Get to know Israeli culture up close – the third year of the Israel on the River festival returns to Strelecky Island on Sunday, May 25. The third edition of the Israel on Vltava event will take place on Sunday, May 25. Strelecky Island will come alive with Israeli music, great cuisine and lots of talsk, workshops and entertainment. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances and interactive events. From traditional dance workshops and martial arts to photography exhibitions and language sessions, the program offers something for everyone — including a special area for children. Expect the sounds of Israeli Prague Allstars, the melodic DUO Flora, and the energetic Quarter to Africa, all performing live on the Main Stage, which will close the evening with a DJ set. Visitors can also explore thought-provoking discussions and artistic showcases under the Tent Stage, including talks by foreign correspondent Jakub Szántó and graffiti artist Benci. Meanwhile, the Children’s Stage will host interactive workshops led by the Jewish Museum and Hebrew lessons for younger attendees. And of course, no Israeli festival would be complete without food — expect picnic vibes with authentic Israeli dishes, as well as games like backgammon...
A woman wearing a burkini was denied access to a Prague swimming pool this spring, despite the swimwear being allowed during the summer months. The incident occurred at the wellness facility of Hotel Step and has since gained attention after a video surfaced on social media, drawing criticism and raising questions about discrimination and hygiene policies. The video, initially posted on TikTok in April by an English-speaking user who identified the woman as his sister, showed a group of Muslim women at the pool entrance. It then cuts to a sign listing approved swimwear, which includes full-body suits such as burkinis. However, the pool’s rules only allow such attire during July and August, citing hygiene reasons. According to Josef Vítovský, director of the Prague branch of Infinit, which operates the hotel’s wellness center, the staff acted according to established rules. “Yes, we were aware of the situation. Our staff notified their supervisors immediately, and we reviewed it internally,” he said. Vítovský explained that the rule banning full-body swimsuits during most of the year stems from hygiene standards aimed at preserving water quality. “These swimsuits cover a larger surface area, which can trap more dirt or contaminants. Additionally, it’s impossible to...
Prague will host the world premiere of Iron Maiden’s official fan bar, Eddie’s Dive Bar, kicking off a weekend of metal, beer, and celebration. The iconic British band is launching the first-ever fan zone of its kind on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, as part of its global “Run for Your Lives” anniversary tour. The celebration will coincide with Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary concert at Letňany Airport on May 31, drawing thousands of fans from across Europe. The venue for this milestone is Prague’s Riegrovy Sady. The bar will feature exclusive merchandise, limited-edition posters, and drinks crafted for the occasion—including the fan-favorite Trooper beer and a specially branded Eddie’s Darkest Red Wine. “When Iron Maiden celebrates, the whole world celebrates,” said David Salomon, spokesperson for Riegrovy Sady. “We’re honored that our Energy Pub was chosen for this official fan zone. This will be an unforgettable party with beer, music, and pure metal energy.” Alongside Iron Maiden-themed beverages, the fan bar will offer beer from ten Czech microbreweries and a Pilsner Urquell taproom, giving international fans a taste of local brewing traditions. Food lovers will also get to sample Czech gastronomy, with food stalls complementing the drink selection. The two-day...
A bell partly made from weapons used in the war in Ukraine will soon ring in the heart of Prague. Cast by the renowned Dutch foundry Royal Eijsbouts, the bell will be installed in the Church of the Most Holy Savior and consecrated during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 5. Both the Czech presidential couple and the Dutch royal couple are expected to attend. The bell, 69 centimeters in diameter and weighing over 220 kilograms, cost approximately CZK 550,000. It is already completed and currently housed at the Royal Eijsbouts factory in the Netherlands, awaiting its transport to Prague next week. The idea behind the bell is deeply symbolic. Its material — recycled fragments of artillery shells, rockets, and other weaponry used during the Russian invasion of Ukraine — was collected in Ukraine and brought to the Netherlands in February with the help of the Ukrainian embassy. This wasn’t a routine project. Using war metal presented technical challenges, particularly in predicting how it would affect the bell’s sound quality and casting properties. The bell is more than a musical instrument. It’s a diplomatic symbol, designed to reinforce the solidarity between the Czech Republic and the Netherlands in their support...
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....
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