As in previous years, you will have a chance to meet the uniformed lamp-lighter on the Charles Bridge. From November 30 to December 23, 2025, he will light the historic gas lamps by hand each evening, beginning at around 4:00 p.m. near the Old Town Bridge Tower. Nowadays, the gas lights operate automatically, and Advent is the only time of the year when the gas lamps are lit up by a lamplighter. Street lighting in Prague dates back to 1847, which is the year when the first gas lamps were lit in this city. By 1940, nearly 9,000 gas lamps cast their bluish glow on the city. Gaslighting was used in Prague till 1985, when the eight-branched cast-iron lamps on Hradčanské square and in Loretánská street were converted for electric light. However, 2002 saw the return of gaslight to the city’s most historic areas. In 2010, gas lamps were placed on the Charles Bridge, which is the only gas-lit bridge in the world. Nowadays, you can admire romantic gaslighting on the whole Royal Route, from Powder Gate Tower to Hradčanské Square. The lamplighter Jan Žákovec is vice president of the Lamplighters’ Guild and head of the Gasworks Museum. At 205 cm, he is...
The Hilton Hotel Prague will once again host the International Charity Market, a one-day celebration of cultures, flavours, and traditions from around the world — all in support of Czech charities. Organized by the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA) and held under the patronage of First Lady Eva Pavlová, the event has become one of Prague’s most anticipated international gatherings. More than 40 countries will showcase national crafts, traditional delicacies, and cultural highlights, offering visitors the chance to explore a truly global marketplace. From handmade gifts and art to gourmet foods and fashion accessories, the market promises a rich mix of creativity and culture, accompanied by a welcoming international spirit. “We are excited and deeply grateful for the opportunity to help those who need our support the most,” said Adrijana Balut, Vice President of the DSA. “The International Charity Market is a beautiful day of unity, generosity, and hope. Every visitor, every purchase, and every ticket contributes to making a real difference.” All proceeds from the event, along with contributions from private sponsors, will go to Czech charitable organizations, which can apply for grant support until January 31, 2026. Last year’s market raised over 1.7 million CZK, supporting causes across the...
A historic monastery in central Prague will host the Biohacking Summit Prague 2025, bringing together leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts focused on improving health, performance, and longevity. The event will unite the international biohacking community with Czech innovators to explore how technology, science, and lifestyle design can redefine human potential. The summit’s agenda will span seven major topics, including personalized medicine, cognitive optimization, and healthy aging. Visitors can look forward to expert presentations, live demonstrations, tasting sessions, and displays of cutting-edge health technologies from more than thirty partner organizations. Among the key speakers are Teemu Arina, the Finnish founder of the European biohacking movement; Tim Gray from the United Kingdom, organizer of the world’s largest Health Optimization Summit; and Czech neuroscience communicators Vojtěch Hlaváček and Kryštof Jarmar from the podcast Brain We Are. In addition to the lectures, attendees can join an exclusive biohacking dinner focused on nutrient-rich cuisine and an experiential run through the Prague Castle area, designed to combine physical activity with mindfulness practices. The event underlines a growing global interest in biohacking and proactive health management. The longevity and preventive health market is currently valued at more than $63 billion, reflecting how quickly personal health innovation is...
Monitoring conducted in 2025 confirmed the birth of wolf cubs in several regions, signaling a gradual but steady expansion of the species. New litters have been documented in the Šumava Mountains, Ore Mountains, and Ralsko and Broumov regions. Particularly noteworthy are new births in Kokořínsko and Ralsko, where no successful breeding had been observed in the past five years. Researchers from the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic have confirmed that wolves are successfully settling in new habitats. In the Ore Mountains, the species has been recorded in three distinct territories, including a newly formed one in the central part of the range, where a wolf pair has established its den. Wolf presence has also been noted in the Lusatian Mountains and along Czechia’s border with Poland, suggesting natural cross-border movement and gradual population growth. Despite this progress, experts caution that roughly two-thirds of wolf cubs do not survive their first year, due to natural causes, accidents, or territorial conflicts. Ecological Impact Their return contributes to restoring ecological balance, as they help regulate populations of deer and other wild ungulates. This, in turn, supports forest regeneration and promotes greater biodiversity in areas that have long been affected by overgrazing....
