The Metronome Festival, set to captivate audiences from June 20 to 22 at the Prague Exhibition Centre, has added another star to its lineup: Michael Kiwanuka.

The London-based singer, with Ugandan roots, renowned for his appearances alongside Adele and the soulful backdrop of his song “Cold Little Heart” in the hit TV series Seven Lovers, is set to make a return to Prague.

Described by festival organizers as a humble artist unafraid of eccentric expressions, Kiwanuka draws inspiration from the soulful sounds of 1970s American soul.

“He is one of Britain’s most respected artists. Imagine Van Morrison meets Curtis Mayfield, and you’re there. His 2016 album ‘Love & Hate’ soared to the top spot in the UK, and in 2019, ‘Kiwanuka’ garnered unanimous rave reviews, hailed as a career-defining masterpiece by Mojo magazine. He is a true artist who pours every ounce of his heart and soul into his mesmerizing live performances. In short, Michael Kiwanuka is a genuine attraction,” attests Rob Cass, Abbey Road Studios Producer, exclusively for Metronome Prague 2024.

Born and raised in North London’s Muswell Hill, Michael Kiwanuka’s roots trace back to Ugandan parents who fled President Idi Amin’s regime, also known as the Butcher of Kampala.

Graduating with honors from Fortismere School in 2005, Kiwanuka was known for his friendly and humble demeanor, and a profound understanding of diverse musical genres.

Throughout his school years, he showcased his musical talents, playing bass and jazz guitar. Post-graduation, he continued his academic journey at the University of Westminster in London.

Metronome Festival 2024 promises attendees over eighty performances, with organizers guaranteeing surprises and a robust accompanying program.

The entire event will be enhanced by comfortable facilities, including an exceptional gastro zone.

In the wake of Allegro and Kaufland’s successful foray into the Czech market last year, another player is poised to make its mark in 2024.

Trendyol, a Turkish online marketplace, is gearing up to enter the Czech Republic.

According to statements made by Trendyol representatives during a press conference in Baku in December, the company is eyeing substantial expansion in Eastern and Southern Europe this year.

“In the first quarter of 2024, we will penetrate the Eastern European market, commencing with Romania, Greece, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, with plans to broaden our presence across the region,” shared Trendyol CEO Erdem Inan.

He emphasized, “Our objective is to facilitate our 300,000 dealers to thrive in Europe, the Middle East, and Gulf countries.”

After establishing roots in the initial countries, Trendyol’s expansion will extend to Poland, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Inan disclosed his ambitious targets, stating, “By the end of 2024, our aim is to cultivate two million active customers in Eastern European markets, surpass four million orders, and achieve $350 million in sales.”

Founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Demet Mutlu in Turkey, Trendyol’s majority stake was acquired by Chinese conglomerate Alibaba in 2018, currently owning 86.5%.

With a valuation reaching $16.5 billion in 2021, equivalent to approximately CZK 372 billion, the company evolved from an online fashion marketplace to offering a diverse range of products.

From cosmetics and electronics to books and sports equipment, Trendyol has expanded its portfolio, even venturing into food delivery with Trendyol Go. The company also operates a fashion second-hand store called Dolap and introduced its own delivery network, Trendyol Express.

In the Czech market, Trendyol will join established foreign players such as Kaufland and Allegro, along with local entities like internet leader Alza and price comparison engine Heureka.

After an absence of 18 years, the well-known Carrefour chain is set to return to the Czech Republic, marking a significant development in its international strategy.

Partnering with JIP Retail, which operates 14 grocery stores across the country, Carrefour is gearing up to reintroduce its products to Czech customers next year.

“This marks another crucial milestone in Carrefour’s international strategy, with a specific focus on Eastern Europe,” states Patrick Lasfargues, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to growth in the region.

Notably, Carrefour had a presence in the Czech market until 2006.

JIP Retail, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, aims to offer an affordable selection of quality products encompassing both food and non-food categories. Jan Plšek, President of JIP Retail, highlights the complementary nature of Carrefour’s product range to their existing assortment.

In a report by Kupi.cz, it is revealed that Carrefour’s offerings will span fresh and long-lasting food, including healthy, alternative, and organic products.

Additionally, the chain will provide a diverse range of basic drugstore items, cosmetics, cleaning products, pet food, and more.

