The population of the Czech Republic fell by 21,500 to 10.88 million in the first half of 2024, with deaths outnumbering births and a negative migration balance contributing to the decline. This trend mirrors a broader demographic shift, as the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) announced on Friday. The data highlights a sharp drop in births and a decline in the number of marriages compared to the same period in 2023. Significant Decline in Births The number of births in the first half of this year fell by 10% compared to the same period last year. “From January to June, 41,600 children were born alive,” said Michaela Němečková from the CZSO’s demographic statistics department. She added that the decline in births had followed a similar pattern over the past two years. Notably, the number of children born to women aged 25 to 29 dropped the most—by 15%. Deaths Continue to Outpace Births From January to June, 55,500 people died in the Czech Republic, which is 13,900 more than the number of births. However, the number of deaths was 3% lower than in the same period last year. The highest death rates were seen in men aged 75 to 79 and women...
On Thursday, September 26, Lionsgate released the first trailer for the highly anticipated action film Ballerina, a spin-off of the popular John Wick series. This action-packed movie was partially filmed in the Czech Republic during the autumn and winter of 2022, with some key scenes shot in Prague near the National Theatre. The film is slated for release on June 6, 2025. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, thrusting the focus on Eve’s origins and her relentless quest for vengeance. After her family’s brutal murder, Eve sets out to take down the ruthless hitmen responsible, utilising her skills as a ballerina and a lethal assassin. The trailer showcases Eve’s precision and style, slicing through her enemies with ease, from ice skate-wielding attacks to dousing flamethrowers with a high-powered hose. But what’s most exciting is her encounter with the legendary Baba Yaga himself, John Wick (Keanu Reeves). Reeves reprises his iconic role, playing a substantial part in the film, as confirmed by writer Shay Hatten. Keanu Reeves was spotted in Prague in November 2022, during the early stages of production....
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague has officially opened a new showroom in Strašnice. The showroom has not only undergone an architectural transformation but has also been significantly expanded to better showcase Rolls-Royce’s exclusive portfolio. The new facility is not only bigger but also features striking design elements inspired by the brand’s legacy. The entrance, for example, is modeled after the famous Rolls-Royce radiator grille, giving the building a unique, recognizable look. The showroom is located in Prague’s Strašnice district on Průběžná Street. The expanded space now includes the Cabinet of Curiosities, which showcases various rare objects linked to the brand’s history. The Atelier room displays the finest materials used in Rolls-Royce vehicles, from premium fabrics to high-quality lambswool. Pavel Kalouš, Brand Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague, described the updated showroom: “The new space provides an experience that allows customers to explore luxury in a personal way. It’s an ideal setting for helping clients design their own custom car.” Boris Weletzky, Regional Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the UK, Europe, and Central Asia, also attended the opening. He spoke about the long tradition of Rolls-Royce in setting standards for luxury: “For more than 120 years, Rolls-Royce has set new standards for...
A trip to Prague meant to be a source of joy turned into a tragedy for 31-year-old David “Dai” Richards from Wales, UK. On Saturday night, he was fatally injured in Národní třída following an altercation with another tourist. Police report that David was struck in the head with a vodka bottle. His family has described the attack as brutal and unexpected. Some relatives are currently in Prague awaiting the issuance of a death certificate, according to various British and Irish media outlets. Mr. Richards was a partner to Jola Simms and father to Aurora, four, Bear, aged two, and one-year-old Vienna. His family have shared their own tribute to “an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend”, who was the “glue of the family”. “Two groups of tourists, visiting Prague for the weekend, encountered each other on Národní třída on Saturday night. Initially, the atmosphere was friendly, and conversations flowed. However, a disagreement escalated, leading one individual to strike another with a vodka bottle. The blow was so forceful that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically passed away in the hospital,” stated police spokesman Jan Daněk. David’s family confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries at a local...
