On Friday, July 5th, Smetana Hall at the Municipal House in Prague will resonate with the melodies of a special classical music concert dedicated to Ukraine. The event, set to begin at 7:30 PM, promises an evening of musical artistry and cultural solidarity, featuring an exceptional lineup of performers and compositions. The concert will open with the world premiere of “Go where the wind takes you…,” a composition by the acclaimed Ukrainian composer Iryna Aleksiychuk. Known for her multiple international competition wins and national creative awards, Aleksiychuk’s latest work is inspired by the evocative poem of Olena Stepanenko (Prylutska). This piece was commissioned by Classical Movements for the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship, as part of the Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program, highlighting the intersection of poetry and music in a unique creative expression. Following this premiere, the audience will be treated to the Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by the highly lauded Ukrainian-American pianist Anna Dmytrenko. A laureate of numerous international piano competitions, Dmytrenko’s career has been marked by her technical mastery, earning her performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall. The evening will culminate with a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” by...
The Czech Republic has the largest number of small methamphetamine labs in Europe. Police prosecuted 3,415 people for drug-related offences last year. Methamphetamine and marijuana remain the most commonly used drugs in the Czech Republic. Last year, the police prosecuted 3,415 people for drug-related offences, a number similar to 2022 when 3,418 people were charged. “Classic Czech-made methamphetamine is typically produced in small domestic labs, while foreigners are significantly involved in the illegal trade,” stated officers from the National Drug Control Centre. Part of the methamphetamine produced is for personal consumption, with the rest sold to regular customers, mostly within the Czech Republic and occasionally to neighboring countries. According to the report, small labs produce about 50 grams of the drug per cycle. Methamphetamine from Mexico In recent years, large quantities of methamphetamine have been imported into European ports from Mexico, as well as from some African and Middle Eastern countries. “Hundreds of kilograms of Mexican methamphetamine are produced by criminal groups in laboratories in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium,” according to the National Drug Control Centre. Cheaper “Mexican methamphetamine” is increasingly found along the German border. However, in the Czech Republic, this methamphetamine has not gained much...
A train traveling from Prague to Budapest collided with a local bus in southern Slovakia on Thursday, leaving at least seven people dead and five injured, officials said. Some 200 people were aboard the Eurocity train when the accident took place shortly after 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) near the town of Nove Zamky, police and the Slovak railway company ZSSK said. The deaths and injuries were confirmed by Slovakia´s rescue service, and ZSSK said none of the deaths were aboard the train. Video footage showed that the engine of the train was on fire, and railway officials said the bus was badly damaged in the crash and broken into two parts. Interior Minister Matus Sutai Estok visited the scene of the accident. He said the dead were not immediately identified. The major train track linking Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, with Budapest was to remain closed until at least 4 a.m. (0200 GMT). The stranded passengers aboard the stricken train were being transported by buses to the town of Sturovo on the Hungarian border, ZSSK said. The bus driver survived the crash. The injured were transported to hospitals in nearby towns and cities because the local one was closed Thursday after some...
The 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival kicks off in the West Bohemian spa town on Friday evening. The festival will open with a screening of the western The Dead Don’t Hurt, written and directed by Viggo Mortensen, who also stars in the film. Themes of “fragile family bonds and explorations of love driven by complex female characters,” Kočárník says, will feature prominently in many of the fest’s films, such as Norway’s “Loveable.” In addition, there are a few period dramas with a contemporary touch, such as Margarida Cardoso’s “Banzo,” Bruno Anković’s “Celebration,” about young men seduced by right-wing ideology, and Iveta Grófová’s 1940s-set “Hungarian Dressmaker.” The festival it’s keeping an eye on a new generation of local directors. One such helmer is Adam Martinec, who is about to make his feature debut with “Our Lovely Pig Slaughter.” “The world is waiting for this film, if I may exaggerate a little,” says KVIFF’s artistic director Karel Och. “You don’t get to see Czech films at the biggest festivals that often, which I hope will change, but I am very confident about this new generation. Unlike some of their older colleagues, they work on themselves. They go to festivals, watch films...