With this exciting development, Czech consumers can look forward to the return of Carrefour, not just as a grocery store but as a one-stop destination for a comprehensive shopping experience.

Carrefour is the eighth-largest retailer in the world by revenue. It operates a chain of hypermarkets, groceries stores and convenience stores, which as of December 2021, comprises 13,894 stores in over 30 countries.

 

Czech glassmakers, celebrated for their craftsmanship with whistle, glass cutters, and engravers, have secured a remarkable success.

The timeless art of handmade glass production, still practiced by numerous glassworks and studios across the Czech Republic, has been officially recognized and listed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

The move was made at a UNESCO meeting currently taking place in Botswana.

The nomination was a collaborative effort prepared by six countries, including Czechia, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Spain.

Milada Valečková, director of the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, emphasized, “This includes everything from the selection of glassmaking sand, the production of raw materials, to various techniques of manual glass processing, encompassing cutting, painting, and the crafting of winding beads.”

With this success, the Czech Republic now boasts nine entries on the prestigious list of intangible cultural heritage. Among these are the Hlinecko region masopust (carnival), the slovácký verbuňk dance, falconry, the South Bohemian Ride of the Kings tradition, glass-blown Christmas beads from the Podkrkonoší region (added in 2020), and the most recent addition in the previous year—rafting.

Valečková highlighted the pivotal role of Petr Nový, chief curator of the Jablonec Museum, for his knowledge and perseverance, ensuring a comprehensive representation of various processes within glass production.

The historic occasion was commemorated with the cutting of a large cake shaped like the national flag of Botswana, a fitting tribute to the location where the Czech Republic’s success was sealed.

The measures will see Czechs pay more taxes on alcohol and medicine, while businesses will also pay higher corporate taxes.

Czech President Petr Pavel has signed into law an economic package of dozens of measures introducing budget cuts and increased taxes designed to keep the ballooning budget deficit under control.

Pavel’s signature was the last step before the government proposal — which was approved by parliament — turned into law, meaning Czechs will pay more taxes on medicine and alcohol, in the country renowned for its beer.

Value-added tax will have two rates, 12% and 21%, instead of the current three — 10%, 15% and 21%.

Medicines will move from the 10% rate to 12%, while people will pay 21% VAT on their beloved beer in bars.

Businesses will also pay higher taxes: corporation tax will go up by two points to 21% while property tax for individuals will be also hiked by 1.8 times, as well as the tax on alcohol, tobacco and betting.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala previously said the austerity measures were necessary because the debt was rising at a “threatening” pace. Pavel has said the current situation is unsustainable.

According to the government, the measures should reduce the budget deficit by 97 billion Czech crowns (€3.96 billion) next year and for 2025 by 150 billion.

As a result, the deficit of 3.5% of the gross domestic product expected for this year should drop to 1.8% next year and to 1.2% in 2025.

The package is a compromise reached by Fiala’s five-party ruling coalition that took over after defeating populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his centrist ANO movement in the 2021 parliamentary election.

The opposition condemned the changes and said it planned to take the matter to the Constitutional Court, the highest judicial power in the country, while the labour unions called for a day of protests and strikes on Monday.

The Prague Planetarium is undergoing an unprecedented renovation as it updates its outdated display system with cutting-edge LED Dome technology.

This technology will include 45 million LEDs distributed across the entire dome, making the Prague Planetarium the biggest and most contemporary in the world.

The new system is anticipated to last up to 25 years, with outstanding picture contrast and minimal upkeep expenses.

The new projection system, according to Jakub Rozehnal, head of the Prague Planetarium, will enable for a degree of quality and contrast not possible with traditional systems.

The expenditure includes new air conditioning for waste heat recovery, ductwork, and hall machinery, as well as an increased number of chairs.

The proposed rebuilding and modernization, which has received a CZK 250 million subsidy, is scheduled to take place from mid-May this year until spring next year.

During this time, visitors will have restricted access to certain areas of the dome. If work allows, the display in the foyer, the underground simulator, the gift store, and school workshops, including the one that operates the Planetum-1 satellite itself, will stay available.

With this technology, the Prague Planetarium will become the world’s biggest planetarium, beating comparable technology located in Dubai and Osaka, which have smaller domes.

Visitors will also have access to the Simulatorium, a brand new area in the subterranean planetarium.