The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has suspended operations of the Petřín cableway earlier than planned due to damage caused by recent heavy rains. The rains severely impacted the track, primarily due to malfunctioning drainage systems and soil erosion, leaving the route unusable. Repair costs are estimated to reach CZK 15 million, but the company has decided to wait for a complete overhaul scheduled for March next year. “The extreme rainfall, which led to widespread flooding across many parts of the Czech Republic, has damaged the Petřín cableway to such an extent that it can no longer be safely operated without costly repairs,” the DPP stated on its website. Jan Šurovský, a board member and technical director at DPP, explained that the recurring drainage issues on Petřín’s “constantly shifting hill” were the final straw. “The track is damaged and unstable in many places. For instance, the fastening of numerous sleepers has failed, and a tree from the waterlogged ground has already fallen onto the track, worsening the situation. There’s also a heightened risk of additional trees falling,” he noted. Given the severe damage and the scheduled complete reconstruction of the cableway—including the replacement of its cars, starting in March 2025—the...
A new bar has opened —or should we say, reopened— right next to Charles Bridge, taking over the space that once housed the legendary Zlatý Strom club. Now rebranded as “Bar you don’t know” (Bar, který neznáte…) this iconic venue has undergone a complete transformation, marking a new chapter for the location that was a staple of the city’s nightlife for three decades. The bar’s redesign has been led by Pavel “Pavka” Šíma, the creator of Black Angel’s bar on Old Town Square, renowned for its globally recognized cocktail craftsmanship. Under his vision, the new Zlatý Strom has been entirely revamped, with a bold interior that mixes shimmering gold accents, velvet tones, crystal chandeliers, and mirrored surfaces. The result is a space that blends glamour with modern minimalism, offering a stylish yet accessible atmosphere. “We’ve elevated the space for our guests’ experiences and stories to an entirely new level, and we believe that our new concept will resonate with them and leave its mark on their lives, just as Zlatý Strom has done since its inception,” says Šíma. Bartenders from Black Angel’s have joined the project, bringing their expertise to this new venture. Guests can expect a wide selection of...
September 28th is a public holiday in the Czech Republic. It is the feast day of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, and commemorates his death in 935. Stores with an area exceeding 200 square meters, such as supermarkets and furniture stores, will be closed. The prohibition of operation on this day does not apply to gas stations, pharmacies, and stores located in areas with a high concentration of travelers at airports and train stations. The only large supermarkets in Prague that will be legally open are Billa stores at Václav Havel Airport Prague and at the train station Praha hlavní nádraží. Fines for breaching the law can be levied in an amount up to 1 million crowns. The law closing most large stores on holidays will continue to be in effect on Christmas Eve on December 24 (in the afternoon), Christmas Day on December 25, and St Stephen’s Day on December 26. What to do on Saturday, September 28 September 28 marks also the Open Day of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, which opens the doors of the Nostitz Palace to visitors and welcomes both adults and children with a host of special programs. The...
Bob Dylan returns to Europe on October 4th as he begins the final leg of his Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour, which has been running since 2021 and is scheduled to finish this year. Dylan’s most recent show in Europe was in July 2023 when he played in Rome, Italy. This upcoming leg of the tour will begin with 3 nights at the O2 Universum in Prague, and will finish on November 14th after 3 nights at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. Dylan has been performing as part of Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour in the USA during the summer, with his last show as part of that tour taking place on September 17th in Buffalo, New York. During that concert, he played one of his most famous songs, ‘Desolation Row’, for the first time since 2018. Other classic Dylan songs, such as ‘All Along The Watchtower’, ‘A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall’, ‘It Ain’t Me, Babe’, and ‘Silvio’, have also made their way onto the setlist recently. It is expected that the setlist for the upcoming European shows will be mostly made up of content from his brilliant 2020 album, ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’. Dylan has...
