Oscar-nominated actor John Malkovich is coming to Prague, performing live at the Hybernia Theatre in a rare and intimate stage production. Alongside renowned Lithuanian actress Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė—recognizable to many from Mission: Impossible—Malkovich will take on the lead role in In the Solitude of Cotton Fields, a powerful existential drama by French playwright Bernard-Marie Koltès. The performance, presented in English with Czech subtitles, will run for two nights only—Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22—offering a unique opportunity for local audiences to experience world-class theatre in the heart of Prague. Directed by Russian director Timofey Kuljabin, who previously visited Prague with the opera Distant Sound in 2022, the production explores themes of desire, isolation, and power dynamics through a hypnotic dialogue between two unnamed characters—a dealer and a client. Their interaction, filled with unspoken tension, rejection, and fascination, forms the emotional core of Koltès’s script. “This is a very strong and contemporary piece,” says Malkovich, speaking about his return to the Czech stage. “We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people connected to the local theatre scene. Timofey’s work at the State Opera made a real impact here.” Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Czech travelers now have a direct link to Lithuania as airline airBaltic launches a new route between Prague and Vilnius, expanding its operations in the Czech Republic. This marks the second direct connection airBaltic offers from Václav Havel Airport, adding to its established service to Riga, Latvia. The Vilnius route will run twice a week—on Thursdays and Saturdays—until September 27. Flights are operated by the modern Airbus A220-300, known for its fuel efficiency and comfort. “We are pleased to offer Czech travelers a direct connection to Vilnius – a city that blends history with innovation. It’s one of the greenest capitals in Europe, and its cultural heritage, natural surroundings, and dynamic business scene make it attractive for both tourists and professionals,” said Mantas Vrubliauskas, Network Manager at airBaltic. “This new route makes the Baltic region more accessible than ever.” Passengers can choose between Economy and Business Class. Travelers flying Business Class benefit from priority check-in and boarding, a front-cabin seat with an empty adjacent seat, and a special onboard menu. Ticket prices begin at 1,900 CZK in Economy Class and start at 6,500 CZK for Business Class. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
In the quiet village of Držkov near Teplice, a large villa stands out. The estate includes a swimming pool, underground garages, and a full-time gardener. The property belongs to Hamid Abdullah Hussein al Ahmar, a Yemeni national who, according to U.S. intelligence agencies, is a major financial backer of the terrorist organization Hamas. Last October, the U.S. Treasury added Al Ahmar to its sanctions list. His Czech connections include not just the luxury villa but also a registered company in Prague. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Al Ahmar is considered one of Hamas’s primary financiers in Europe. The office described him as “a key member of Hamas’s formerly secret investment network,” which once controlled assets exceeding $500 million—a fund that helped Hamas leaders live in comfort well beyond the borders of Gaza. The Americans allege that since at least 2013, Al Ahmar has been associated with a sham charity known as the Al-Quds International Foundation, which the U.S. classified in 2012 as a Hamas-controlled entity. Washington’s decision to impose sanctions on Al Ahmar was based on findings that he “provided financial, material, or technological support to Hamas.” Several...
A new survey has revealed that the positive attitude of Czechs toward neighboring Slovakia has deteriorated significantly. The survey, conducted by the STEM research institute, found that for the first time since the 1990s, Slovakia has lost its position as the country viewed most positively by Czechs, falling to tenth place in the annual rankings. The survey, conducted between April 8 and 17 among 1,031 respondents, used a school-style grading system from one (best) to five (worst) to assess public sentiment toward foreign countries and international figures. Only 61% of respondents gave Slovakia top marks this year, down 10 percentage points from 2024. Negative evaluations, marked by grades of four or five, rose by six percentage points year-on-year. Politics influencing opinions According to STEM, the decline is due to recent political developments in Slovakia rather than a fundamental shift in Czech-Slovak relations. “The significant decrease in positive assessment, following the downward trend from the previous two years, is primarily related to the current political developments in the country, where relations with the Czech Republic have cooled after the fourth government (of Robert) Fico took office in the fall of 2023,” STEM analyst Silvia Petty said. She also pointed to a...
