The 2026 Children and Youth Olympic Games, set to take place in Prague this June, have revealed their official mascots: two sea lions named Bublinka and Hugo. The animals were introduced to the public at the Prague Zoo by Tokyo water slalom silver medalist Lukáš Rohan. The mascots will travel from the zoo to various sports venues across the city from June 21 to 25, 2026, accompanying young athletes and fans throughout the competitions. Their aquatic nature reflects the games’ emphasis on movement and activity, particularly in water sports. “The animal was selected by Prague City Hall in collaboration with the Prague Zoo. Local schools were involved in naming one of the mascots to raise awareness and encourage children to attend the games,” said Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda. Bublinka’s name, for example, was suggested by a student from Jan Masaryk Elementary School in Prague 2. Twenty schools submitted fifty proposals in total during this stage of the program. Artists Petr Novák, known for his work in comics and illustration, and Martin Šinkovský, a screenwriter and author, designed the mascots and their communication concept. “The sea lion is sometimes clumsy, but it loves to move. The important thing is not to...
Prague is set to build a network of 1,500 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, with a total investment of CZK 493 million. Most of the funding will come from the European Transport 2021–2027 program. The new stations, which will be installed over the next two years, will provide up to 22 kW of AC charging. They are designed to support both residential areas and public parking, including Park & Ride (P+R) facilities. “Prague will gradually build a network of around 1,500 public charging points, allowing residents to charge their electric cars directly on city streets,” said Jaromír Beránek, Deputy Mayor for Transport. “European funds cover most of the costs. The project addresses one of the main barriers to electromobility: the lack of accessible infrastructure.” The project aims to make electric transport practical for all Prague residents by integrating chargers into urban infrastructure rather than relying solely on private or fast-charging solutions. The installation will be led by two municipal companies: Technical Communications Administration of Prague (TSK) and Technology of Prague (THMP). THMP will focus on residential areas, while TSK will deploy stations in public parking garages and P+R lots. Modern, Smart Charging Stations will be accessible...
The world-famous Irish dance production Rhythm of the Dance returns to the Czech Republic in 2026 with a new tour that brings the spirit of Ireland to three major stages. The company will perform on February 3 at the Prague Congress Centre, February 4 at Boby Hall in Brno, and February 5 at Gong in Ostrava. Get your ticket here. Known for its sharp choreography, live music and strong sense of tradition, the show has built a reputation as one of the most successful Irish dance productions in the world. The upcoming tour promises a fresh programme that combines classic step dance with new staging and musical arrangements, offering audiences three evenings filled with rhythm, emotion and visual power. Since its creation more than two decades ago, Rhythm of the Dance has travelled across dozens of countries, performing on leading international stages and drawing crowds from every corner of the globe. Its appeal lies in the close bond between dancers and musicians, who together create a performance that speaks clearly even without words. The 2026 programme introduces a new artistic concept. Energetic group numbers are balanced with quieter, more lyrical moments inspired by the deep roots of Irish music. Large...
New Rules for EVs and Taxis Could Reshape Transport in Prague Prague authorities have approved new measures for electric vehicles and taxis that could change how people move around the city. Owners of electric cars will be able to park in all paid zones for an annual fee of 24,000 crowns, while taxis will be required to switch to electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. The plan still needs approval from city councilors, but that is widely expected. If confirmed, parking permits will start being issued on March 1, and the full transition of taxis to low-emission vehicles is set for 2030. Cold Snap Pushes Gas Use to Five-Year High Severe frosts have driven gas consumption in the Czech Republic to its highest level in five years. Over the past week, usage exceeded the average for the heating season by more than 60 percent. Electricity demand has also risen, though not as sharply. Dispute Over Funding for Ukraine’s Arms Initiative Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said that around 280 billion crowns passed through Czech companies as part of the arms initiative for Ukraine, with about 17 billion crowns allegedly financed directly from the Czech state budget. He accused the previous government of lacking...
