On Strossmayerovo nám. in Prague 7, the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) has begun planting 17 climate-resistant Julian alder trees. This initiative is part of the unique project Climate Trees for Prague, which addresses the challenges posed by climate change. The planting of 17 Celtis julianae (Julian hackberry), known for their resilience in urban environments, has begun on Strossmayerovo nám. These fast-growing trees will not only enhance the urban landscape but also provide much-needed shade, capture dust, and promote the efficient use of rainwater. “The city is facing the harsh impacts of climate change, and therefore, it is essential to explore new types of trees that can adapt to extreme conditions. The project Climate Trees for Prague is our response. It is an investment in a greener future that will ensure Prague’s streets remain pleasant places to live,” explained Jana Komrsková, Deputy Mayor for the Environment. Before planting, the tree pits were prepared in the spring to create adequate space for roots, rainwater, and soil aeration. “We direct rainwater from the entire walkable area of the square to each tree. This setup creates conditions that will support the long-term health and growth of the trees,” said Filip Hájek, CEO of TSK. The...
The Czech Scouts are getting ready to distribute the Peace Light of Bethlehem, one of the symbols of the Christmas season, around Prague after transporting the light from Vienna last weekend. The Czech Scouts, part of the international scouting organization that includes the U.S. Boy Scouts, have already delivered the Bethlehem light to Brno in the Czech Republic. The flame was first lit in Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine, and will arrive into Brno by train. In the afternoon, the Scouts distributed the light to several places in the capital, using a historic tram for the purpose. On Sunday afternoon, an ecumenical welcoming of the Bethlehem light will take place in Brno’s Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The Scouts have been bringing the Bethlehem light to the Czech Republic for 30 years. For the first time, they brought the light under the statue of St. Wenceslas in Prague during the Velvet Revolution in December 1989. After the fall of the communist regime, the arrival of the Bethlehem Light was one of the first major events that allowed Scouts to meet freely. In 1986, the Bethlehem light made its first journey to Linz, Austria, becoming part of the Christmas charity event...
European Union ministers on Thursday agreed to let Bulgaria and Romania fully integrate into Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, known as the Schengen area, by lifting land border controls from next year, the EU’s Hungarian presidency said. Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area in March after years of negotiations, providing free access for travelers arriving in both countries by air or sea. However, land border checks remained in place due to opposition, chiefly from Austria, over concerns that the two countries were not doing enough to prevent migrants from entering without authorization. “Interior ministers have just adopted a decision to lift internal land border controls with and between Bulgaria and Romania,” the Hungarian presidency posted on X. “A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe!” Land border checks will end from Jan. 1. Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said the decision would be a “major benefit” to his country’s economy and enable “faster journeys home for the millions of Romanians” living and traveling within the Schengen area. Freedom of movement is central to European integration. More than 420 million people live in the Schengen area, and their freedom to move across borders helps businesses and tourism to flourish. Romanian President...
A new interactive museum in the heart of Prague invites visitors to explore the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the lens of modern technology. Located in Lesser Town, this innovative exhibition combines interactive experiences with cutting-edge visuals, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of one of the greatest composers in history. Engaging Experiences with a Modern Twist Guests are invited to take on the role of a conductor, reenact the iconic Prague premiere of Don Giovanni, or even try their hand at entertaining Empress Maria Theresa. Visitors can also play the harpsichord under the guidance of Mozart’s father, Leopold. These immersive activities highlight Mozart’s deep connection to Prague, where he enjoyed a strong bond with the city’s music-loving audiences. Renowned actor Karel Dobrý lends his voice to guide visitors through the museum as Mozart’s inner voice. Live-action portraits, created in collaboration with the Pokrok Studio, bring key historical figures to life. Mozart’s father, Leopold, is portrayed by Martin Zbrožek, while Antonio Salieri and Empress Maria Theresa are played by Karel Dobrý and Barbora Vaculíková, respectively. Blending Education and Entertainment Visitors will engage with hands-on exhibits across three floors, each representing a different stage of Mozart’s life....