The tourist season is in full swing again in the Czech Republic. Last year, over 22 million tourists visited the country, and even more are expected this year. Analysts estimate that over 1.5 million tourists will travel to Prague this July and August, significantly more than during the same period last year. The Czech Republic attracts tourists with its rich history, picturesque cities, natural beauty, and affordable beer. Visitors from Germany, Poland, the UK, and Italy are among the most frequent. Prague remains the top destination, with about six million tourists visiting last year. This is a significant increase compared to 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when the number was much lower. Other cities like Český Krumlov and natural attractions such as the Prachovské skály also draw foreign visitors. “The summer season will be strong, with a substantial number of foreigners coming,” says František Reismüller, director of CzechTourism. While the Czech Republic’s economy is not as dependent on tourism as some southern European countries, it still plays a crucial role. “In 2022, tourism accounted for 2.22 percent of the Czech economy,” says economist Petr Bartoň. “Tourism employs 220,000 people in the Czech Republic. It’s essential for the economy...
Summer is here and is ready for your vacation. What better way to spend this time of year than with a trip to a luxurious location? The UAE region is full of vacation ideas to take up. Spend some time taking in the sites or exploring the natural environments that surround Dubai. Hire a rs6 rental Dubai offer and drive through the sparkling city. There is a wealth of beauty to uncover that will make your vacation worthwhile. Whether you are by yourself, with a partner, or even the family, consider giving a shot to Arabic adventures! Climbing Burj Khalifa Your first destination when you arrive in the UAE is the Burj Khalifa, the most recognizable landmark in the city of Dubai. This massive skyscraper is the tallest building in the world and the main attraction for those who visit. The tower reaches a total of 2,722 ft, which is just over half a mile in distance. The building is named after the former president of the UAE. The structure contains elements of classic Arabic architecture combined with modern design choices. It is the perfect tower to try and climb when you first come to visit. Floor 166 is the...
Sir Rod Stewart will bring his Global Hits tour to Prague on July 3rd, 2024 with a special show at the Prague O2 Arena. Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with an estimated 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His songs including global hits such as “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “Baby Jane,” “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” “I Don’t Want To Talk About It,” “Tonight’s The Night,” “You Are In My Heart,” “Hot Legs,” “Forever Young” and “Sailing”. As well as a brilliant live performance, Rod Stewart has been thrilling his fans for five decades. “I’m genuinely excited to get back to perform for my wonderful friends in Prague I’ll give you my greatest hits – and of course there will be many thrilling surprises!” His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, from rock, folk, soul, R&B, and even the Great American Songbook; making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. He’s earned countless of the industry’s highest awards, among them, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the...
The Czech Republic meets only one of the four criteria required to join the eurozone and adopt the euro, according to the European Commission’s (EC) Convergence Report 2024. The report, released on Wednesday, highlights that the Czech Republic fulfills the criterion for long-term interest rate convergence but fails to meet the standards for price stability, healthy public finances, and exchange rate stability. The Commission expects progress on the criterion of healthy public finances. The EC assessed six European Union (EU) member states that have not yet adopted the euro but have pledged to do so eventually. These countries include Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, along with the Czech Republic. None of these nations currently meet all the criteria, including Poland and Hungary. Before joining the eurozone, candidate countries must participate in the ERM-2 exchange rate mechanism. Among the six evaluated nations, only Bulgaria is currently a member of ERM-2. Denmark, another EU member that does not use the euro, was not assessed by the Commission. Denmark has a permanent exemption from the Maastricht criteria and is not obliged to adopt the euro. When the Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, it committed to adopting the euro. However, the...