Freezing rain caused serious problems across Prague on Tuesday morning, leading to dozens of injuries and forcing emergency services to activate a trauma plan as the number of incidents quickly rose. Paramedics were responding to calls from shortly after midnight. By 8 a.m., they had already treated 48 people who had fallen on icy sidewalks and streets. Most suffered broken arms or legs, along with head and back injuries. As the pressure on rescue teams increased, emergency services declared a trauma plan shortly before 9 a.m. to manage the growing number of cases. Additional ambulance crews were deployed and the medical operations center was reinforced. By late morning, rescuers reported that they had assisted around 100 injured people in total. Officials urged residents to move carefully, wear footwear with good grip and avoid unnecessary travel while conditions remained dangerous. Hospitals across the city reported heavy pressure on emergency departments. Thomayer University Hospital said its surgical emergency unit had been full since the early hours, with doctors treating mainly limb fractures and injuries to the head and spine. Similar situations were reported at Motol Hospital, Homolka Hospital, Bulovka Hospital and the General University Hospital. Medical staff warned that falls on ice...
Prague Castle marked a historic year in 2025, welcoming more than 2.7 million visitors to its main route and over 9 million people to the entire complex, including its gardens. As in previous years, the majority of visitors were international tourists. Visitor numbers peaked in July, August, and October. The Advent Program, which included access to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Mocker Houses, also attracted strong interest. Other highlights included the Open Days and the exhibition of the Czech Crown Jewels. All of these events will return in 2026, along with several new programs. One upcoming event is the exhibition “Gift for the President from Nearby and Faraway Lands II”, scheduled for late January at the Rosenberg Palace. This will be followed by the Pre-Spring exhibition in late February and early March, which will showcase flowers alongside art by young artists. “We reinvest income from tourism into the care of historical monuments and public spaces for both residents and visitors,” said Pavel Vyhnánek, director of the Prague Castle Administration. He highlighted projects such as the renovation of Chotkovy Sady, the reconstruction of Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, and Hartigovská Garden, which is expected to reopen in spring. The...
Freezing Rain and Severe Ice Expected Across Czechia Meteorologists have issued a warning for freezing rain and severe ice across the Czech Republic today and tomorrow. Precipitation is expected to begin on Monday evening and may lead to the formation of a dense ice layer up to five millimetres thick, mainly in Prague, the Central Bohemian Region, Vysočina and parts of Moravia. Authorities warn of a likely rise in road accidents, along with possible power outages and damage to trees. Safety inspections in bars, clubs, discos and restaurants start on Monday Safety inspections in bars, clubs, discos and restaurants around the country start on Monday and will run until August, the Czech News Agency reported. The inspections were ordered by the interior minister in response to the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Firefighters will focus on escape routes, the condition of fire extinguishers and compliance with capacity limits. Bars, clubs and discotheques will be inspected during normal operating hours. Prague Castle Sees Record Visitor Numbers Prague Castle recorded its highest attendance ever last year. More than 2.7 million people visited the interiors of the complex, while over nine million walked through the wider area, including the gardens. Castle officials say...
Prague city councillors have approved a plan that would allow only electric or hydrogen-powered taxis to operate in the capital from 2030. The proposal is part of a broader effort to cut air pollution and respond to the rapid growth of the taxi sector, which city officials say is putting increasing pressure on the environment. Transport is now the largest source of air pollution in Prague. Although the city meets current legal limits, pollution levels in many districts remain above recommendations set by the World Health Organization. From 2030, new European rules will also tighten emission limits, cutting the allowed levels of harmful substances by half. City officials argue that taxis play a growing role in this problem. Data from the municipality shows that the number of registered taxis has risen sharply since 2021, driven mainly by ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt. The figures show how dramatic the shift has been. In 2010, Prague had fewer than 2,000 taxis. By 2024, the number had climbed to almost 16,000, including cars operating for app-based services. At the same time, the renewal of the fleet has slowed. The average taxi in Prague is now around ten years old, meaning many...
