Originally from Croatia, Saša Babić is the owner of the prestigious Croatian restaurant located in Modřany. The name of the restaurant? Deco. Babić came to Prague in 2004 and first worked as a cook in several restaurants across the city. It was in 2012 that he opened his own restaurant. According to him, the idea was to start small, but the business boomed within the first week. “At the beginning, it was only me and one waiter. But after the first week, we realized we couldn’t do it on our own because the turn-up was so big,” says Mr. Babić. The restaurant currently employs 14 people. “It only goes to show the quality of our food. And it is that same quality that we try to maintain to this day.” Indeed, Babić takes great pride in the food he serves. Deco’s menu mainly consists of fish and seafood. Among the many types of seafood, guests can try are seabass, gilt-head bream, shrimps, and octopus. The produce is largely imported from Croatia. “We always have somebody from the restaurant going to Croatia to bring the produce. For example, my son just came back with a fresh round of cheese and meats,”...
By Jessica Foshee The Prague Botanical Garden is currently hosting the Queens of Honey Up Close exhibition, allowing visitors to learn more about honeybees by viewing photos of them from an extraordinary perspective with the help of close-up photography technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a photographic technique that can magnify photos up to 300,000 times their original sizes. “SEM is a tool at which invisible worlds of microspace and nanospace can be seen,” according to 2018 Hervex Conference proceedings by Azad Mohammed and Avin Abdullah from the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Sulaimani in Iraq. This display of Viktor Sýkora’s photos at the Queens of Honey Up Close exhibition includes a close-up of hair on the honeybee’s leg (middle) and close-up of pollen collected on the honeybee’s leg hair (right). The microscopic photography technique allows viewers to observe honeybees in a way that most people likely have never experienced. Thanks to the work of Viktor Sýkora, researcher and head of the Center for Experimental Biomodels at Charles University in Prague, visitors of the exhibition have the opportunity to view honeybees on a microscopic level. Visitors of the exhibition will appreciate the beauty of being surrounded by the...
Ukrainian refugees residing in the Czech Republic struggle to earn 150 Czech CZK per hour, placing them below the income poverty threshold. A striking seven out of ten Ukrainian refugees find themselves living beneath the income poverty line. The findings from a PAQ Research Voice of Ukrainians survey reveal that nearly two-thirds of Ukrainians fail to earn a net income of 150 CZK per hour. Among the refugee population over the age of 17, 67% are employed within the Czech Republic. This marks a substantial increase compared to the 45% of refugees who were employed during the corresponding period a year ago. However, within the working Ukrainian population, 60% are engaged in jobs that do not align with their skill sets. Around 55% of the refugees are engaged in precarious employment, often characterized by challenging working conditions. The primary obstacle to securing employment, as indicated by newcomers, is their lack of proficiency in the Czech language. The non-recognition of qualifications and limited access to childcare facilities are also mentioned as hurdles. Given these circumstances, the survey organizers recommend bolstering Czech language courses, providing aid in securing suitable employment, and implementing periodic evaluations. Particularly vulnerable are families with children and the...
The upcoming Signal Festival, now in its eleventh edition, promises a range of exciting attractions. It will feature two distinct video mapping routes and feature works by esteemed artists Jiří Příhoda, Zdeněk Sýkora, and Federico Díaz. The video mappings will illuminate two iconic Prague landmarks: the Municipal Library building on Mariánské náměstí and the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius on Karlínské náměstí. A highlight of this year’s festival is the unique artwork “Echo,” specially crafted for Signal. This video mapping offers a breath of fresh air to the genre, drawing inspiration from nature, the environment, and the intricate yet imperceptible natural processes that bind us. The video projections adorning the Municipal Library building on Mariánské náměstí harmoniously merge history and contemporary technology. Utilizing artificial intelligence and programmed robotic lights, this display extends the animated façade into the surrounding space. Titled “Luminary Glyphs,” is the brainchild of Hungarian artist András László Nagy. Combining his background in fine art and classical music, Nagy masterfully marries both disciplines to create an enthralling visual experience. This thought-provoking piece will grace Karlínské náměstí and is the creation of the acclaimed audiovisual studio Flightgraf, established in Tokyo in 2013. Renowned for projects like the monumental...