This section includes four simulators: the Atlantis, L-39, Eagle, and Rover, as well as a spectacular light tunnel and a gallery of backlit nebula pictures, making it an enjoyable and peaceful spot to lose yourself in space and time.

In a groundbreaking announcement on the social media platform X, Prague’s Deputy for Transport and former mayor Zdeněk Hřib shared exciting news: “Trams will soon make a comeback to the upper part of Wenceslas Square!”

Eurovia CS, a subsidiary of the multinational VINCI group, will spearhead the project. According to Hřib, construction on Wenceslas Square is slated to start in spring 2024, with completion expected three years later.

The DPP communications department head, Daniel Šabík, informed journalists that they evaluated six proposals from different companies for a project exceeding CZK 1 billion.

This marks the return of trams to the upper part of Wenceslas Square, where tram services were operational until 1980. The decision to reintroduce trams was made by the previous city administration.

Hřib’s post sparked numerous inquiries from users. When questioned about potential traffic disruptions on the square due to frequent demonstrations, he responded, “It will be managed similarly to other areas, like Národní.”

One user wondered how trams would navigate the main street. “They will cross over it; there’s already a pedestrian crossing interval there,” clarified Hřib.

This map displays designated parking spaces along the square. Hřib emphasized their importance, particularly for deliveries, ensuring a clear pathway for streetcars.

Mám pro vás horkou novinku: Už brzy začneme vracet tramvaje na horní část Václavského náměstí! 🚃

Nově totiž máme zhotovitele. Vítězem veřejné zakázky @DPPOficialni se stala společnost Eurovia CS z nadnárodní skupiny VINCI. Začít by se mělo stavět už na jaře příštího roku a doba… pic.twitter.com/iLh9sa49DH

— Zdeněk Hřib (@ZdenekHrib) November 3, 2023

For almost a century, trams ran between the middle of Wenceslas Square and the National Museum at the top. Tram services were discontinued in December 1980, but in 2005, a plan winning a competition for the redesign of the square envisaged their return.

 

 

All Souls’ Day – the day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away – has great significance in the Czech Republic.

Dušičky – or “Little Souls” – as it is called in Czech is an annual pilgrimage that has taken place since pagan times.

The official Czech name is Památka zesnulých (“a remembrance of those who have passed”), but everyone calls the day dušičky (“little souls”) or všech svatých (“of all saints”).

Activities of the day include attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead and those we remember. Czechs will lay wreaths and flowers at the grave and spend time honoring those who have passed with remembering.

If you visit a cemetery in the Czech Republic during this time, you will immediately note the flickering glow of hundreds of freshly lit candles making the entire area aglow in a very holy way.

You can visit the biggest graveyard in Prague – Olšany Cemetery (Olšanské hřbitovy in Czech).  Here are some images of what a Czech All Soul’s Day looks like.

 

The November 2^nd tradition

The tradition of visiting cemeteries on November 2 hails from the 10^th century, when, during 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny, France, made that specific day the official time to pay respects to those who need to be purged of their minor sins. In the beginning, feasts were held in local Benedictine monasteries.

Then Carthusians joined in. By the end of the 10^th century, though, the tradition had spread throughout the Catholic Church. Thanks to Pope Benedict XV, from 1915 priests have been allowed to celebrate three Masses on this holy day – one focusing on the deceased, another concerning the priest’s intentions and the third dealing with the intentions of the Holy Father.

Before Abbot Odilo’s decision

But praying for the purification of souls was not always held in November. Before Abbot Odilo’s decision, it was celebrated during the Easter period. In the 10^th century, the day of remembrance was moved to October.

Eastern Orthodox Churches

Eastern Orthodox Churches still honor their dead around Pentecost Sunday and have several such holy days throughout the year. For Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, most All Souls’ Day celebrations take place on Saturdays because that was the day Jesus lay in the Tomb.

 

Eleven foreigners were apprehended by Prague police for orchestrating an elaborate operation of cannabis cultivation in over 20 flats they had rented. 

Assisted by their counterparts from Europol, Czech investigators unveiled a clandestine network that spanned several districts, including Vinohrady, Žižkov, Holešovice, and Smíchov.

The criminals, hailing from the Balkan countries, discreetly set up their operations, taking advantage of unaware landlords and local estate agencies.

