November 17, 2024, marks 35 years since the Velvet Revolution, a pivotal moment when Czechoslovakia broke free from communism, reclaiming democracy and freedom. In Prague, the city where history was made, a variety of commemorative events will honor this historic day. Here’s a guide to the key happenings. Hlávka Dormitory: A Morning of Reflection The day begins with a solemn tribute at Hlávka Dormitory, a site tied to the tragic events of 1939. At 9:00 a.m., representatives of the academic community will deliver speeches and lay wreaths. By 10:00 a.m., the Czech national anthem will play, and a procession will proceed to the monument of Jan Opletal and Václav Sedláček, students who lost their lives during protests against Nazi occupation. Vyšehrad Hosts Free November The 10th annual Free November event moves this year to Vyšehrad, an iconic location for commemorating November 17. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Burgrave’s House (Staré Burkrabství), the program will feature a mix of cultural and historical activities designed to reflect on freedom’s value. Korzo Národní: A Celebration of Unity On Národní třída, the symbolic epicenter of the Velvet Revolution, the association Díky, že můžem organizes Korzo Národní, a vibrant all-day festival themed “Freedom...
The Bernard Family Brewery from Humpolec has once again been crowned Brewery of the Year by the Association of Beer Friends (SPP), marking its eighth win in this prestigious category. The brewery won in two categories based on beer type, with their light ‘desítka’ beer and their holiday lager. The Prague-based Pivovar Strahov was named Microbrewery of the Year, while Flying Brewery of the Year, a title for breweries without their own facilities, went to Prague’s Pivovar Chroust. The SPP has been recognizing top brewers, beers, and brewing personalities since 1990, making it the longest-standing competition in Czechia’s modern beer scene. The association’s over 1,500 members cast their votes in the initial phase, and selected beers then move to a blind tasting to determine the final winners. SPP has maintained trademarks on its awards since their inception, including Brewery of the Year since 2004, Minibrewery of the Year since 2006, and Flying Brewery of the Year since 2022. Bernard Brewery’s Winning Journey and History The Bernard Brewery has long been a symbol of resilience and growth. In 1991, the brewery narrowly avoided closure, revived in the nick of time by new owners. A crucial turning point came in 2001, when...
Christmas, traditionally a time of joy, cheer, and good times, is an especially lonely, sad and challenging time for homeless individuals but here is how you can help make a difference this holiday season: 1. First, with temperatures dropping, your DONATIONS OF WINTER CLOTHES AND CANNED FOOD can save lives and make the season more bearable for those who are less fortunate. The most needed items are warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, as well as canned legumes, meat, and fish (which, while providing proteins, can be easily carried, and consumed on the streets). More information about clothing collection can be found HERE 2. FriendShip Prague has also launched another FILL A CHRISTMAS SOCK FOR THE HOMELESS campaign, and you can support homeless people by purchasing a pair of warm socks and filling one of them with travel-size toiletries and sweets. You can find detailed video instructions HERE The socks will be distributed as a Christmas gift to people sleeping rough on the streets and at the shelters. Please DROP OFF your kind donations of winter clothes, canned food, and Christmas socks at our office: Room 208, DumRadost (Namesti Winstona Churchilla 2) every Friday from 16:30 to 18:00 and every Saturday...
The Czech government approved a proposal on Wednesday to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 15. This amendment to the Health Protection Act, backed by a cross-party group of deputies, aims to limit young people’s access to the high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages that have surged in popularity among youth. Olga Richterová of the Pirate Party, one of the key advocates for the proposal, confirmed the government’s approval of the amendment. She emphasized that children should not have unrestricted access to energy drinks due to the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and other adverse health effects. Energy drinks will face similar restrictions to those already imposed on alcohol and tobacco, requiring age verification for purchases made both online and in vending machines. Under the proposed legislation, schools would be entirely prohibited from selling energy drinks, and they would also be banned from events targeted at children. Additionally, advertising aimed at minors would face tighter scrutiny. However, some challenges remain regarding the law’s implementation. Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) noted that the government faces “technical and legislative issues.” He pointed out that there is currently no legal definition for an “energy...
As predicted, meteorologists’ expectations were confirmed on Wednesday, with the season’s first snowfall reaching lower altitudes across Bohemia. Snowflakes were observed across the Krkonoše and Ore Mountains, extending into the Brdy Mountains. While lowland areas are not expected to retain snow due to temperatures hovering above freezing, conditions differ in higher altitudes. In mountainous areas above 1,000 meters, temperatures are forecasted to remain below zero, allowing the snow to settle. By afternoon, the Krkonoše Mountains recorded around four centimeters of snow, marking a notable seasonal shift. Live footage from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute’s webcams displayed fresh snow and continued snowfall across popular mountain areas, including Krkonoše resorts, Jizerka, Klínovec, Brdy, and Rožmitál pod Třemšínem. A mix of rain and snow was also seen in the Elbe region. Some snow briefly accumulated on supercooled surfaces—like car hoods—but generally melted upon hitting the ground. Looking ahead, precipitation and snowfall are expected to continue into Thursday night, with snowfall predicted mainly in higher-altitude areas during the day. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
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...