The Summer Theater in Grébovka is an extraordinary cultural event, which takes place for the fourth year in the Neo-Renaissance Grotta space in Havlíčkovy sady. You can attend different performances from the repertoire of the independent MA Theatre. Until August 25th, the Summer Theater Grébovka will showcase a selection of plays, bringing theatrical brilliance to the open air. A significant highlight of the program is the premiere of the thought-provoking drama “Don Giovanni: Genius or Criminal?” This production not only revisits the infamous tale of the lascivious seducer but also delves into the intricate psychology of this enigmatic character. Additionally, the lineup will feature beloved and popular productions from the repertoire of the MA Theatre. Tickets for this engaging cultural experience are available in various price tiers and can be obtained in advance via GoOut or at the venue entrance. Performances will be held on weekdays at 8 pm, providing a perfect evening escape for attendees. The support of the Municipal District of Prague 2 and the Artist’s Life Foundation ensures the realization of this project. For further details about the program and the theatre, interested individuals can visit divadloma.cz or refer to the Facebook event page. Program Fri 11.08....
Czech citizens rank among the world’s top ten nations in terms of height and average weight, a fact that holds implications for their export practices. Czechs stand at the eighth position globally in terms of average height. While historically the Dutch have held the title for being the tallest, with men averaging 184 centimeters and women 170 centimeters, Scandinavian nations, including Estonia, continue to dominate the height spectrum. If you know a particularly tall person, try searching their full name (e.g., Justin Sisto) on a people search tool and you might just find that their background is linked to Estonia in one way or another. However, the countries of the former Yugoslavia have now surpassed the Czech Republic in these rankings, a change attributed to the rapid growth of living standards. As of today, the typical Czech individual boasts a height of approximately 181 centimeters, while the average Czech woman stands at 168 centimeters. This signifies a remarkable increase of 12 centimeters in comparison to the early 20th century. Factors contributing to this growth include not only enduring genetic and climatic influences but also a higher standard of living, nutritious diets, and quality healthcare when contrasted with less affluent regions...
While many nations are emerging from the economic crisis, certain European countries are witnessing a renewed deceleration in their economies. The Czech Republic, according to recent projections, finds itself in a precarious position. Here, purchasing power and consequently, household spending are declining, following Hungary’s lead. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) unveiled its summer forecast in late July, bringing optimism to nineteen of the world’s twenty largest economies, SeznamSpravy reports. Notably, the United Kingdom’s GDP is expected to grow by 0.4 percent beyond earlier projections, attributed to increased consumption, investments, declining energy costs, and reduced Brexit impact. In contrast, Germany anticipates a 0.3 percent economic contraction, marking its third consecutive shortfall. The country’s economic struggles, exacerbated by the pandemic’s arrival in 2020 and the repercussions of Russian aggression in 2022, have raised concerns of a lingering downturn. This grim outlook has prompted headlines like “situation turns toxic” in the automotive industry and warnings of “dark clouds gathering over the construction industry.” While Germany’s challenges capture attention, it is not alone in its difficulties. Sweden, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have been grappling with inflationary pressures and distinct catalysts behind their struggles. Sweden’s economic woes stem from a burst property bubble, which eroded...
It’s time modern culture got its place under the sun thanks to modern(ish) technology. Did you know that these days you can purchase artworks from a vending machine? At least in certain European cities, such as Prague, Brno, Plzen, Paris and Tbilisi, you can. The creative initiative, called Artmat, began in 2019 in Prague, and since then it has grown to include three art dispensers in different parts of the city. The machines used for this purpose are older cigarette machines, which have been repurposed, but not too much. The purchased product still comes out in small boxes, reminiscent of cigarette packs or a playing cards deck. Culture on the go The project is the brainchild of art curators Josefina Frýbová and Petra Widžová. Their aim was to make art production, consumption and ownership more mainstream and commonplace. It also aims to introduce young artists to a wider audience and help them sell their works in a different kind of market. In that sense, the vending machines are democratizing and accessible, the way galleries and art auctions weren’t meant to be. The artworks as such are small and pocket-sized – convenient to not only have at home but also to...