On Tuesday, May 20, emergency services were called to Lazarská Street in the center of Prague after parts of a historic building’s cornice began to crumble. According to fire department spokesman Miroslav Řežáč, only small fragments fell to the ground, but firefighters were able to safely remove a large, unstable piece that was at risk of breaking off. No one was injured. The alert came from Czech police, who spotted the danger. “We’re removing loose fragments and checking the structural condition of the building to prevent larger parts from falling,” Řežáč said. What makes this incident particularly alarming is that it’s the same building where a piece of the cornice collapsed last summer, tragically killing a Ukrainian doctor. The earlier tragedy occurred on August 8, 2024, when a 45-year-old Ukrainian father of three was on his way to a business meeting. Caught in a downpour, he took cover at a tram stop in front of the building. Without warning, a heavy section of the building’s façade detached—likely due to strong winds and heavy rain—and crashed through the tram shelter, fatally striking him in the head. Following the fatal accident, police launched an investigation under the charge of “causing death by...
Starting this June, a new direct train service from Poland to Croatia will begin operations — and it will pass through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia. The announcement came from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who shared the news on Sunday via the social platform X. “Finally, we have a direct train connection from Poland to Croatia! We will start in June, four days a week. Details will be announced on Tuesday,” Tusk posted on the same day Poland held the first round of its presidential elections. The long-awaited route will be operated by PKP Intercity, Poland’s largest passenger train provider. The company had already signaled in April that it was prepared to launch the connection, but was waiting for approval from the transit countries. Jest taka cisza, że chyba każdy usłyszy tę dobrą nowinę: mamy wreszcie BEZPOŚREDNIE połączenie kolejowe z Polski do Chorwacji! Ruszamy od czerwca, cztery dni w tygodniu. Szczegóły we wtorek. — Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) May 18, 2025 The new route will further strengthen ties between Czechia and Poland, expanding recent rail developments. Earlier this year, Czech Railways, in cooperation with Polish Railways, launched the Ex32 line, connecting Prague–Pardubice–Wrocław–Gdynia. Now, this new Croatia-bound line will allow...
Czech breweries produced nearly 20.9 million hectoliters of beer last year—4.2% more than in 2023. The growth was driven by record exports and surging demand for non-alcoholic beer, which continues to reshape domestic consumption habits. While alcoholic beer consumption declined for the fourth consecutive year, dipping to 126 liters per person, breweries are seeing a different kind of boom. Compared to 2019—before the COVID-19 pandemic—Czech drinkers are consuming 16 liters less beer annually. Despite this trend, the brewing industry is showing signs of recovery after years of downturn, according to the Czech Breweries and Maltsters Association. Non-Alcoholic Beer Gains Ground In 2024, breweries produced 1.613 million hectoliters of non-alcoholic and flavored non-alcoholic beers—a 13.7% year-on-year increase. Compared to 2019, output has more than doubled, and non-alcoholic beer now makes up 10% of all beer sold on the Czech market. In response, breweries have broadened their offerings, introducing new flavors and non-alcoholic versions of popular styles, keeping up with evolving consumer preferences. Exports Reach Highest Level in 15 Years Czech beer exports also surged. Out of the total volume brewed, 5.9 million hectoliters were exported, the highest figure since 2009. That marks a 788,000-hectoliter increase over the previous year. The boost...
On May 31, Manifesto Market in Anděl will open the taps on its latest project: a new, brand-free beer bar devoted entirely to celebrating Czech brewing culture. Developed by the team behind SOOT Bar and Berlin’s award-winning Himitsu Speakeasy, the concept skips the branding — offering no official name — and instead focuses on top-quality beer, both classic and craft. The new venue will feature up to 12 beers on tap, including Czech mainstays like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar 33, and Únětická 12° nefiltrovaná, alongside rotating craft selections from breweries like Zichovec, Matuška, Antoš, and long-time Manifesto partners such as Vinohradský pivovar. “There’s a shift happening,” says Martin Barry, founder and CEO of Manifesto. “Czechs may be drinking less mass-produced beer, but there’s a growing appetite for craft brews. Beer has always been one of our top-sellers — now we’re giving it the attention it deserves.” The beer list won’t be the only draw. The space will include a curated selection of over 30 bottled and canned beers from across the country, and a bi-monthly rotation of limited-edition craft beers, ensuring there’s always something new to taste. Daniel Prokeš, formerly of Almanac X Alcron and Andaz Prague, will manage the bar....