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...
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...
The Coca-Cola truck is making its way to the Czech Republic and Slovakia this Christmas! Coca-Cola’s ‘The Real Magic Christmas Experience’ is coming to over 30 cities in the Czech Republic and 20 in Slovakia. The theme of the Christmas campaign, “Christmas Always Finds a Way”, is based on the idea that “Christmas is an unstoppable force that will find a way through anything to bring back the joy, togetherness, generosity and true magic around the festive season and holiday food”. The trucks, which were first introduced in 1995, will also support the campaign after a hiatus caused by the pandemic. It will also include collaborations with influencers, such as Czech group Mirai, and a competition on the Coca-Cola app to win a trip to the North Pole. “Coca-Cola trucks have become a popular tradition that brings Christmas magic to Czech and Slovak cities. Christmas always finds a way to bring families, friends and often complete strangers together through magical moments spent together,” says Mária Drotárová, Coca-Cola brand manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The roadshow in the Czech Republic will start on 24 November in Čáslav and end on 22 December in Stupava. At each stop, there will be...
The “housing affordability crisis” is a frequent topic in Czech newspapers and political debates, but is housing truly unaffordable across the entire country? We examined the cost of buying an apartment for a Prague resident versus a resident in the Karlovy Vary region, uncovering stark differences in housing access between Prague and other regions. Prague’s Housing Crisis: Not Representative of All Czechia Housing (un)affordability is typically evaluated by looking at the number of newly built apartments. However, new apartments from the past thirty years make up only about 10% of all housing stock in Czechia, most of which are in Prague. Consequently, the high cost of housing in the capital skews the perception of nationwide affordability. In reality, housing supply hasn’t kept up with demand in Prague, leading to persistently high prices. To gain a realistic picture of housing affordability across Czechia, it’s essential to consider smaller towns and regions outside of Prague, as well as older housing stock, which makes up the bulk of available homes. The Cost of a Typical Apartment: Prague vs. Regions For comparison, let’s consider a standard 70-square-meter apartment in an older building. Such apartments are common across Czechia in both panel and brick houses....
The American fast-food chain Popeyes has unveiled plans to establish 60 new restaurants across the Czech Republic by 2033, aiming to strengthen its presence in Central Europe. Popeyes operates three locations in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, with new branches set to open soon in Brno. The company’s first restaurant in Czechia opened just last year in Wenceslas Square. Popeyes’ ambitious expansion strategy includes opening branches in key regional cities, shopping centers, and along major highways. “Opening a new restaurant can take several months or even up to two years, especially when we target prime locations,” explained Marko Blaževič, Popeyes’ director for Central and Eastern Europe. Popeyes faces strong competition from fast-food heavyweights already established in the Czech market. McDonald’s operates 124 restaurants across the country, while KFC, part of the AmRest group, runs 128 locations as of last year. Another AmRest brand, Burger King, operates 33 outlets, while Pizza Hut has a presence in 16 locations. Five Guys and Wendy’s Enter the Czech Market The competitive landscape of American fast food in Czechia is intensifying as Five Guys prepares to open its first branch this autumn in the recently renovated Máj department store in Prague. Additionally, Wendy’s announced...
Sixty Czech citizens have attained official permission to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Novinky.cz reports that this was announced by Filip Platoš, President Petr Pavel’s spokesman, as reported by European Pravda The spokesman noted that so far, Petr Pavel has approved 60 applications from Czech citizens who asked to be allowed to defend Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in agreement with the ministries of defense, interior and foreign affairs. A total of 181 such requests have been received. Czech citizens are prohibited from joining a foreign army without the permission of the Czech president, which is a criminal offense. However, for those who have already done so, there is an opportunity to obtain permission retroactively. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded by commenting that the Czech president “clearly does not need” the citizens he released as volunteers to Ukraine. Officially, four Czechs fighting for Ukraine as volunteers were killed in action. Among them is Karel Kucera, who was posthumously awarded the Medal for Heroism by President Petr Pavel on Czech Independence Day. Karel traveled to Ukraine without official permission, having not received consent from then-President Miloš Zeman. This week, it became known that two more...
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