Gaming Music Live Vol. 2, promises a symphonic journey through some of the most recognizable tunes in gaming history.
Fans can look forward to hearing pieces from recent hit games and enduring classics, including Elden Ring, Dark Souls III, Mortal Kombat, Super Mario, The Witcher 3, Final Fantasy, Zelda, Mafia 2, God of War, Halo 3, and Duke Nukem.
To further elevate the experience, the concert will be enhanced by original light choreography, transforming the performance into a visually captivating celebration of music and gaming.
“This concert allows audiences to fully appreciate the true beauty and power of video game music,” says Martin Šanda, the chief conductor and director of the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague.
“Our symphonic interpretation offers listeners a chance to focus purely on the music—to hear every note and feel every emotion in ways often overshadowed by gameplay. We hope to create an experience that unites fans across generations, connecting young people with their favorite game music and offering older generations a chance to enjoy this new era of symphonic performance.”
Šanda emphasizes the event’s unique appeal, noting that Gaming Music Live has the power to bridge age groups.
Younger attendees who come to hear the music of their favorite games will sit alongside older family members who appreciate the orchestral tradition, creating a truly multi-generational experience.
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For one day only, Prague Castle will open its doors to the public, granting access to its normally restricted state rooms at no cost.
This special open house event is set for Saturday, November 30, and will allow visitors to step inside the grand spaces where President Petr Pavel meets with dignitaries and hosts important gatherings.
Along with this rare behind-the-scenes look, guests can also explore Prague Castle’s classic visitor circuit for free, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
In addition, the castle’s permanent exhibitions will be accessible to all attendees, giving a full view of Prague Castle’s historical and cultural significance.
Some rooms will feature festive Christmas decorations. As part of an Advent celebration, visitors can join a “Christmas Walk through Prague Castle” program, bringing a holiday atmosphere to the centuries-old halls and courtyards.
On the terrace near the Prague Castle Riding Hall, families will find the picturesque Bethlehem Yurt by the Forman Brothers Theatre, along with art workshops designed for children.
Meanwhile, Rožmberk Palace will host “The Fragile Beauty of Christmas,” a special exhibit showcasing traditional Czech holiday decorations amid a magical forest of Christmas trees adorned with Czech blown-glass ornaments.
Each Advent Sunday, concerts by The Music of the Castle Guard and local youth choirs will also fill the castle grounds, bringing additional warmth and joy to the festive setting.
The Open House will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This popular event was held for the first time in March, drawing over 15,000 visitors, and organizers expect another enthusiastic turnout.
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Construction on Czechia’s first open prison for women will start next fall, bringing a new approach to rehabilitation and reintegration for female inmates.
Located in Velké Přílepy, just outside Prague, this facility will accommodate up to thirty women and aims to provide a supportive environment to ease the transition back to society. The project is part of a broader effort to reform the Czech penal system.
Markéta Prunerová, spokesperson for the Prison Service, confirmed that they are currently securing the building permits for the new facility.
“We’re in the final stages of obtaining the permits,” she shared with Radiožurnál. “The construction is expected to take approximately 11 months, with the project completion targeted for the fall of 2026. The total budget is estimated at 78 million CZK,” Prunerová added.
A Proven Model of Rehabilitation
The Czech Republic’s first open prison, established in Jiřice, Central Bohemia, in 2017, has been seen as a model for effective rehabilitation. Unlike traditional prisons, Jiřice’s open facility has a reduced security regimen but maintains structure by requiring inmates to work, take personal responsibility, and care for the grounds, animals, and gardens.
This model helps foster responsibility, discipline, and social integration, which have led to lower recidivism rates among its participants.
Since opening, around 300 inmates have participated in Jiřice’s program, with 221 released successfully.
The current recidivism rate among Jiřice’s former inmates is 17.2%, significantly below the national average of approximately 70%. This remarkable success underscores the potential benefits of expanding the open prison model to women.
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Czech Barbora Krejčíková on Sunday called for respect and professionalism in sports media as she hit out at “unprofessional” remarks made about her appearance during a broadcast on the Tennis Channel.
Wimbledon champion Krejcikova was competing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this week, where she was beaten 6-3 7-5 by Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals.
During the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the event on Friday, journalist Jon Wertheim, seemingly unaware that he was on air, made a comment about Krejcikova’s forehead which was met with criticism on social media.
— Missing 🎾 Media (@MissingTennis) November 8, 2024
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” world number 13 Krejcikova wrote in a post on X.
You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional (cont.)
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
“This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in (the) sports world. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
“These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field. I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.”