The construction of a new tram line at Wenceslas Square has begun, marking a significant milestone after nearly two decades of planning. This new line aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Prague’s center, with future plans to extend the line to the main railway station. This three-year project, led by Eurovia, will cost CZK 1.24 billion. It represents one of the largest investments in Prague’s current infrastructure projects. Eighteen city representatives and stakeholders attended the ceremony to mark the commencement of this project. The new tram line will run along the edges of the square, converging at the monument and crossing the main thoroughfare. This will allow trams to travel from Jindřišská or Vodičkova Street to Vinohrady for the first time. Construction is set to begin on Saturday, June 29, with the installation of switches and branches from the existing line on Vodičkova and Jindřišská Streets. Trams will not run through the square between Vodičková and Jindřišská from this date until September 30. According to DPP, the new line will reduce traffic congestion on Ječná Street and at the Karlovo náměstí intersection, improve emergency diversion routes, and increase the speed and regularity of tram services across Prague. Work will also start...
The grand reopening of the Tesco store on Prague’s Národní třída took place on Monday. The 2,300 sqm store, located on the first underground floor, features a unique assortment, space, and design. It is open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight. “The Tesco store on Národní třída holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve been at this address since 1996 when we entered the Czech market. We are thrilled to welcome our customers back with a unique new concept. We believe they will enjoy shopping here,” said Katarína Navrátilová, CEO of Tesco Czech Republic, at the opening ceremony. British Ambassador Matt Field, who supports Tesco as a traditional British company, cut the ribbon. “Tesco has become a leading company in the Czech Republic. It’s wonderful to see its positive impact on Czech society through initiatives focused on the environment, disadvantaged citizens, and local communities,” he said. “We want our customers to enjoy shopping in a pleasant environment. We’ve adapted the design, materials, and lighting accordingly. As a leader in sustainability, we are committed to making our operations environmentally friendly,” said Navrátilová. The store uses energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs, an eco-friendly CO2 refrigeration system, electricity-saving refrigerator doors, and electric...
Starting July 1, the Prague City Hall will shorten the activation time for tickets purchased through the PID Lítačka app from two minutes to just one. This change addresses frequent complaints from people who get fined by public transport inspectors while waiting for their tickets to be validated. Additionally, the city has extended fare discounts for people in material need until the end of June next year. “The long activation period was inconvenient, especially when someone was in a hurry. One minute will allow you to buy a ticket before the vehicle arrives and still provide sufficient protection against abuse,” explained Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor for Transport. The previous two-minute limit was primarily a protective measure to prevent abuse of the payment system in public transport and trains just before inspections. However, a one-minute activation period is more common in other Czech cities, such as Ostrava, noted Prague City Hall spokesman Vít Hofman. This shortened activation period applies not only to the PID Lítačka app but also to the partner app DoKapsy from ČSOB. The activation period for tickets purchased via SMS remains unchanged, typically between one and two minutes, due to different technological requirements. “There is no change for...
Anticipate a gourmet experience from all corners of Europe, live musical performances, a program for all ages, and a breathtaking view of Prague from the Belvedere terrace. On the last weekend in June, the Royal Gardens of Prague Castle will be transformed into a unique Garden Party. From Friday, 28 June to Sunday, 30 June, over three dozen exhibitors will serve selected delicacies from all corners of Europe. There will be a rich accompanying program, including musical performances by local and European artists such as Duo Duko, Charlie and the Chocolates, Ondřej Štveráček Jazz Trio, Petra Erneyi Jazz Trio, and Lače Manuša a Tibor Žida. There will also be a program for kids, including Pan Kravata on Saturday morning. Additionally, schoolchildren can win a sweet reward for their diligence throughout the year. The festival is a new project that not only celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s entry into the European Union but also brings a unique atmosphere to the Royal Gardens and offers an opportunity to sample a variety of European delicacies. Special guests will include the popular French Markets, known for their charm and wide range of authentic dishes. “We are continuing the tradition of the...
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