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...
Starbucks is making a significant change to how it serves customers in the Czech Republic. In the coming weeks, all Starbucks coffee shops across the Czech Republic and Slovakia will stop writing customer names on cups. Instead, the company will introduce printed stickers as part of its modernized order management system. This shift is part of a broader global effort to enhance efficiency and improve the customer experience. Similar systems have already been implemented in other countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Romania. The Czech Republic is now joining this growing list of Starbucks locations adopting the new approach. Under the updated system, Starbucks baristas will still ask for your name when taking your order. However, instead of writing it on your cup with a marker, they’ll print a customized sticker. These stickers won’t just display your name—they’ll also include the date and time of the order, as well as a QR code. The QR code provides detailed information about your drink’s nutritional content and potential allergens, making it a helpful addition for health-conscious customers or those with dietary restrictions. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Czech Republic announced the launch of its dedicated startup association. The newly launched Czech Startup Association is poised to advocate for systemic improvements that aim to make the Czech Republic a regional leader in supporting startups and innovation. While the structure of the Czech Startup Association is somewhat different from Romania’s approach, its mission remains consistent: to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem and foster collaboration between startups and policymakers. The Czech startup landscape has long faced challenges that hinder its potential growth, and despite prior initiatives, a comprehensive national strategy to advance innovation has yet to be established. The Czech Startup Association was created to address these gaps and advocate for pro-innovation reforms. Its primary focus is on driving dialogue with government entities, including Parliament and political parties, with the goal of securing legislative changes to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture growth. Led and joined by experienced ecosystem people Led by Martin Jiránek, a well-versed figure in Czech legislative processes and lobbying, the Czech Startup Association brings together a coalition of notable industry players. Founding members include VC firms such as Credo Ventures, Presto Ventures, and Purple Ventures, along with technology startups Keboola, Liftago, and Oddin. The association also...
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...
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