On Wednesday, 25 September, Prague authorities began the forced removal of unsightly restaurant verandas from Old Town Square. The removal comes after a lengthy legal battle with the owner, K.V.P. Gastro, which had refused to comply with a terminated lease agreement. The city initially cancelled the lease with K.V.P. Gastro over two years ago, on 14 June 2022, citing aesthetic concerns and the impact on the cultural value of the square. Despite the termination, the company pursued legal action, allowing it to continue operating the verandas while the court proceedings were ongoing. However, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the city, paving the way for the dismantling, which is now being carried out under police supervision. Specialists from the Prague Technical Communications Authority have been on-site, disconnecting the verandas from electrical systems to ensure a safe removal process. Under the original lease agreement, K.V.P. Gastro was required to remove the structures at its own expense following the cancellation. Yet, despite numerous appeals from city officials, the company failed to act. As per the terms of the agreement, K.V.P. Gastro faces fines of 10,000 CZK per day for delaying the removal. Over the past two years, the fines have accumulated...
The five-party centre-right Czech governing coalition weakened on Wednesday as the small centrist Pirate Party said it had been “ousted” over a personnel dispute. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Tuesday he would dismiss Pirate Party chairman Ivan Bartos as regional development minister over his failure to introduce a digital building permit procedure. The move angered the Pirate Party, whose three cabinet ministers had included Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. “The Pirates are leaving the cabinet, or better, they have been ousted,” dreadlocked former IT expert Bartos told reporters. This will likely reduce the backing for Fiala’s cabinet in the 200-seat parliament from 108 to 104 votes as the Pirates have four lawmakers in the lower house. Bartos’s dismissal has yet to be approved by President Petr Pavel, who was at the UN General Assembly in New York with Lipavsky. Lipavsky said he would submit his resignation but also quit the Pirate Party, which would allow him to stay on as minister, possibly as an independent. The coalition, also comprising Fiala’s Civic Democrats, the small rightwing TOP 09 and centrist STAN and Christian Democrats parties, took power after a 2021 election. Grappling with fallout from the pandemic, high inflation sparked by the...
Prague Municipal Police had to rescue a 35-year-old man who climbed a tree under the influence of severe hallucinations. Medical professionals are now investigating whether these hallucinations were induced by drugs or a potential mental health disorder. The unusual incident took place on Na Havránce Street (Prague 12), close to a local kindergarten. Eyewitnesses quickly alerted the police after spotting the man in a precarious situation. “The man was standing on branches about four metres high,” the police statement reads. “He was dressed only in a torn T-shirt and shorts, without any shoes. His body was covered in bloody scratches, and he appeared disoriented, uncoordinated, and clearly suffering from hallucinations.” The situation was especially dangerous as there was a slope and scattered building materials beneath the tree, making a potential fall even more hazardous. Despite attempts to coax him down safely, the police were only able to lower the man with the assistance of a ladder and the fire brigade. After being safely brought to the ground, the man received first aid on-site and was immediately transported to a specialized medical facility for further evaluation. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
A new Chocolate Art Museum has opened in the heart of Prague, offering visitors the chance to see iconic city landmarks recreated in chocolate. Located at Husova Street, the museum showcases intricately crafted chocolate exhibits, including famous Prague landmarks, and invites visitors to create their own confections in a hands-on chocolate workshop. Alongside these activities, a shop allows visitors to taste up to 80 types of chocolate from across the globe. The Chocolate Art Museum Prague serves as a natural extension of their passion, combining a chocolaterie, café, and gallery under one roof. The café serves a wide variety of pralines made from milk, white, dark, and even the rare “ruby” chocolate, which has a naturally pink hue. The chocolates come in flavors both traditional and adventurous, featuring nuts, nougat, caramel, and even more exotic ingredients like chilli, champagne, and herbs. For those looking for healthier options, some pralines are sweetened with stevia. In addition to the chocolates, the café also offers freshly baked desserts and a selection of coffees and teas, sourced from specific origins for the highest quality. The museum’s exhibits features everything from small sculptures to life-sized masterpieces. Some of the standout pieces include chocolate recreations of Prague Castle,...
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