A new sculpture installed on a residential rooftop in Prague’s Podolí district has become one of the city’s most talked-about installations. The artwork, created by Czech sculptor Jakub Flejšar, depicts the legendary horse Šemík in an intimate act with a mare — a provocative reinterpretation of one of Czechia’s most famous myths. The sculpture, titled “Šemík Happy End,” was installed on Tuesday atop a modern residential complex near the Podolské schody. It was commissioned by developers Jiří and Petra Šald, founders of the Villa Gallery project. The couple, who designed the building as a blend of architecture and public art, say they wanted to give the legend of Šemík a new, playful ending. Flejšar, known for combining industrial materials with strong emotional themes, said his aim was to offer an “alternative storyline” to the classic legend of Šemík — the heroic horse who famously saved Lord Horymír by leaping from Vyšehrad into the Vltava River. “We’re naturally drawn to happy endings, though life rarely follows that path,” Flejšar explained. “This sculpture is about hope, renewal, and reimagining how stories could end differently.” Since its installation, the metal piece has become a local sensation. Residents have been gathering beneath the building,...
Newly elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura began his term by removing the Ukrainian flag from the lower house of Parliament. The flag, which had hung above the entrance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, was taken down on Thursday afternoon on Okamura’s direct orders. The decision marks a clear break from his predecessor Markéta Pekarová Adamová, who had placed the flag as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine. Okamura, leader of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, assumed office on Wednesday after securing 107 votes in a secret ballot. Okamura’s election had been assured through a coalition agreement between ANO, SPD, and Motorists, who also secured two vice-chair positions for Patrik Nacher (ANO) and Jiří Barták (Motorists). While the Ukrainian flag is gone, three others remain flying on the Parliament building — those of Czechia, the European Union, and Israel. The Israeli flag has been displayed since the October 2023 Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 people. Ukrainian Flag Also Taken Down from the National Museum The removal follows a similar move by the National Museum in Prague, which recently took down the Ukrainian flag after nearly three years. It had...
Czech far-right leader Tomio Okamura won the post of speaker of the lower house in a vote on Wednesday, the first appointment of populist billionaire Andrej Babis’s newly formed coalition with fringe right-wing groups. The vote was a key step in forming a new government following a parliamentary election won by Babis’s ANO party a month ago. The outgoing centre-right government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala is required to hand in its resignation following the speaker’s election, which it will do on Thursday. But it will stay in office until a new administration is in place. Okamura, 53, has faced criticism as head of the Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD), which has campaigned against European Union membership. The SPD is a partner of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany in the European Parliament. Opposition parties have said his views are incompatible with holding one of the highest positions in Czech politics. “I understand that I am not everyone’s candidate, but I promise that if I receive confidence and am elected, I will be an impartial chairman for everyone,” Okamura said during a more than six-hour debate. Babis aims to form a government with Okamura’s SPD and the right-wing Motorists party...
The long-planned renovation of Prague’s Kotva department store has been delayed once again. Generali Real Estate, which owns the landmark building on Náměstí Republiky, has moved the expected completion date of the reconstruction to 2028, extending the timeline by at least a year. The company initially announced that the extensive modernization, which began in February 2025, would finish by the end of 2027. “The rehabilitation of such a large and technically complex building is a long-term process that demands careful coordination and patience,” said Jana Vrábelová from Generali Real Estate. “We appreciate the cooperation of authorities, experts, and the public throughout this stage.” The next step involves selecting a main contractor for the full-scale reconstruction, which will include modernizing the interiors, expanding commercial and office space, and restoring the building’s architectural character. Plans envision six floors dedicated to retail and services, along with two floors of offices. While the façade will be replaced, Generali intends to preserve Kotva’s distinctive brutalist design, including its hexagonal concrete structures and communication towers. The building’s honeycomb-like grid, inspired by architectural structuralism, remains one of its most recognizable features. Kotva, designed by architects Věra and Vladimír Machonin, opened in 1975 as a symbol of modern...