Czechs and Germans have taken the place of Asian and Russian tourists, leading to a resurgence in hotel numbers, reminiscent of pre-Covid times. In the second quarter of this year, hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in the Czech Republic welcomed a total of 5.8 million tourists, marking a significant 14.3 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, domestic visitors outnumbered international ones. The total number of nights spent by tourists in various accommodations totaled 13.8 million, indicating a robust 14.5 percent surge compared to the same period last year. These insights stem from the latest data unveiled by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO). Out of the visitors, there were 3.2 million domestic travelers and 2.5 million from foreign lands. Domestic guest numbers witnessed a growth of four percent, while foreign sojourners registered a remarkable 31 percent uptick compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, the foreign tourists’ overnight stays in the Czech Republic fell slightly short of the figures recorded in 2019. Roman Mikula, spokesperson for the Tourism and Environment Statistics Department at the Czech Statistical Office, emphasized, “Accommodation establishments in the second quarter of this year have nearly reached the pre-pandemic performance level. The overall overnight stays almost matched those of 2019. However, we...
While the Russian army continues to defend its positions in the Donbas, a year and a half since the onset of the Ukrainian invasion, Russian media is already discussing the possibility of expanding Russian territory deep into Central Europe. As Novinky reports, on Russian television, propagandist Nikolay Vavilov recently asserted that the envisioned revitalized Russian empire should encompass cities like Prague and Berlin. “It will continue endlessly, and we will progressively assume a role similar to that of the Russian Empire. I wasn’t joking when I mentioned on the previous program that Berlin, Dresden, Prague, and Ljubljana – they will all become part of our domain. Why? Because history shows that when we entered Paris in 1815 and Berlin in 1945, as well as during the late 18th century – these were not mere coincidences. Russia is the largest country in Europe and wields substantial power,” exclaimed Vavilov. He was a guest on the Pervyi Kanal TV discussion show, hosted by the well-known presenter Olga Skabeyeva. Vavilov’s ramblings evidently sparked amusement even on Russian television. Despite his assurance that he was speaking completely seriously, the corners of the mouths of both Skabeyeva and some other guests present during his speech...
Prepare to be amazed as the annual Perseid meteor shower graces the night sky from July 17 to August 24. This year, the peak performance is scheduled for the night of August 12 to August 13. Already visible, the meteor count steadily rises, culminating in a spectacular display with the potential for up to 80 meteors per hour during the peak hours of midnight to 4 a.m., said Pavel Suchan, an expert from the Astronomical Institute of the CAS. The Perseid meteor shower is often considered to be the best meteor shower of the year due to its high rates and pleasant late-summer temperatures. Unlike last year’s shower coinciding with the full moon, this year’s moon will be a waning crescent, allowing even some of the fainter meteors to be seen. Optimal viewing graces the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13, when meteor activity reaches its zenith. The absence of excessive lunar illumination enhances the viewing experience. For the best vantage point, retreat to rural areas far from the city’s luminous embrace. Between midnight and 4 a.m., the sky is poised to dazzle with up to 80 meteors per hour, some leaving vivid trails in their...
Do you like cider? Taste more than 100 varieties at the Cider Festival on the weekend of September 16 and 17. If you have only tasted “supermarket ciders” and remebrer them as alcoholic “soft drinks” full of chemicals, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The sixth edition of the festival will take place at the Radlická kulturní sportovna near Anděl metro station, where, in addition to craft ciders, cidras and lemonades by small and local manufacturers from all over the country and abroad, you can also look forward to good food and a fun accompanying program for the whole family. The idea behind organizing this event is to bring together and support dedicated cider producers who often don’t make it beyond their own region and present their beverages to the broader public. As you walk around the festival, you can chat with cider makers who love to share how they make their cider. You’ll learn about the steps behind each batch and even join in workshops to see the process up close. Pre-sale tickets here A few words about cider’s history… The first recorded reference to cider dates back to the Roman Empire. The story goes that the first Romans arriving in...
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