A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than a third of the Czech Republic’s population will be obese by 2030. This concerning trend extends to children, with the number of obese youngsters also on the rise. According to the Ministry of Health’s strategic document “Health 2030,” the proportion of obese women in the Czech Republic has increased from 26% to over a third in just five years. Men are not far behind, with obesity rates also steadily climbing. The Ministry highlights the significant burden that obesity places on the Czech healthcare system, estimating annual costs of CZK 30 billion. The wider economic impact is estimated to be around CZK 100 billion. Dr. Michal Haluzik, head of the Centre of Diabetology at the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), emphasizes the serious health risks associated with obesity. “Obesity significantly increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” he warned in a press release for World Obesity Day. Over one million Czechs currently live with diabetes, and obesity raises the risk of developing it by up to 80%. Additionally, obesity is linked to various cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, and...
DJ Shadow is a pioneering hip-hop turntablist and producer merging electronica with hip-hop and practically no limits to other genres in his creations. He returns to Prague, since his last appearance in 2012, and with once again a newer sound. Since 1991 his finesse originally as a master turntablist and sampler (jazz, rock, funk, etc.) has evolved over the years, so beyond the term mix-master, he could be called a post-modern channeler through his music incorporating multi-genre musicians, spoken word, rappers, vocalists and of course, still based on a myriad of samples up his sleeve. His earliest singles were described by UK music critics with a fresh term (genre) – they called it “trip-hop” to describe this new direction of slow psychedelia influenced hip-hop for labels Mo’Wax and Ninja Tune. However, his album “Action Adventure” (2023) is light years from this sound. The album cover is a 007-Kung Fu spoof with an Asian assassin-spy, knife in hand, and some of the tunes are in synch with it as if made for video games with high-speed or upbeat melodies; there is some downtime (deep and eerie beats for the hip-hop minded) between high-flying or lush electronica and dance-pop. The most pop-oriented song...
The festival season will kick off this year in Prague right at the beginning of May. Wednesday, May 1st, will be dedicated to celebrating Europe on the islands in the center of Prague. As part of the “Experience Europe” event, the Czech Republic will commemorate twenty years since joining the European Union. Its highlight will be the 21st edition of the traditional United Islands of Prague festival, where organizers will not only present the best of Czech emerging artists but also the most interesting discoveries from the European music scene. From May 1st to 4th, the Prague islands will offer, alongside a reminder of peace, safety, and cooperation on the European continent, a diverse mix of unheard music from all twenty-seven European Union countries. Festival-goers can also expect presentations from European countries and an exciting accompanying program curated this year by the organization “Thanks, we can,” known for the traditional November event Korzo Národní. “Twenty years ago, the Czech Republic joined the European Union. Since then, the quality of life for most people in the Czech Republic has significantly improved. We all benefit from EU membership, not only because we live in safety and have access to the world’s largest...
Karlin is a neighborhood located in the heart of Prague, known for its charming architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant culture. With a rich history and a promising future, Karlin has become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. History But let’s take a step back. The district of Karlín was founded in 1817 in the countryside, just outside the Old Town, and was named in honour of Caroline Charlotte Augusta of Bavaria, wife of the Austrian Emperor Francis I. In the years 1903 to 1921, it was established as an independent town and it was only in 1922 that it became officially part of the “Great Prague”. It quickly developed into a bustling commercial center and became a hub for trade and industry in Prague. However, the district was heavily damaged during the floods of 2002, which devastated much of the city. After the floods, the district underwent extensive reconstruction, with many buildings being restored to their former glory. Today, Karlin is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that combines historic charm with modern amenities. Real Estate and Development In recent years, Karlin has experienced a surge in real estate development, with many new residential and commercial properties being built in...
A resident of Prague 14 district found himself in a peculiar situation on Thursday, unable to leave his home due to an unexpected obstacle: a ram blocking his doorway. The man contacted authorities after the ram with imposing horns refused to move, stationed itself in front of the resident’s gate, steadfastly refusing to yield. “In the afternoon, a sturdy-hoofed animal stood in front of his gate and refused to budge. As time passed, it became increasingly clear that the individual wasn’t selling pots, preaching the word of God, or fighting for the climate. To avoid a deadlock, the caller decided to report the matter to police,” said police spokesperson Irena Seifertová. Officers on the scene quickly assessed the situation and contacted the animal control service. Using specialized techniques, the animal control team successfully captured the ram and transported it unharmed to the Troja animal shelter.
On March 2, 2024, Czechs celebrate the bicentenary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth, Czech music composer, founder of the Czech national music and author of the symphony “My Country”. Smetana not only defined the musical identity of Czechia, but his work, especially “The Bartered Bride”, touched the audience all over the world. Born in Litomyšl, Eastern Bohemia, Smetana displayed musical talent from an early age, receiving his first music lessons from his father before later moving to Prague to study. Despite facing personal tragedy and adversity, including the deaths of three of his four daughters and deafness in his later years, the composer remained dedicated to his musical craft, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide, two centuries after his birth. The National Theater Opera will host a Smetana Gala concert on Saturday, March 2, at the historic ND building, featuring a selection of Smetana’s operas. The performance will be broadcast on television and radio and live streamed onto the National Theatre’s Piazetta, where the public can enjoy the concert and commemorate Smetana’s birthday via a giant outdoor screen. In addition to pleasant and warm seating, hot drinks and some yummies, organizers are preparing a rich...