A proposal to rename a future Prague Metro station has triggered a debate among city officials and historians. Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib has suggested that the planned Olbrachtova station on the upcoming Metro Line D be renamed Ryšanka (a nearby street), arguing that public transport stops should not carry names linked to totalitarian or extremist figures. Hřib, a member of the Pirate Party, said the name change would reflect the city’s effort to maintain neutrality and historical sensitivity in public spaces. The original name, Olbrachtova, comes from a nearby street named after the Czech writer Ivan Olbracht, who was also a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. Officials from Prague 4, where the new station is being built, along with Ladislav Kudrná, head of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes, have long voiced objections to the name. They argue that it indirectly celebrates a writer with ties to the communist regime. In their view, metro stations should instead honor figures connected to the anti-Nazi or anti-communist resistance, reflecting the city’s democratic values. Under current procedures, naming proposals for Prague Metro stations must first go through several levels of review. The district administration discusses the idea,...
After more than a decade, the Miss Earth crown has returned to Czechia. Natálie Puškinová triumphed in the 2025 Miss Earth competition, held in the Philippines, becoming only the second Czech winner in the pageant’s 25-year history. The first was Tereza Fajksová, who claimed the title in 2012. According to ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest television network, Puškinová stood out among nearly 80 contestants from around the world. In the final round, she surpassed representatives from Chile, Brazil, Ukraine, and the Philippines, securing the crown in front of a global audience. The final ranking placed Iceland as first runner-up, Vietnam as second runner-up, and Thailand in third. Puškinová’s victory adds another major success for Czech beauty pageants, following Krystyna Pyszková’s win at Miss World 2024. “This is another huge success for our country,” said Taťána Pánek Makarenko, president of Miss Czech Republic. “We now have two Grand Slam crowns in just two years — Krystyna at Miss World and Natálie at Miss Earth. I’m extremely proud of Natálie. She worked hard, spoke with confidence, and truly deserves this. Her reign will be exceptional, and I’m glad we’ve brought the title back to Czechia.” Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un...
Every year on November 11, the Czech Republic marks St. Martin’s Day, one of the country’s most cherished autumn traditions. It’s a celebration that blends food, fine wine, and good company – a perfect way to brighten the cold days when autumn slowly turns to winter. At the heart of these festivities is the St. Martin’s goose, a dish so symbolic that restaurants across the country, from Prague to Karlovy Vary, fill their menus with it. Who Was St. Martin? The holiday honors St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier born in what is now Hungary. Known for his compassion, he famously cut his cloak in half to share with a freezing beggar. His act of kindness made him one of Christianity’s most beloved saints and a symbol of generosity. St. Martin’s Day falls on November 11 – traditionally the time of post-harvest feasts and the start of Advent preparations. Why a Goose? The story behind the goose dates back to legend. When the humble Martin tried to avoid being appointed bishop, he hid among a flock of geese – but their loud honking gave him away. Since then, the goose has become an inseparable part of the celebration. Historically,...
On Saturday, November 8, more than 2,800 retail stores across the Czech Republic will take part in the national food collection, a major increase from last year’s 2,250. The event, organized by the Czech Federation of Food Banks and the Czech Trade and Tourism Association, will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations will include non-perishable food and personal hygiene items, which will later be distributed to families and individuals in need. Starting Tuesday, people can also contribute through six online retailers, where the food collection will continue for two weeks. Organizers say the number of participating outlets has been steadily growing, showing greater public involvement each year. When the initiative began in 2013, donations could be made at 750 stores. That number rose to 1,050 in 2021, 1,470 in 2022, and 2,000 in 2023. Online platforms now account for about 15% of all collected goods. During last year’s autumn round, 684 tons of food and hygiene products were gathered—34 tons less than the previous year. According to organizers, the lower figure may have resulted from earlier donations made in September, when the public responded to flood relief efforts. The food collection takes place twice a year, in spring...
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