On Sunday, January 7 at 2 p.m. the annual Day of Silly Walks returns to Prague after 10 years. Taking place on International Day of Silly Walks, this short procession through Prague will gather fans of Monty Python at Náměstí Republiky in front of the Palladium entrance to pay tribute to the British comedy troupe’s Ministry of Silly Walks sketch. This flash mob, inspired by the iconic sketch from the British TV series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” promises a day filled with laughter and unconventional gaits. Participants will embark on a whimsical journey down Na Příkopě Street to the lower part of Wenceslas Square, showcasing an array of silly walks inspired by the aforementioned TV sketch. Wearing a suit with a bowler hat and a briefcase is encouraged, but not required. Participants are free to find a silly walk that works for them! It’s worth noting that the last time Prague witnessed this flash mob was a decade ago, making this year’s celebration a special occasion to be part of. The annual Silly Walk is inspired by a 1970 Monty Python sketch featuring John Cleese with a bowler hat, briefcase and goofy gait. In the episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus,...
Marian Jurečka, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, issued an apology for the Christmas party held by his ministry on the same day as the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, iDNES.cz writes. Witnesses reported that dancing continued at the ministry until midnight, despite earlier claims by the ministry that the event had been prematurely terminated around 9 p.m. Jurečka broke his silence and expressed regret for not evaluating the situation more promptly. He acknowledged that the event should have been canceled earlier and apologized if it offended anyone. The minister commented on the situation, stating, “I admit that I could have evaluated the whole situation more quickly and if I had full information earlier, we would have canceled the event much earlier. I apologize if our Christmas gathering offended anyone.” Criticism from the parliamentary opposition and the public mounted, with critics questioning the government’s behavior and accusing it of hypocrisy. The leaders of coalition parties have not commented on the event. Jurečka’s deputy, Zuzana Freitas Lopesová, who did not attend the party, emphasized her focus on the tragic events at the Faculty of Arts and her son, who is a...
39 new brands entered the Czech retail market last year, a record number achieved in the past ten years, when the real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has been closely monitoring this activity. Some of the most notable brands that came to the market last year include Victoria’s Secret, Popeyes, Signorvino, Rossopomodoro and Zadig & Voltaire. Two names literally shook the Czech market last year. The highly sought-after American lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret, which opened its first local store in Prague’s Westfield Chodov shopping centre in May, had been lacking in the country for a long time. Another major brand is the American fast food chain Popeyes, which opened a store in Dům módy on Prague’s Wenceslas Square in early November and where long queues still stand in January. The F&B segment was enriched by more interesting brands last year. The very popular Aperol Spritz Terrace opened in Prague’s Mánes, the Holy Pasta concept opened in Manifesto Market, The Alley tearoom opened in Na Příkopě Street. Italian concepts opened in shopping centres: Rossopomodoro in Palladium and Signorvino in Westfield Chodov. The so-called travel retail was enriched by the Bottega Prosecco Bar and Natoo brands at Prague Airport and the main...
Prague’s Charles University is preparing a list of possible security measures for its buildings following a mass shooting at the Faculty of Arts last month that left 14 dead. Deans of individual faculties will receive a list of measures tailored to their faculties, the rector of the university, Milena Králíčková, said on Tuesday evening. The crisis meeting also dealt with the coordination of activities taking place as part of the ‘Month for the Faculty’ event. These activities should return academic life to the building of the Faculty of Arts on Jan Palach Square in the centre of Prague, where 14 people were shot dead by a student before Christmas. Kralickova said the meeting also dealt with plans for the summer semester at the Faculty of Arts. “Classes will be held in alternative premises of other faculties or other institutions that have also offered the possibility of teaching, as well as online. We have already tested that we can also take exams or give credits, all online, so those options will be there as well,” she said. The guarantors of each degree program will inform students about how their courses will be carried out, she added. The summer semester is expected...
On January 3rd, the traditional procession of the Three Kings (Kaspar, Melichar, and Balthazar, who followed the star of Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus) will pass through the historical centre of Prague. This will be followed up by the concert featuring the Czech Christmas Mass by Jakub Jan Ryba. Route: Lesser Town Square – Charles Bridge – Mariánské náměstí – Old Town Square. Program: 15:00 – Blessing of the Epiphany carolers in the Church of St. Thomas, given by Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner 15:30 – Start of the procession on Lesser Town Square 16:45 – End on Old Town Square with a solemn speech by the Archbishop of Prague and the Czech Christmas Mass by J. J. Ryba performed by the St. James Choir and Orchestra under the baton of Jan Rezek and with soloists from the National Theatre. According to Christian tradition, several kings from the east were guided by a star to find the newborn Baby Jesus. The exact number of kings is not specified in the Bible’s New Testament, but they are variously known as the Magi, the Wise Men or the Kings. Three Kings charity collection The start of the New Year has kicked off...