Armed with falsified documents of EU citizens, they established their base in the heart of the city, growing multiple crops annually. Their activities went undetected as they paid staggering sums for electricity to maintain their illicit operations, all while raking in significant profits.

It was revealed that the group’s ringleader oversaw the sale of a 75 kilograms of dried marijuana, fetching prices ranging from 3,400 to 4,000 euros per kilogram.

Additionally, the gang was implicated in the production of a consignment of 150 kilograms of marijuana, intercepted near Dresden, Germany.

During the arrest operation, law enforcement seized 1,276 cannabis plants, 33 kilograms of dried substance, 22 greenhouses equipped for cultivation, and even combat pistols.

Further investigations led to the discovery of the gang leader’s property in the neighborhood of Bešenov, revealing the depth of their criminal assets.

The perpetrators now face the prospect of 8 to 18 years behind bars.

For this Halloween, “The Prague Horrortheater” company will stage one of their most successful and acclaimed plays as an English language Premiere: Master of the Trapdoors – The Story of the Phantom of the Opera, a One-Man-Show that completely leaves out the occurrences of the novel itself.

Instead, they begin with an unusual premise: The Phantom of the Opera dies.

Practical info:

Master of the Trapdoors – 20. and 21. October (with more performances to follow), 20:00 at New Visions Theater, Na Celné 508/3

Tickets here

Erik, the man behind the mask, tells the audience in his last hours of an eventful life – his time with traveling gypsies, the pirates of Southeast Asia and assassins in India, as a magician in Russia, an architect at the court of the Shah of Persia, serving the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and also recounting the Franco-Prussian War, the Paris Commune and the retreat into his own morbid refuge deep in the cellars of the Paris Opera.

So it’s not quite the story someone how only knows the more kitschy adaptations would be familiar with. And they will go a step further to once again defy audiences expectations, as the Actor playing Erik, Guglielmo Menichetti, will wear neither Mask nor Make up.

Although the novel is a literary treasure chest full of historical fantasies and meticulously researched details of French and Oriental history, most of which would be forgotten today without the book, the tale is often reduced to its various, mostly pompous adaptations.

No wonder it took Playwright Gordon L. Schmitz six years of planning himself, two of which where spend with research, dozens of Interviews with stage Magicians, Dancers, Composers and Architects, and travels to the Paris Opera itself, to finally get a grip of the Character:

“When the story was first published, Sigmund Freud had just held the first psychoanalytical conference a year before, but author Leroux managed to incorporate the newest developments and theories in the field into his story; Something that went over many people’s heads back then, and it still does today. The novel only gives us a chapter on the Phantom’s back story, that I followed so much that a fleeting mention of a historical character led me to read hole essays on the subjects!”

And the “voice” Leroux used in his novel had to analyzed and emulated: “How does Erik speak to which character in the novel? What is their relationship, what is his goal, and how can I implement this into new scenarios?” No wonder the original Version of the play was over four hours long. “But how much can the audience even trust an unreliable narrator?”, Schmitz asks further. “How can we trust and feel for a Character without a moral compass, who does not even understand the depth of his own trauma?”

The play encapsulates themes of identity, torture within oneself and remorseless murder. No mask, no makeup, no cliché – just a show full of personal terror, the team promises.

„Working on this piece is an absolute thrill“, Director Jazmín Colibri said. “We have a great team and we can’t wait to bring this masterpiece to the stage! It’s going to be delightfully terrifying.”

And it looks like the audience will finally understand why Philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin once said: ‘With the “Phantom of the Opera”, one of the great novels about the nineteenth century, [Gaston Leroux has] helped the thriller genre to reach apotheosis.’

Prague and the Omani capital, Muscat, are set to establish a direct air route.

Starting from October 31, 2023, this route will once again be served by SalamAir, as officially announced by Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport press service.

The carrier’s airplanes will operate between these two cities twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Tickets for these flights are already available for purchase, starting from around 8,000kc for a one-way journey.

Furthermore, Muscat holds the potential to pique the interest of Czech tourists, serving as a convenient connecting hub. Direct flights from Muscat connect to popular destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and various other resort hotspots.