Wertheim apologized for the comments in a post on X, saying: “During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air.
You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional (cont.)
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
“I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player… I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be.
“I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.”
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Orion club in Prague’s Žižkov has become notorious among locals for repeated disturbances.
Owned by a Ukrainian entrepreneur, the club attracts a predominantly young Ukrainian clientele, who have gained a reputation for rowdy behavior.
According to residents, club-goers frequently disrupt the area by drinking excessively, creating noise, and leaving litter, vomit, and other waste in their wake.
These disturbances, dating back to 2020, have recently intensified, drawing the attention of national media.
Residents have inundated the Prague 3 district office with complaints and even launched a petition, demanding action to address the escalating problems. Now, it appears the authorities are responding.
First Inspection Finds Illicit Alcohol and Cigarettes
On Friday, November 8, the Czech Customs Administration conducted an initial inspection of Orion nightclub, uncovering alcohol and cigarettes lacking Czech excise stamps. As a result, the club’s owner faces potential administrative proceedings and a significant fine.
Sunday Night Police Raid Blocks Off Street
In a larger show of force, around 30 officers from the Prague Police raided the club late on Sunday, November 10. After sealing off Řehořova Street, officers conducted searches and checked identification for people standing outside the club or sitting in parked cars. Following the initial checks, police moved inside the club, sending guests outside one by one.
For guests without identification, officers handed them over to the Czech Foreign Police for further verification. According to Novinky, the vast majority of those present were young Ukrainian citizens.
Inside the club, police discovered two intoxicated 17-year-old girls. One registered a blood alcohol level over 1.5, and the other over 1.0. The girls were handed over to their parents, and authorities notified child welfare services. “The investigation into how these minors obtained alcohol is ongoing,” Kropáčová added.
Orion nightclub operates only on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Posts on the club’s social media pages are primarily in Ukrainian, indicating a focus on a Ukrainian-speaking clientele.
Authorities Boost Patrols and Surveillance
Prague 3 district officials note that as the issues arise in public spaces outside the club, the club’s owner cannot be held directly responsible. The district administration’s current strategy is to boost police patrols along Řehořova Street, a measure already in effect with increased night-time surveillance by municipal police.
Additionally, CCTV cameras were installed in October to monitor the area outside Orion, enabling faster responses to any disturbances.
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Prepare for a noticeably chillier week across the Czech Republic, as temperatures are set to drop sharply, potentially reaching lows of -6 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The Czech Meteorological Institute warns of frost and icy roads, especially on bridges where freezing fog or even clear skies could lead to slippery conditions. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, as frost and fog may make roads treacherous.
The average daily highs will hover around a brisk 7°C, but expect frost overnight.
Night temperatures are forecasted to range between +2°C and -2°C, with the most intense cooling anticipated mid-week when some valleys may see the mercury dip to -6°C. Occasional drizzle and light rain are expected, with snowfall likely in mountainous areas.
Fog and low clouds will blanket many regions, with freezing fog possible in some areas.
The week will bring mostly light, variable winds up to 4 m/s, though by Wednesday, a moderate easterly wind reaching 6 m/s is expected. Daytime highs will vary between 2°C and 6°C, with temperatures climbing to 7°C in areas that enjoy prolonged sunshine.
As the weekend approaches, the chilly trend will continue, with cloudy to overcast skies and more frequent freezing fog. Nighttime temperatures are expected to fall to -4°C on Friday and over the weekend, while daily highs will remain in the range of 3°C to 8°C.
Meteorologists encourage residents to prepare for persistent cold and be cautious on the roads due to frost and fog, which can lead to sudden patches of ice on bridges and other exposed surfaces.
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People everywhere are preparing for the holidays in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This is also the perfect season in Czechia to explore castles and chateaux decked out for the festivities.
Many historical sites are beautifully decorated and offer special tours for visitors. Wander through snowy castle parks, shop for gifts at local craft markets, or immerse yourself in traditional customs!
Festive Season at Karlštejn Castle
The renowned Gothic Karlštejn Castle will be adorned with traditional decorations, recreating the Christmas customs of long ago. Visitors can soak in the seasonal ambiance along the usual tour route, The Imperial Residence of Charles IV, to learn about the holiday traditions unique to this historic setting. Tours are available from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, every Friday through Sunday.
