A landmark revival begins in Prague: the city has officially opened the pilot operation of arch no. 36 of the Karlín Viaduct. This historic arch, part of the Negrelli Viaduct, has undergone a modern transformation and is now an information and exhibition center. Built between 1846 and 1850, this architectural gem enters a new chapter as a cultural and community hub. Urban Transformation in Karlín Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček emphasized the broader implications of this project. He highlighted the coordination between various developments in the area, including the revitalization of the Karlín Barracks and the launch of an international architectural competition for new blocks near Florenc. “Within 10 to 15 years, this district will evolve into a vibrant urban hub, integrating cutting-edge architecture and public projects like the future Prague railway junction,” he said. Councilor Adam Zábranský noted that European cities often transform similar spaces into socio-cultural hubs. “Our vision includes glazing and utilizing up to 40 arches, which could inject energy into the Negrelli Viaduct area. For now, we await the trial results, which I fully support,” he stated. They both expressed optimism about the potential for cafes, cultural spaces, and community activities within the viaduct’s arches. “This is just...
This autumn in Prague was among the warmest ever recorded at the Klementinum weather station. The period from September through November 2024 ranked as the sixth to eighth warmest since measurements began in 1775. The average temperature during this time reached 12.1°C, which is 1.1°C above the 1991–2020 average, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). The record-holder for the warmest autumn remains last year, with an average temperature of 13.6°C, while the coldest autumn occurred in 1786, with a mere 5.8°C average. An Exceptional Warm Trend “This year’s autumn ranks within the top 4% of the warmest autumns recorded over the past 250 years,” meteorologists noted. Seven of the eight warmest autumns in Klementinum’s history have been recorded in the 21st century, highlighting the recent trend of rising temperatures. September and October this year were particularly warm, while November fell within the “normal” temperature range. November’s average temperature of 5.5°C placed it between 77th and 82nd out of 250 Novembers recorded since 1775. “Approximately one-third of past Novembers were warmer, while two-thirds were colder,” the Czech Meteorological Institute stated. The warmest November on record at Klementinum occurred in 2015, with an average temperature of 8.7°C. By contrast, the coldest...
The Colours of Ostrava festival has announced more exciting names for next year’s edition. Sting will be performing at the festival, and he will be joined by his long-time collaborator Shaggy, who will also make his Czech solo debut. The festival will also welcome Snow Patrol to the Czech Republic for the first time. The diverse lineup for the 22nd edition of the festival will feature a range of genres, from reggae to indie rock and electro-pop. Sting is no stranger to Czech fans, having performed here many times before. However, what makes his upcoming performance truly special is the opportunity to see him share the stage with Shaggy, his close friend and musical partner. The two musicians have a rich history together. In 2018, they released the joint album 44/876, which brought Sting back to his reggae roots. In 2024, Shaggy will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album Boombastic, and the 15th anniversary of his hugely successful Hot Shot, featuring hits like “Angel” and “It Wasn’t Me”. Given that Shaggy will be performing on the same day as Sting, there is a possibility of a surprise guest appearance during Sting’s set. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Sting...
This December, Manifesto Market in Prague transforms into a winter wonderland, offering holiday magic, creative workshops, and festive giveaways. Winter Market Opens with a Festive Launch On Saturday, December 7th, from 6 pm, Manifesto Market will host the grand opening of its Winter Market. Visitors can enjoy a variety of offerings, including food from international cuisines, cocktails, hot drinks, and a special mulled wine recipe. The evening will feature live music and an array of festive activities, creating a lively ambiance for the season. Christmas Gift Vouchers: A Unique Present Manifesto Market is introducing Christmas Gift Vouchers as part of its seasonal offerings. Available in denominations of 1000 CZK and 2000 CZK, these vouchers offer the opportunity to explore Prague’s diverse culinary scene. More details about the vouchers can be found on the market’s official website. Instagram Giveaway for the Holiday Season From December 2nd, Manifesto Market runs a Christmas Giveaway on Instagram, offering participants a chance to win prizes such as restaurant vouchers, Jagermeister Orange bottles, and exclusive Manifesto Christmas mugs. To participate, you must follow Manifesto Market on Instagram, like the giveaway post, and tag a friend in the comments. Additional chances to win are available by posting...