 

Things To Do In Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Regarded as the main and most important mosque in Oman, the Grand Mosque is a magnificent place to see in Muscat. The outside marble and sandstone is beautiful, and the inside, with a giant hand woven Persian carpet and chandelier is impressive. Visiting the Grand Mosque is one of the highlights of any Muscat travel guide.

Royal Opera House Muscat – Another icon of art, culture, and architecture in Muscat is the stunningly beautiful Royal Opera House, completed in 2011. While you can purchase tickets to an opera or show if you’re in Muscat at the right time, you can also just admire it from the outside, or take a quick tour so you can see inside.

Bait Al Zubair Museum – One of the main Omani cultural museums in Muscat is the Bait Al Zubair Museum. I enjoyed the collections of firearms and Omani daggers and weapons. There’s also an outdoor traditional Omani housing display, and they also host events.

Muttrah Souq – The traditional Muttrah souq is an Omani bazaar in Muscat that is an important place of trade and culture. You’ll find everything from clothes and spices to gold and souvenirs. You can get lost exploring the fascinating back-lanes of the Muttrah Souq.

Al Alam Royal Palace (Sultan’s Palace) – Oman is a Sultanate monarchy, ruled by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, and Al Alam Royal Palace is one of the official, ceremonial palaces in Muscat. You can’t go inside, but there’s a certain amazing feeling about just seeing it from the outside gate.

Muscat Fish Market – You’ll see the selection of freshly caught fish of the day, ranging from tuna to barracuda to giant sailfish.

 

On October 19, 2023, Prague will host its first-of-its-kind event that will ignite the senses of visitors and pull them out of their everyday routines.

The ON THE EDGE event at the Gabriel Loci Monastery is a combination of provocative performances and vivid erotic fantasies, all accompanied by world-class artists.

Two young founders, Martina Svobodová and Soňa Metelková, had a vision: to create a tasteful and sexy space where they, along with others, could explore a diverse range of compelling fantasies. Provocatively, yet with ease. With integrity and 100% safety. Do you want to experience what it’s like to be On The Edge?

More artistic than Eyes Wide Shut, more sensual than Sleep No More, this event teeters on the edge of seduction and explicit content. Imagine Venetian masks, dimly lit corridors of the Gabriel Loci Monastery, secret chambers, and glassed halls. Red light, muses indulging in wine, living sculptures wandering in negligee.

Each room conceals a different erotic fantasy. Play with Fire, Tie me right, Love me tender…or else, Delve deeper might give you a hint. The level of this provocative experience is attested by the event’s partners, including a selection of top accommodations from Amazing Places, Polo Club La Republica, and Prague’s most successful art gallery, DSC Gallery.

Thirty muses and artists who specialize in erotica will ensure your experience is unforgettable. Some of them will be dressed by Prague`s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week star Tomáš Němec, and shine in a ritual out of Eyes Wide Shut in collaboration with Ploom. Once inside, you can wander freely.

Dance in latex by Parisian star Hiley la Nymphettea, negligee seduction by Lucie Hamrlová or Michaela Přikrylová, exploration of intimate touches, the 50 Shades of Grey dungeon, or riggers gently and roughly binding muses using the Japanese art of shibari.

The program is diverse and rich, with each chamber simultaneously embodying a different fantasy. All of this and more, accompanied by a selection of refreshments from the iconic chef Eva Che. Throughout the evening, expect several surprises and remember, that guests are only required to watch, observe, and be inspired.

“On The Edge is, first and foremost, an elegant event that sets itself apart from all other events on the market. It aims to showcase the aesthetic side of intimacy and eroticism, not the vulgar porn vibe that bombards us from all directions. It’s time for a change in how we perceive sexuality,” says founder Martina Svobodová.

“There’s nothing to fear; the event is for the ordinary mortal. Anonymity and passive observation give visitors freedom and security; masks hide your identity and allow guests to closely observe what captures their attention and get inspired without shame,” says co-founder Soňa Metelková.

The event will take place on October 19 at Gabriel Loci. Entry is divided into several time slots, and visitors must be over 18 years old. Guests will be advised not to use their phones during the evening.

The entrance fees range from 2890 to 9900 CZK, and only those with a special code have access to purchase tickets. Do you want to be among the chosen ones? Sign up for the waiting list on the website www.ontheedge.club.

The pilot event is just the first swallow in a storm of provocative soirées, playful workshops, and other nocturnal delights that the two founders are planning.