On January 16, 1969, Jan Palach set himself on fire in Prague in protest against the August 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. The 20-year-old university student died of his burns three days later. Palach’s funeral turned into a mass demonstration of opposition against the Soviet Union’s crushing of the liberal reforms of the Prague Spring. His act of protest inspired two other Czechs — Jan Zajic and Evzen Plocek — to commit suicide by self-immolation in the following months, followed by similar acts by protesters in other communist countries.
If you visit the Czech countryside at the start of the year you are likely to receive an invitation to attend a zabijačka– in other words, a pig-slaughter feast; a centuries-old tradition that is still observed in many parts of the country. While for some it is a barbaric practice that has no place in the present-day, for others it is an important part of village folklore that brings people together. Why in the winter season? Historically, Zabijačka was arranged 1-2 weeks before Christmas or after the New Year. The main rule is to finish ere the start of the 40 days Fast (Great Lent). However, eating meat before Lent is not the only reason for winter slaughter. In the old days, villagers didn’t have freezers for long-term food storage. Therefore, the winter period was considered the most relevant for the longer meat preservation. This tradition was not only of practical importance but also a manifestation of respect. Slaughtering a pig was allowed only by a qualified butcher. Right after cutting the carcass, women started to prepare dishes trying to use all edible parts of the animal. The most popular dishes were blood and liver sausages, cracklings, aspic, meatloaf, traditional pork...
One of the new government’s stated priorities is digitalization. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has announced the intention to bring “ID cards and driving license to mobile phones”. “We will abolish the obligation to carry ID cards and other documents and replace them with electronic documents,” announced Fiala (ODS), as one of his priorities for this government. While the actual technology has been around for years, it’s only recently that several countries are beginning to take steps to implement these for everyday use. That, along with the fact that major tech companies like Apple are providing the ability to store your ID on your phone, means that the use of digital driver’s licenses is on the rise. The service will be made available “as soon as possible, at the latest in 2023” using the eDokladovska mobile app developed by the State Printing Works of Securities (STC) that enables users to upload and store “digital twins” of their physical documents on their Android or Apple device. “The application will be available for virtually all current phones,” STC says. “Data exchange will first take place by reading the QR code and then by Bluetooth transmission. “Document verification will also work in offline mode [and] users...
If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. One of the new government’s stated priorities is digitalization. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has announced the intention to bring “ID cards and driving licence to mobile phones”. The Czech Foreign Ministry is not preparing the withdrawal of employees or at least their family members from the embassy in Ukraine for the time being. A working group dealing with the developments in Ukraine meets at the ministry daily to assess the situation. Confidence in the Czech economy increased in January for the first time in six months, according to new data from the Czech Statistics Office released on Monday. President Miloš Zeman on Monday signed an amendment that will freeze the salaries of all constitutional officials at last year’s level for this year. He also signed an amendment on state social support to increase housing allowances due to the sharp rise in energy prices. The number of working seniors has been increasing in the long term, although the pandemic has slightly reduced their activities. Indeed, between 2010 and 2020, the number of employed people aged 60...
Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib is asking the citizens of Prague to vote their opinion on whether a new floating pool should be built on the Vltava. So far there are 1.1k reactions to the post with a majority positive response. Hřib explains on his Facebook page that this new pool could be an “attractive and unique addition to the city bringing style and charm”. He poses the argument that this could be a stylish addition to Náplavka area, which was recently a finalist in the 40 Best Buildings in Europe in a competition announced by the European Commission. He explains that he is seeking financial support from the European Commission for the rejuvenation of public spaces around the city: “We already managed to negotiate 4 billion CZK which will contribute towards several projects, revitalising public spaces for the people of Prague,” says Hřib. Last year, the “Floating pool” project was named Jury Winner in the Sports & Recreation: Unbuilt Sports & Recreation category by the prestigious Architizer platform. The floating facility is designed around the transformation of a cargo ship, by reducing its existing superstructure and adding a new part connected to the ship’s system of existing ribs. And while...
A geological survey has been conducted by the Prague Transport Company (DPP) on the construction of the D Metro Line. So far, this has cost the DPP a total of 1.82 billion CZK, an expensive but vital investment to the city. There are plans to implement more construction to this line in the areas from Pankrác to Olbrachtova which is waiting approval. “We have finished one stage of the planning, but are waiting for approval for the main construction by the Ministry of Transport soon,” said Adam Scheinherr, Prague Deputy Mayor. The survey took place in four locations around the city, which has been ongoing since August 2020. “This was done to make sure that there were no unexpected adjustments to be made when the project began,” said Petr Witowski, CEO of DPP. The next area to be completed is the Pankrác area, where digging has already begun. This section will be a transfer between the C and D lines. Already, this project has cost the DPP more than expected. It was estimated that this would cost in the region of 1.6 billion CZK, however, has already exceeded by 200,000 CZK. “The budget exceeded on the project as we realized that...
On Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Norway in the case of the Czech Eva Michaláková. More than ten years ago, Norwegian child protection agency Barnevernet took away her two sons and placed them in foster care. According to Strasbourg Court, Norway did not violate the relevant article of the European Convention on Human Rights in the case of the removal of Michaláková’s children. Article 8 provides a right to respect for one’s private and family life, their home, and their correspondence. According to the article, a state authority may not interfere in the exercise of this right except in cases where it is necessary and in accordance with the law. “The decision in the Michalák case is surprising for us because, from our point of view, it contradicts the previous practice of the court. We are ready to proceed to the Grand Chamber. Some new facts, on which we can base our appeal, emerged,” said family lawyer Dora Boková. Boková recalled the case of the Norwegian, Trude Strand Lobben, where the Norwegian authorities took away her son shortly after birth. The case eventually came before the Grand Chamber of the Strasbourg Court, which ruled...
In Prague, a modified decree on the local accommodation fee has been in effect since the beginning of 2022. By increasing the local tourism tax from the current CZK 21 to CZK 50, Prague will receive the funds necessary to fulfill its long-term vision of cultivated and sustainable tourism, the development of the city as an attractive destination for meetings, conferences or exhibitions, and the promotion of the city abroad. “This fee is the only tool with which Czech municipalities can directly compensate for the costs associated with tourism and through which they can participate in its economic benefits. Prague, with an accommodation fee of CZK 21 per night, has been falling behind within Europe and even behind a number of Czech cities. The increase in the fee will help the city and the people of Prague, and I am glad that we have agreed on this necessary step with the hoteliers themselves,” says Pavel Vyhnánek, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Finance and Budget. Based on the agreement in the memorandum, half of the funds collected will be used, for example, for regular targeted campaigns promoting sustainable inbound tourism. The image of Prague as a suitable destination for meetings and conferences will also be significantly supported. The city will also support exhibitions, fairs or other major...
The largest virtual reality park recently opened in Prague’s Brumlovka area. Avatar Park, with 500 square meters, offers a simulated fall from a skyscraper, a roller coaster ride, an attempt to defend a medieval castle, and a simulation of the Tour of France, amongst other attractions. “It’s really like in reality, [with] all the details and how the whole seat is knocking with you,” says Vladimír after trying the roller coaster simulator. A simulated fall from a skyscraper is one of Avatar Park’s best attractions. Another outstanding experience occurs when a person is placed on his stomach and then sent backward and forward achieving the feeling of flying through the air. The park is suitable for all ages including children. The entrance is 580 Kč and valid for everything up to an hour. “It is the largest game park with unique attractions that are not to be tried anywhere else in the virtual world. VR Park Avatar best describes words like adrenaline or an extreme experience,” stated project author Dan Broulík. Virtual reality experiences are rapidly increasing in popularity throughout the Czech Republic. Prague, with Avatar Park, can now welcome this new and exciting experience for both residents and out-of-town...
If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. The Health Ministry opened the registration for the booster COVID vaccine doses for children over 12 on Monday, January 24. They can get the booster at vaccination points and the pediatricians’ surgeries five months after the complete vaccination. The crime rate dropped in the Czech Republic again last year when police registered 153,233 offenses, 7 percent fewer than in 2020, while the clearance rate increased by 1 percent to 57.3 percent. Last year, the police registered 105 murders, five of which have not been cleared up yet. Mathematician and businessman Karel Janecek, 48, will contest the post of Czech president and plans to collect signatures on the petition for his candidacy. He said he would like to offer to voters a vision of the free, successful and prosperous Czech Republic that may serve as a model for Europe and the world. The Covid-19 epidemic is expected to culminate in the Czech Republic this week, said Health Minister Vlastimil Válek. At the end of the week, the number of new cases could reach 80,000. The Czech...
Supporters of Ukraine gathered on the Charles Bridge in Prague on Saturday to show their allegiance with the country during heightened tensions with Russia. More than 100 people joined the rally, singing and chanting as they held a large Ukrainian flag that partially spanned the bridge. An estimated 100,000 Russian troops are massed near Ukraine, which many fear is Moscow preparing for an invasion, which Russia denies. The latest On Saturday, January 22, Russia has sent troops more than 6,000 kilometers to Ukraine’s borders and announced sweeping naval drills as Moscow expands its preparations for a potential attack on Ukraine as negotiations appear at a deadlock. Six Russian landing ships capable of carrying main battle tanks, troops and other military vehicles travelled through the Channel en route to the Mediterranean last week in a deployment that could bolster an amphibious landing on Ukraine’s southern coast if Vladimir Putin orders an attack. Ukraine’s military intelligence has claimed that Russia is hiring mercenaries and supplying its proxy forces in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions with fuel, tanks and self-propelled artillery in preparation for a potential upsurge in fighting. And a large military force, including Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, elite spetsnaz troops and anti-aircraft...
Discounts on transportation for students and senior citizens will be reduced from the current 75 to 50% of the fare, the government decided among other things yesterday. This change will take effect in April. Transport Minister Martin Kupka said that the discounts would remain in place, as motivation for people to use public transport, but reiterated that responsible state budget management is one of the top priorities of the new government. “We will keep the fare discounts, but at the amount of 50%. We will set up the system so that travelling by trains and buses remains beneficial for people. At the same time, the system must be affordable for the state budget, the stabilisation of public finances and the end of debt remain our key commitment,” said Kupka. The measure was introduced in 2018. The main goal of the students and retirees discount is to make transport between cities and all around the Czech Republic more affordable for groups of people with lower-income. Students under the age of 26 and retirees over 65 now only pay 25% of the normal price and need to present a valid identity card (national I.D., passport, student card, ISIC, etc.) when purchasing the...
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