The Czech Republic ranks as one of the most expensive countries in Europe for mobile internet. Recent data reveals that the country is second only to Latvia in terms of high internet costs within the European Union. Globally, the situation isn’t much better, as Czechia ranks 193rd out of 237 countries evaluated for mobile data affordability. According to the British server Cable.co.uk, the average price for 1 GB of mobile data in Czechia was a staggering 70.95 CZK last year. By comparison, Austria offers the same data for as little as 0.47 euros (around 12 CZK), while Italy provides a gigabyte for a mere 0.08 euros (about 2 CZK). A History of High Prices “Expensive data has been a long-standing issue in the Czech Republic,” says Martin Thienel from Kalkulátor.cz, an online price comparison platform. “When compared to neighboring Austria or even popular holiday destinations like Italy, where mobile internet is significantly cheaper, the situation here is disheartening.” The most recent analysis covered over 5,600 tariffs worldwide between June and September 2023. It revealed that the cheapest gigabyte in Czechia costs 19.97 CZK, while the most expensive reaches an eye-watering 349 CZK. For context, the global average price is $0.46...
On Wednesday, December 18, passengers in the Prague Metro will experience a holiday event—a live nativity scene at Jiřího z Poděbrady station. Known as the Mobile Nativity Scene, this performance brings a festive atmosphere to the daily commute. Starting at 6:00 p.m., performers dressed as the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel, and the Three Wise Men will ride the station’s escalators. Their movements will create a moving Christmas display, drawing smiles and interest from onlookers. “The idea is to create the illusion of a moving Christmas scene on the escalator,” said the organizers. “The escalator moves, we move mechanically, and people around us are smiling and taking pictures.” This performance will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, giving commuters a chance to capture the moment and immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere. Additional details about this event here Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has forecast a chilly and cloudy weekend for the Czech Republic, with frosty temperatures and occasional snowfall. However, a significant warming trend is expected as the new week begins, bringing milder conditions to much of the country. Friday, December 13: The day will be mostly cloudy, with snow expected in some areas. Snowfall is likely not only in mountainous regions but also in lower-lying areas. Daytime temperatures will range from -2°C to +2°C. Saturday, December 14: Similar weather will continue, with cloudy skies dominating throughout the day. Overnight, temperatures may drop as low as -6°C, while daytime highs will range from -1°C to +3°C. Snowfall is expected, particularly in the western and northwestern parts of the country. Sunday, December 15: The weather will remain overcast, with occasional snow in some regions. In areas below 300 meters above sea level, precipitation may fall as rain or a mix of rain and snow. Daytime temperatures will slightly rise, reaching between 1°C and 5°C. Weather outlook from Monday to Thursday: The weather from Monday to Thursday will be predominantly cloudy, with some regions experiencing partial cloud cover. In the early days of the week, isolated rain showers are expected,...
Coffee lovers will soon face a higher bill as prices for arabica coffee have hit record levels. This week, coffee futures surpassed the previous peak from 1977, nearly doubling in price this year alone. Futures contracts for arabica coffee reached over $3.45 per pound (0.45 kilograms) this week, breaking a nearly 50-year-old price record. While Brazil, the world’s largest producer of arabica, was affected by devastating frosts in 1975, this year’s price surge is due to a prolonged drought. In addition, Vietnam’s robusta coffee production has also been impacted by drought during the growing season, followed by heavy rains at the start of the harvest. “The drought has been a key factor this year,” explains Jiří Tyleček, chief analyst at XTB. “In spring, Vietnam’s robusta crops began to suffer, and by autumn, the drought reached Brazil, affecting arabica production—the worst in the last 70 years.” This situation represents a perfect storm of multiple challenges. Alongside adverse weather, there are growing concerns about the tariffs former U.S. President Trump is preparing to impose on imported goods starting in January. “The U.S. is unusually overstocking, which exacerbates the rising prices trend,” adds Václav Durďák, owner of Coffeespot coffee roastery. But the price...