The legacy of Franz Kafka has resurfaced with the arrival of Kafkoff, a project that features a café, bar, bistro and gallery situated in the Franz Kafka House just off the Old Town Square. Open since early August, the venue aims to keep Kafka’s memory present in everyday life, using the space where he was born as a home for art, culture and community. One of the most striking features inside the café are the two stunning pieces of art on the walls—images that transform depending on the angle you view them from. These “two paintings in one” were conceived by Jakub Behyne, one of the founders of Prague’s Illusion Art Museum, and executed by an impressive team of artists. Zdeněk Daněk, one of the leading Czech masters of grisaille painting, collaborated with two of Europe’s top graffiti artists: Caer8th (Vladimir Hirsher) and Lukero. The result is a pair of artworks that feel dynamic, playful, and deeply in tune with the shifting worlds Kafka often explored in his writing. But Kafkoff isn’t only about visual surprises. The menu features an all-day brunch, comfort classics with a focus on quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The emphasis on freshness and thoughtful...
The Czech economy has entered 2026 facing one of the tightest labor markets in its modern history. Employment is at a record high, unemployment remains close to the floor, and yet employers across the country say they cannot find enough people to keep operations running. Over the past two years alone, the workforce has expanded by roughly 200,000 people. Almost all of that growth has come from abroad, with Ukrainian workers playing a central role. What was once seen as a temporary fix has become a structural pillar of the economy. Without foreign labor, many companies say they would already be forced to cut production or services. A demographic dead end Behind the shortage lies a problem that cannot be solved quickly. The pool of domestic workers is shrinking as the population ages and fewer young people enter the labor market. At the same time, demand for goods and services continues to rise. Construction firms, restaurants and social-care providers are among the sectors already working at full capacity, with orders piling up faster than they can be completed. Managers describe a simple reality: there is work, but no one left to do it. The result is higher costs, longer delivery...
Prague authorities will begin a wide-ranging round of fire safety inspections in nightlife venues this week, following a fatal blaze that broke out during New Year’s celebrations at a club in Switzerland. The checks will focus on places that attract large crowds after dark, including clubs, bars, music venues, discos and wine bars. Officials say the move is meant to prevent a similar tragedy in the Czech Republic. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar said the inspections are a direct response to the Swiss incident and aim to ensure that safety rules are not only written on paper but followed in daily practice. “This is about prevention,” he said, adding that the goal is to make sure people can go out knowing basic safety standards are being met. The minister has tasked Fire and Rescue Service Director General Vladimír Vlček with overseeing the campaign. Over the coming months, fire officers will check whether venues are properly equipped with essential safety features such as fire extinguishers, clear escape routes and functioning alarm systems. Inspectors will also review whether staff are trained to respond in case of an emergency. The inspection programme is set to run from January 12 through August 31 and will...
Heavy snowfall has returned to Prague, bringing up to ten centimeters of snow in recent days and putting pressure on public transport across the city. To keep tram services running, the Prague Public Transport Company has sent specially adapted trams equipped with snow plows onto the tracks. Photos and videos of the unusual vehicles have quickly spread on social media. The trams are fitted with front-mounted blades that push snow off the rails as they move through the city. At the moment, three of these machines are in operation, deployed mainly on routes where regular trams struggle in deeper snow. Their use has become more important with the arrival of newer low-floor Škoda 15T trams, which face difficulties once snow on the tracks exceeds about five centimeters. While every depot has basic equipment to deal with winter conditions, standard tools are often not enough when snowfall is heavier. In those cases, a special vehicle comes into play: a modified T3 tram chassis fitted with a wide steel blade. The structure is weighted with concrete to improve stability and effectiveness, according to Martin Brejša, head of technical inspection for new vehicles at the transport company. Operating them is not routine work....
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