A Noble Christmas at Třeboň Château
The Třeboň Château, nestled in the scenic, UNESCO-protected pond landscape, invites you to experience a princely Christmas. A favorite winter residence of the Czech-German-Austrian House of Schwarzenberg, the château offers special tours from November 30 to December 22, 2024, and again from December 28 to January 3 (Thursday to Sunday). Visitors can also enjoy a sales exhibition of handmade ornaments (November 30 to December 7) and the Advent markets held on December 7-8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s at Sychrov Château
Celebrate the days between Christmas and New Year at Sychrov Château, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, where every room is dressed in holiday cheer. Christmas trees, handcrafted ornaments, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill the château, which welcomes guests from December 27, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Advent at Valtice Château: A UNESCO Treasure
From November 11 to December 22, the Valtice Château, part of the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, offers self-guided tours of Franz I’s apartment, lavishly decorated for Advent. The Baroque interiors feature ten Christmas trees and thousands of handmade ornaments from glass workshops across Czechia. Admire vintage decorations, blown glass beads from Rautis, and Art Nouveau pieces from the Koulier workshop. On December 8 and 15, there will also be workshops where visitors can create their own ornaments—reservations are recommended.
Christmas at Hrádek u Nechanic
Step into old England at the Hrádek u Nechanic Castle, styled after Windsor Gothic architecture. Open to the public on weekends from November 30 to December 15, with weekday tours at noon and 2 p.m., the castle offers a nostalgic experience with nutcrackers, nativity scenes, and traditional holiday customs. Visitors can taste English punch in the castle kitchen, and on select Fridays (November 29, December 6 and 13), experience the unique candlelit evening tours (booking required).
Advent Celebrations at Jindřichův Hradec
Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Château, in South Bohemia, remains a beloved destination during Advent. Enjoy performances, markets, and crafts against the majestic backdrop of this grand castle during the weekend of December 7-8.
Royal Advent at Křivoklát Castle
The medieval Křivoklát Castle in Central Bohemia, once home to Czech royalty, is another must-visit destination. The castle hosts artisan stands during the weekends of December 7-8 and December 14-15, where you can browse a traditional Old Bohemian market featuring mulled wine, sausages, and Christmas cookies. The castle interiors are open to explore at your own pace.
Advent Tours at Villa Stiassni: Christmas and Hanukkah in One
Brno’s Villa Stiassni may not be a traditional château, but its elegance and 1920s-30s ambiance make it a perfect festive destination. During Advent, the villa showcases vintage holiday decorations and a Christmas tree adorned with UNESCO-listed blown glass ornaments, alongside a Hanukkah menorah. Special tours run from November 29 to December 16, and December 27-31, offering a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated here in the 1930s by the Jewish family who built it.
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Prague is embracing a new AI-powered traffic control system, promising to revolutionize traffic management across the city.
Developed by the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) and funded by the European Union, this system will adapt traffic lights to current conditions in real-time, reducing congestion and improving overall traffic flow.
This new approach aligns Prague with global cities like London and Boston, which have also adopted AI to tackle complex urban traffic challenges.
Smart Traffic Management: How AI Enhances Prague’s Traffic Signals
The new AI-based system intelligently optimizes traffic light timings to ensure the smoothest passage for vehicles and public transportation alike.
Unlike the previous static system, where each intersection followed a fixed pattern, AI now dynamically adapts to actual traffic conditions.
By continuously assessing real-time data and learning from previous traffic patterns, the AI system reduces delays and the number of stops, leading to shorter travel times for all road users.
The system’s initial phase included testing at intersections along Patočkova Street, where the AI’s integration with Prague’s existing telematics and sensor networks was evaluated in real-world conditions. Results from the pilot confirmed that the AI could smoothly handle changing traffic situations and respond to unforeseen challenges, indicating its potential to manage Prague’s intersections more effectively.
Key Benefits of the AI Traffic Control System
- Optimized Traffic Flow: The AI system minimizes stops and wait times, prioritizing specific transport modes such as trams, buses, and emergency vehicles. This is expected to improve response times for emergency services across Prague.
- Real-Time Information and Predictions: With comprehensive data from area-wide detectors and an integrated traffic model, the system makes short-term predictions and adjusts traffic lights accordingly, facilitating smoother traffic flow for cars, trams, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
- Improved Efficiency and Time Savings: Unlike previous systems that required complex programming for each intersection, the new AI-based approach allows traffic operators to adjust settings without elaborate coding. Changes are implemented immediately, making traffic management more flexible and efficient.
- Flexible Traffic Prioritization: The system allows operators to adjust the “importance” of different road users (cars, buses, cyclists, pedestrians) throughout the day, adapting traffic lights to best serve peak travel times and demands.
- Automatic “Green Wave” Functionality: By constantly monitoring traffic conditions, the AI system can create a “green wave” to favor the heaviest traffic flow, reducing stops and easing congestion in high-demand areas.