The Czech Republic ranks last in the European Union in terms of women working in science, according to a recent report from the National Contact Center – Gender and Science, part of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The study highlights a concerning trend: despite overall growth in the research sector, the share of women in scientific fields has declined over the years. The monitoring report analyzed data from 2005 to 2022, revealing that the Czech Republic has failed to leverage the potential of qualified women in science fully. Over this period, the total number of individuals employed in research and development doubled, yet the proportion of women dropped slightly. By 2022, women accounted for just 28.7% of scientific roles, the lowest percentage in the EU. Higher Education Trends Favor Women, but Leadership Lags Behind Women dominate undergraduate and master’s degree programs in the Czech Republic, and their numbers among doctoral students are gradually increasing. However, this progress is not reflected in senior roles within academic institutions. As Dr. Maříková-Kubková points out, her own institution lacks women in top-level management. This imbalance extends beyond leadership. Women are frequently employed in administrative positions, while leadership roles are predominantly occupied by men. Motherhood...
The Czech lower house of parliament approved changes in rules for state aid to solar power plants on Wednesday that may reduce support for some projects, drawing criticism from industry representatives who said they violated government commitments. The bill, which still needs approval by the upper house, requires power plants built in 2009-2010 – when profits were high – to produce annual profitability calculations that will be used to judge if they should get state aid. It also extends the scope of the calculation to the full lifetime of a plant rather than just the period in which state support is granted. Lawmakers did not approve some of the most controversial proposals, which would cut the allowed return on investment of solar plants, or halt aid paid for electricity produced at times when surplus production cuts market prices below zero. The government, which faces a parliamentary election next year, has said it needs to limit state aid to shore up the budget. Industry representatives said the bill was damaging. “It is absurd that the government is trying to fill holes in the budget by violating commitments to investors, Czech and European law,” Jan Krcmar, head of the industry group Solar...
The Powder Gate in Prague has completed the initial phase of its revitalization project. This stage included a detailed assessment of the tower’s outer facade, enabling restorers to gather critical data about the structure and its architectural elements. These findings will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive renovation plan. The first phase also included cleaning the tower’s exterior, with the total cost amounting to CZK 5 million. The follow-up project documentation for the full restoration will begin next year after all survey results are analyzed, with completion of these findings expected by April 2024. “In December, we will remove all scaffolding from the Powder Gate, which was in place for less than five months,” said Petr Kotalík, head of the Monuments Administration at Prague City Tourism. “This allowed us to examine the condition of sculptural details thoroughly, especially after cleaning away surface dirt.” Kotalík added that in addition to basic cleaning with a steam generator, advanced methods such as chemical, mechanical, and laser cleaning were tested. “During our survey, we specifically looked for traces of original polychromy, or colored decoration,” explained Tomáš Rafl, the project’s lead restorer. “The assumption that the Powder Gate never featured colored decoration was confirmed....
L. Frank Baum’s “The Marvelous Land of Oz” will be performed as a stage adaptation in Prague on December 20, 2024 at Divadlo D21. Organized by the theatre group The Mad and Merry Men, the production is a charity event aiming to support victims of the recent floods across the Czech Republic. Instead of going with the famous first book, this adaptation brings Baum’s second volume in the Oz series to life: The story follows Tip, a boy fleeing from the witch Mombi, who joins forces with excentric characters like Jack Pumpkinhead, the Scarecrow or the strange professor Woggle Bug – who, just as his name says, is a giant Insect. Together, they journey to the Emerald City, encountering themes of identity and transformation along the way, making it a timeless story that resonates with audiences of all ages. „Tip is a peculiar creature of remarkable eagerness and presence of mind, ready to cause mischief for his own amusement”, says actress Rozálie Andělová. „He is relatable, good-natured and well-intending, an embodiment of idealism – something our world is in need of, now more than ever.” Baum wrote The Marvelous Land of Oz as part of a 14-book series set in...
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