Winter is on its way to the Czech Republic, and it’s bringing a significant drop in temperatures. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), brace yourself for all-day frosts with temperatures well below minus 10°C in the upcoming week. The warm and humid weather that kicked off the new year will be replaced by a noticeable chill over the weekend, signaling the arrival of winter. On Saturday, changes in the atmospheric flow over Europe will create a barrier over Britain, blocking warmer air from reaching our region. Instead, freezing arctic air from the north will take over, causing a substantial temperature drop, as predicted by the ČHMÚ. Meteorologists agree on the likelihood of a significant cooling trend, but there’s uncertainty about the intensity of the cold and moisture. Although making precise predictions about temperatures and precipitation remains challenging, one thing is clear – expect frosty days with temperatures well below minus 10°C early next week. “The duration of this cold spell and the weather in the latter half of the week are uncertain. However, signs suggest that this cold period might linger longer than initially thought,” shared the CHMÚ. Prepare for the cold as winter sets in, and stay tuned...
Czech old-age, disabled, widow’s, widower’s, and orphan pensions will increase by 360 crowns a month for all from January, under a government regulation on regular indexation. The average old-age monthly pension should be above 20,600 crowns in January, the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry stated previously. More than 700 billion crowns are expected to flow from the budget to all pensions in 2024. More than 2.8 million people receive old-age, disability, or survivors’ pensions from the state. Under the law, pensions are regularly indexed in January. So far, they have been increased by price rises and by half the increase in real wages. As real wages have not risen, the January increase reflects only price rises. According to the price increase, which was 1.3 percent, the average old-age pension should grow by 264 crowns. However, all pensioners will receive about 100 crowns more. According to the ministry, the solidarity part of pensions must correspond to one-tenth of the average monthly wage, which is expected to be almost 44,000 next year. The fixed part of the pension must thus go from 4,040 to 4,400 crowns. It must therefore rise by 360 crowns. From January, special pension contributions for World War Two freedom...
During the initial year of President Petr Pavel’s tenure, he granted permission for 20 Czech individuals to participate in the Ukrainian army. However, the enthusiasm for engaging in the defense of Ukraine, with the accompanying risk to one’s life, significantly waned by the second year of the conflict. Meanwhile, President Miloš Zeman received a total of 477 applications, out of which Pavel reviewed 76, rejecting the majority—56 of them. Since taking office in early March of this current year, 76 Czech citizens have approached President Pavel seeking approval to join the Ukrainian army. Pavel granted a positive response to 20 of these requests, while the remaining were turned down. Securing such approval is a crucial step for those wishing to legally support Ukraine with arms, given that Czech law prohibits its citizens from serving in foreign armed forces. Exceptions exist for individuals with dual citizenship or those interested in serving in one of the armies affiliated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The interest among Czech citizens to partake in Ukraine’s defense appears to be on the decline. Over the nearly two years since the war’s commencement, a total of 553 applications have been submitted. The majority (477) were directed...
In his New Year address to the nation, President Petr Pavel underlined the need for strength and unity, saying it had been a difficult year from which he hoped to see the nation emerge stronger. Looking back on the past year, Mr. Pavel said he appreciated the government’s unity in undertaking unpopular measures to tackle the country’s debt, but criticized it for poor communication towards the public, which he said opened the door to populism. “We expect lower inflation, real wage growth for the first time in several years, and modest economic growth. I hope it will mark a turn for the better and give us all reason for greater optimism in the years to come,” the president concluded. President Pavel also devoted time to the 20th and 25th anniversaries of the country’s membership in the European Union and NATO, stressing their importance for the country’s security and economic development. The President emphasizes the need to take tangible actions to fulfill the commitment to adopt the euro. Despite the ongoing debates about the pros and cons of the euro for a country with an open and export-oriented economy, the common currency is deemed the logical future, notes the President. Last...
Are you in Prague and want a wallet-friendly New Year’s celebration? Discover inexpensive ways to enjoy the festive spirit across the city. We’ve got you covered for budget-friendly fun! The city has a special New Year’s treat for Prague residents, offering discounted admissions to various attractions. Visitors will be asked to present a public transport card or ID to prove that they live in Prague. Here’s a quick guide to the discounted attractions: 1. Prague Zoo Admission: 1 CZK for all with card or Lítačka app Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2. Botanical Garden Troja Admission: 1 CZK for all Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 3. Museum of Public Transport in Střešovice Discounted ticket: 40 CZK (excluding family tickets) Various categories: Children, students, adults, seniors Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4. Old Town Hall 50% discount for all with card or Lítačka app Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 5. Petřín Lookout Tower, Mirror Maze on Petřín 50% discount for all with Lítačka card or app Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 6. New Mill Water Tower Free admission for children under 15, 10 CZK for others Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7. Powder Tower, Old...
Hundreds of police officers will be on the capital's streets during the New Year's Eve celebrations to monitor safety.
At midnight on 31 December 1992, a state disappeared from the map. Czechoslovakia, which had been forged in the aftermath of World War I, divided.
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