The charming tradition of St. Nicholas falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. If you find yourself walking the streets on that evening, you may run into a group of strange characters: St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), the Angel (anděl) who represents the Good, and the Devil (čert) representing the Evil. All wear costumes. Mikuláš looks a bit like Santa Claus whose origin was supposedly inspired by St. Nicholas. All three characters walk the streets, stopping children and asking them if they were good in the past year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or recite a short poem. They are then rewarded with sweets, candy or other treats, which are handed out by the Angel. Bad kids would be put in the Devil’s sack and taken to hell, or would only get a sack of potatoes or coal instead of candy – of course it does not really happen! What does the tradition look like? On the evening of December 5th, Mikulas knocks on the doors of Czech households with the devil and an angel alongside him, handing out treats to good children. The devil’s work, on the other hand, is to spook and symbolically...
Prague authorities have launched a public awareness campaign to promote the humane treatment of carp, a traditional symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations. Running until December 23, the campaign highlights carp suffering when handled improperly, such as being kept in bathtubs, killed unprofessionally, or released into rivers. “We want to emphasize that certain practices surrounding carp handling are extremely cruel and cause immense suffering for these animals,” said Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) at a press conference. “This issue has been discussed for many years, and some retailers have already taken steps to address it. The initiative does not aim to ban the sale of live carp in Prague’s streets but seeks to encourage professional and humane practices.” Why Keeping Carp in Bathtubs is Harmful Experts warn that keeping live carp in bathtubs causes severe stress and health issues for the fish. “The temperature difference in bathtubs, combined with chlorinated water, creates an environment that is toxic and distressing for carp,” explained Ondřej Slavík, a specialist in fish behavior from the Czech University of Life Sciences. “The fish often exhibit signs of extreme stress, such as poor respiration, necrosis, and erratic swimming.” Slavík also pointed out that transporting carp in...
Czechia continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the whole of the European Union, as the bloc’s overall unemployment figure remained at 5.9% in October, unchanged from September. Compared to the same period last year, the EU unemployment rate has dropped by 0.2 percentage points, according to the latest report from Eurostat. In October, unemployment in the Czech Republic decreased by 0.2 percentage points from September, reaching 2.6%. It’s worth noting that Eurostat’s methodology differs from that of the Czech Labour Office. While the EU-wide unemployment rate held steady, the eurozone unemployment rate also remained at 6.3%, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 0.3 percentage points. Malta and Spain at Opposite Ends of the Spectrum Following the Czech Republic, Malta reported the second-lowest unemployment rate in October, holding steady at 3%, a 0.3 percentage point decline compared to the previous year. On the other hand, Spain recorded the highest unemployment rate among EU countries, standing at 11.2%, followed by Greece at 9.8%, which saw a significant month-on-month increase of 0.5 percentage points. Finland ranked third, with an 8.8% unemployment rate. Gender Disparities in EU Employment Eurostat’s report also highlighted disparities between men and women across the EU. In October, the...
The Czech Republic is set to end its reliance on Russian oil as it closes the pipeline taps after more than 60 years. Starting December 5, the country will no longer benefit from an EU exemption on Russian oil imports, halting the flow of crude through the Druzhba oil pipeline. This decision marks a turning point in Czech energy independence and reflects broader European efforts to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The Druzhba pipeline, a Cold War-era project, was the first to deliver oil to Czechoslovakia, beginning in 1962. For decades, it served as a vital artery, delivering up to 18 million tons of oil annually before the fall of communism in 1989. Marek Vošahlík, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, confirmed the decision: “In light of the Czech Republic’s steps toward independence from Russian oil, there is no reason to extend the exemption.” Transitioning to Alternative Oil Supplies The Czech Republic has outlined a plan to replace Russian oil. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), which will double its capacity to deliver up to eight million tons of oil annually starting next year. The country imports oil through two main sources: the Druzhba...