In the 1930s, Zdeněk Koubek was one of the most dominant figures in women’s athletics in Czechoslovakia. He was fast, strong, and record-breaking–a rising star of international track and field. But behind the headlines and medals was a deeper, more complicated story: one of gender identity, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a choice between personal authenticity and athletic fame. Born Zdenka Koubková in the small Czech town of Paskov, she was raised in Brno. It was there that Zdena, in her late teens, joined the local chapter of Orel, a Catholic youth group focused on sports. She loved to ice skate, and but found she excelled in track and field. Koubek emerged as a gifted athlete in the early 1930s. At just 19 years old, he broke his first national record in 1932 and went on to set five more. By 1934, Koubková was one of Czechoslovakia’s most celebrated female athletes, winning two medals at the Women’s World Games in London and breaking two world records in the process. Zdena’s next world record came in the medley relay (2×100 metres, 200 metres and 800 metres), at 3:14.4. That August, she won the 800-metre event at the 1934 Women’s World Games, in...
On May 23, 2025, more than 1,700 churches and chapels throughout the Czech Republic will open their doors during the Night of Churches (Noc kostelů). In Prague alone, it will be possible to visit 155 churches, temples, and chapels. The theme of this year’s event is baptism and the organizers want to reflect not only its ritual but also the places, objects, texts or traditions associated with the ritual. This event is another opportunity to invite the widest possible audience into churches to become acquainted with Christianity through music, art, and experience in an evening and nighttime atmosphere. Among the newly opened sites will be the Church of St. Peter and Paul which is located in the protected zone of the Želivka dam or the newly built Church of Christ the Saviour in Prague’s district of Barrandov. Guided tours, concerts, and theater performances will facilitate the occasion. Some portions of churches normally closed to the public will be open, for example, the organ loft, the sacristy, towers, crypts, and monastic gardens. The accompanying program features night-time sermons, prayers, meditations, organ concerts also visual performances, tasting of Communion wines, creative competitions for children and adults, and more. The program has been prepared...
The 2025 festival season in Czechia is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with international stars, iconic bands, and events planned across the country. Whether you’re into heavy metal, dance music, punk rock or pop, this summer’s line-up has something for everyone. Colours of Ostrava, taking place from July 16 to 19, will once again transform the city’s industrial heart into a musical playground. Punk legend Iggy Pop returns to the Czech Republic after 15 years, headlining alongside Sting and Shaggy, who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the hit album Mr. Lover Lover. Also on the bill: U.S. chart-toppers The Chainsmokers, K-pop sensation DPR IAN, and French electronic duo Justice. A month earlier, Rock for People (June 11–15) in Hradec Králové will deliver an unforgettable line-up for rock and metal fans. Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, and punk pioneers Sex Pistols lead the charge. They’ll be joined by rock heavyweights Linkin Park and Guns N’ Roses, featuring original members Axl Rose and Slash. In the capital, Metronome Prague (June 19–21) will feature Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, known for hits like Ironic and Thank U. UK singer Rag’n’Bone Man, whose collaborations include Gorillaz and Calvin Harris, will...
If the Czech Republic reaches the semi-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championship, Prague will open a public fan zone on Old Town Square, allowing fans to watch and support their team together in the heart of the city. The tournament is currently underway in Sweden and Denmark, and should the Czech team advance, the fan zone will host free live broadcasts of both semi-final games on Friday, May 23 (scheduled for 14:20 and 18:20), followed by the bronze medal game and the final on Saturday, May 24 (15:20 and 20:20). A large LED screen (9×5 meters) will be installed, along with refreshment tents, toilets, and a stage for live music and presenters who will entertain the crowd between matches. City officials confirmed they are in talks with Czech Television to secure broadcasting rights for the public viewing. The Czech team is having a strong run at this year’s tournament, having won all five opening matches in Group B and already securing a spot in the playoffs. Their quarter-final opponent is yet to be determined. The fan zone initiative mirrors a similar setup during the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship, which took place in Prague and Ostrava. That year, the Czech Republic...
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