Imagine cruising down the Vltava River, driving through Prague’s bustling streets in a Trabant, and encountering the occasional trdelník vendor – all within the gritty, action-packed world of Grand Theft Auto. That’s the imaginative concept brought to life by Ondřej Svoboda, who used artificial intelligence (AI) to create a one-of-a-kind trailer: “GTA Prague.” Svoboda, a creative who dabbles in illustration, photography, and videography, leveraged AI tools like Midjourney, RunwayML, and Suno to craft this unique glimpse into a Prague reimagined as a Grand Theft Auto playground. His trailer incorporates the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Charles Bridge to the Vltava Riverbanks, all imbued with a GTA-inspired aesthetic. Svoboda’s fascination with AI-powered creativity stems from its potential to unlock new avenues for artistic expression. “These tools open up a whole new world of possibilities to bring ideas and thoughts to life,” he shared in an interview with CNN Prima NEWS. “I’m actively exploring them to see what they can do.” Inspiration struck Svoboda while his wife was playing the classic GTA II. He stumbled upon AI-generated images of “GTA: Egypt” online and thought, “Why not GTA: Prague?” The result is a tongue-in-cheek trailer that blends the gritty charm of GTA with...
The Czech Republic experienced its warmest February on record in 2024, exceeding even the average temperatures of most Marches. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), the month’s average temperature reached 5.7 degrees Celsius, a remarkable 6.1 degrees higher than the normal from 1991 to 2020. “February 2024 was significantly warmer (by 2.0 degrees Celsius) than the warmest February previously recorded between 1966 and 2020,” stated ČHMÚ. “Such a significant positive deviation from the norm hasn’t been observed for any month since 1961.” During the first half of February, ten days saw an average temperature deviation exceeding seven degrees Celsius compared to the norm. “This February was even warmer than most Marches, ranking as the fifth warmest March based on average temperature,” ČHMÚ concluded.
Travelers between the Czech Republic and Japan may soon enjoy the convenience of direct flights. During a visit to Japan, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirates) signed an agreement with his counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa, paving the way for a direct air link between Prague and Tokyo. Currently, flying from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport to Japan requires stopovers, significantly extending the journey and adding costs. Travelers typically face layovers in Dubai, Qatar, Rome, or other locations, pushing the price range between CZK 15,000 and CZK 30,000. “This agreement is a crucial foundation for future direct flights between the Czech Republic and Japan,” Lipavský stated at a press conference. The next step lies with airlines, who will finalize the specifics of the direct flights. “In Asia, it’s common for governments to pave the way before commercial agreements are made,” explained Daniel Drake, the ministry’s spokesperson. Lipavský emphasized the importance of Czech-Japanese relations, highlighting Japan, alongside India and Australia, as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region. He pointed out the significant number of Japanese tourists visiting Prague annually, along with the presence of Japanese companies operating in the Czech Republic. Although pre-pandemic travel figures haven’t been reached yet, the number of Japanese...
The new month brings lots of new and amazing events to Prague! Check out our selection of the 8 best events taking place in March. 1. Festival of Delicate Flavours Do you like food festivals? This Sunday in March, the Festival of Delicate Tastes will take place at the New Town Hall. On 17 March, traditional and non-traditional dishes from different parts of the world will be waiting for you there, as well as an offer of coffee, delicious wines and other drinks. In addition, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes such as Belgian fries, sweet churros, pork buns, curries, homemade bacon, sausages, jams and wine. The festival is for anyone who wants to spend a Sunday in a relaxed atmosphere with friends, family or just strolling through historic Prague and enjoying delicious food. 2. Soup Festival We recommend to visit Smíchovská náplavka on Saturday 2 March 2024, where another year of the popular Polívkování event will take place. You will be warmed not only by traditional soups such as potato soup, kulajda, cabbage soup, lentil soup, pumpkin soup, dumpling soup, or honest broths but also soups from all over the world, such as Russian...
The Czech Republic’s economic standing within the European Union (EU) has weakened for the second consecutive year, according to the 2024 Prosperity and Financial Health Index. Compiled by Česká spořitelna and Europe in Data, the index reveals the Czech Republic now holds the 14th position, down from 12th in 2023 and 9th in 2022. While the Czech Republic boasts a diverse and complex industrial landscape, its economic performance is hampered by two key factors: low value added and persistently high inflation. The country recorded the second-highest inflation rate in the EU at 12%, surpassed only by Hungary at 17%. Food prices have emerged as a particular area of concern. Analyst Tereza Hrtúsová from Česká spořitelna points out that although the Czech Republic remains below the EU average price level for the overall consumer basket, the cost of essential items has risen significantly. Food prices have practically reached 97% of the EU average, with some items like sugar experiencing a year-on-year increase of nearly 40%. However, not all food prices have increased. Butter has seen the most significant price drop at 13%, followed by E-type cheese at 6%. On a more positive note, the Czech Republic regained its second-place position in...
The Czech Chamber of Deputies approved an amendment granting same-sex couples partnership rights akin to marriage, barring child adoption unless one partner is a biological parent. After months of sharp debate, a scaled-backed version of the bill made it through Wednesday’s vote. “The existing registered partnership institution is not satisfactory,” one of the bill’s sponsors, Josef Bernard, said in the debate. “It should be expanded, on that there is agreement in the lower house.” An opinion poll from the CVVM agency last year indicated that 58% of Czechs believed same-sex couples should have the right to marry, and even more said they should be allowed to adopt. Under the revised bill, joint adoption will be possible only if one of the partners is a biological parent. For children adopted by a same-sex partner, this would mean that they would have to go through the adoption process with the first parent, who would then receive full parental rights as an individual and then go through the same process again to be co-adopted by the parent’s partner. Jsme fér argues that such a process could cause psychological distress to the child and the whole family. It would also create an administrative burden...
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