The Christmas Markets on Old Town Square opened last week. Here’s what you can expect to pay for your favorite holiday treats this year. On Saturday, the lighting ceremony of the Old Town Square Christmas tree officially kicked off Prague’s most popular Advent event. The Christmas markets, which will run until January 6, are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Rising Prices for Festive Treats A small mulled wine (0.2 L) or a classic trdelník will cost you 100 CZK each. A Pilsner beer (0.4 L) is priced at 80 CZK. Other seasonal specialties have also seen price increases, reflecting broader inflation trends. “We’ve raised prices by 10 to 20 crowns this year, especially for items like beer, mulled wine, and roasted corn. Inflation has made it unavoidable.” Tree ornaments cost between 80 and 150 CZK, while a bunch of mistletoe is priced at 70 CZK. Complete Price List for Food and Drinks Beer: Pilsner (0.4 L) – 80 CZK Soft Drinks: Ralinovka, Cola, or Mattoni (0.4 L) – 70 CZK Hot Drinks: Espresso – 70 CZK, Cappuccino – 90 CZK, Tea – 70 CZK, Hot Chocolate – 90 CZK, Mulled Wine (0.2 L) – 100 CZK, Hot...
The Prague Public Transport Company has secured a preliminary building permit for the construction of a new tram line through the Žižkov Freight Station. The construction is expected to begin next year and finish by the end of 2027. The new tram line will stretch from Olšanská Street to Habrová in Jarov, with six stops planned: Nový Žižkov Nákladová Malešická Nad Kapličkou Habrová Sídliště Jarov The route, nearly two kilometers long, will run along the northern edge of the freight station. The section from Olšanská and Jana Želivského streets will be double-tracked, while the final 500 meters to Jarov will use a single track along the existing railway surface. Future phases aim to extend the line to Malešice. “This line will provide better connectivity for the area and support the redevelopment of Žižkov,” said Pavel Dobeš, Deputy Mayor of Prague 3. Land Acquisition in Progress A critical step in the project is the acquisition of the historic Žižkov Freight Station building and surrounding land. Negotiations are currently underway between the city and the Sekyra Group, which holds pre-emptive rights to the property. At the start of November, Prague announced plans to sign a cooperation agreement with Sekyra Group to secure...
Vladimír Pinta, the legendary saxophonist who became an integral part of Prague’s street music scene, has died at the age of 91. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family. Pinta passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Known for his charisma and skill, his musical career spanned an impressive 70 years. A public farewell will take place on December 4 at 1:00 PM in the Church of St. Nicholas, located on Old Town Square, where Pinta spent the last two decades of his life enchanting passersby with his saxophone. For 30 years, Pinta worked as a teacher in an educational institution, striving to inspire young people toward better lives. Despite his professional commitments, music remained his true passion. Over the decades, he performed with various bands and collaborated with well-known names in the Czech music scene, such as Olina Svobodová, alongside his early partnerships with Karel Gott and Karel Hála. His talent extended beyond the Czech Republic, with performances abroad and a portfolio of jazz and swing albums that captured the hearts of listeners everywhere. Choosing the Streets Over Fame While many of his peers pursued fame in prestigious venues, Pinta embraced life as a street musician....
Pilsner Urquell is set to make its mark at the EXPO 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, Japan. The brewery has become a partner of the Czech pavilion, which this year will focus on the themes of talent and creativity. “At EXPO, we aim to showcase the best of our country. We are therefore delighted that Pilsner Urquell will be part of the event. This beer, which inspired the world and originated the pilsner category, is a testament to the creativity and skill of talented individuals,” stated Zdeněk Kovář, spokesperson for Plzeňský Prazdroj. Authentic Czech Beer Experience in Osaka Visitors to the Czech pavilion will have the opportunity to experience freshly tapped Pilsner Urquell beer, served directly from draft by specially trained bartenders. The brewery has emphasized its commitment to maintaining authentic quality, preparing the bartenders with comprehensive training in Pilsen. “Under the guidance of our commercial brewers, the team not only mastered proper beer-tapping techniques but also learned about the brewing process and the history of Pilsner Urquell. They even practiced tapping under high-pressure conditions in local restaurants,” explained Kovář. At the pavilion, visitors will learn the art of tapping three distinct styles of Pilsner beer: hladinka, šnyt, and mlíko....
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