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Expat Next Door: Alessandro Testa from Italy

Alessandro Testa, an Italian Associate Professor at Charles University in Prague, has spent his career navigating the complexities of academic life across Europe. His latest achievement? Landing a visiting professorship at one of the world’s most prestigious universities—UC Berkeley. For Testa, this achievement is the culmination of a dynamic and far-reaching career, shaped by both mobility across Europe and a deep-rooted connection to key institutions like Charles University. Born and raised in Italy, Testa’s academic path has taken him through some of Europe’s most renowned universities, including those in Florence, Rome, Estonia, and Paris, where he trained in anthropology, history, European ethnology, and religious studies. After earning his PhD in social anthropology in 2013, Testa’s career trajectory led him to long-term, intensive research engagements in Estonia, Austria, Spain, and the Czech Republic. It was in Prague, however, where Testa found a strong base to further his research and teaching, and it is from here that he will now make the leap to Berkeley. Reflecting on his upcoming move, Testa says, “Landing a position at Berkeley is a very important achievement for me. It’s a validation of the years of work I’ve put into my research, and I couldn’t have done...

 by Prague Morning Oct 30, 2024

Prague’s Overcrowded Streets: 940 Vehicles Per 1,000 Residents

A newly released report from Prague’s Technical Road Administration (TSK) sheds light on the car congestion situation in the Czech capital. According to the data, there are now almost as many vehicles in Prague as there are residents. For every 1,000 people in the city, an astounding 940 vehicles are on the road, creating a significant traffic burden. Sharp Rise in Vehicle Numbers Over the Decades Vehicle numbers in Prague have risen dramatically. Compared to the 336,000 vehicles recorded in 1990, today’s statistics show more than 1.3 million registered vehicles in the city, of which 1.04 million are passenger cars. This increase represents nearly a 300% growth over 34 years. To put things into perspective, in 2010 there were around 699,630 passenger cars in Prague, and by 2020, this number had surged to 925,716. Now, the data reveals that for every 1,000 inhabitants, 750 are passenger cars, resulting in an average of 1.3 people per car. Passenger Cars Dominate Prague’s Roads Passenger cars account for 91% of the total distance driven across the city. On an average weekday, they cover approximately 21.1 million vehicle kilometers. The total distance for all types of motor vehicles reached 23.2 million kilometers, showing the...

 by Prague Morning Oct 30, 2024

Ending Period Poverty in Czech Schools? New Initiative by People in Need Expands

Period poverty has become an urgent issue in the Czech Republic, and many schools are stepping up to tackle it. Starting after the autumn holidays, free menstrual products will be provided in the bathrooms of 60 schools nationwide, thanks to an initiative by the People in Need organization. The program began with pilot installations in select schools last year, such as Mojžíř Elementary School in Ústí nad Labem. Despite initial hesitations, the school joined People in Need’s Reproductive Health of Girls and Women initiative, which aims to assist students facing economic hardships. Period poverty is a very real concern for many families, as observed in People in Need’s social and educational programs. Adéla Pospíchalová, Head of Educational Services for the organization, shared a common scenario: “Some families, like single mothers with multiple daughters, struggle to allocate even a few hundred crowns a month for hygiene products. Even two-parent households, where both parents work, can sometimes find themselves near the poverty line.” In addition to the schools already on board, People in Need delivered menstrual baskets to 60 schools across the Czech Republic over the autumn holidays. Schools in regions like Liberec, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Pilsen, Olomouc, and Central Bohemia...

 by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2024

Czechia Signs Historic Treaty on Relations with the Vatican

The Czech Republic signed a treaty with the Vatican, ensuring religious freedom and recognising Catholic marriages. It needs parliamentary approval to take effect. The Czech Republic signed a treaty on Thursday regarding its relations with the Vatican, becoming one of the last European Union countries to do so. The document was signed Thursday in Prague by conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Fiala called it a “balanced” document that “fully respects our legal order.” The full text was not expected to be made public until after the treaty is ratified. Among its provisions, the country guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience, and religious belief and recognizes Catholic marriages. It also gives a legal ground for the Catholic Church to provide religious services in hospitals, prisons, military, and police forces. To come into effect, the document still needs to be approved by both houses of Parliament and ratified by President Petr Pavel. The Vatican has signed a similar treaty with 25 EU member states and a total of 64 countries worldwide, the Czech government said. Fiala’s coalition government, sworn in following the 2021 general election, said in its policy statement that it was ready to...

 by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2024

November 11: St. Martin’s Procession to be Held on the Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge Museum together with the City of Prague is holding St. Martin’s celebrations on Monday 11th November. The celebration will start at 11:11 am. On this day, Czechs traditionally roast a goose and at exactly 11:11 they open the first bottles of young wine, called St. Martin’s (Svatomartinské víno). St. Martin was a Roman Catholic saint, the bishop of Tours, who lived from 316 – 397. The most-repeated story about his life says that while he was a soldier, he encountered a scantily dressed beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. He cut his military woolen cloak in half and shared it with the freezing man. The following night, he had a vision of Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels and arrayed in the half of the cloak. As a consequence of this experience, he received baptism, left the army, and became a monk. People in the Czech Republic associate the feast with the onset of winter and snow. There are many proverbs in Czech that feature predictions for the winter weather. According to the most popular saying, the first snowfall of the season can be expected on this day since Martin may arrive on his white horse....

 by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2024

Discover Japanese Pizza at This New Restaurant in Prague

A slice of Osaka has arrived in Prague’s Holešovice district with the opening of Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri, a brand-new Japanese eatery specializing in okonomiyaki, a savory pancake often referred to as “Japanese pizza.” Located at Veletržní 820/73, Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri introduces locals and expats alike to authentic Osaka street food in a unique sports-themed setting. Okonomiyaki: Japanese “Pizza” with a Twist For those unfamiliar, okonomiyaki is a popular street food in Japan, particularly in Osaka. Its name translates loosely to “grill as you like,” allowing for a range of toppings and customization. The dish starts with a pancake-like base made from flour and eggs, topped with white cabbage and then cooked to crispy perfection. A signature tangy sauce and Japanese mayonnaise complete the dish, and diners can add their choice of ingredients such as seafood, pork, or even cheese. Chef Hiroki Komiya: From Osaka to Prague The culinary expert behind Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri, Hiroki Komiya, brings years of experience from Osaka, where he served as head chef of an okonomiyaki restaurant since 2017. His journey to Prague has an interesting backstory. In 2022, a delegation from the Czech-Japanese Center in Ostrava visited Japan and had the chance to sample Hiroki’s...

 by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2024

Dušičky: All Souls’ Day in the Czech Republic

All Souls’ Day – the day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away – has great significance in the Czech Republic. Dušičky – or “Little Souls” – as it is called in Czech is an annual pilgrimage that has taken place since pagan times. The official Czech name is Památka zesnulých (“a remembrance of those who have passed”), but everyone calls the day dušičky (“little souls”) or všech svatých (“of all saints”). Activities of the day include attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead and those we remember. Czechs will lay wreaths and flowers at the grave and spend time honoring those who have passed with remembering. If you visit a cemetery in the Czech Republic during this time, you will immediately note the flickering glow of hundreds of freshly lit candles making the entire area aglow in a very holy way. You can visit the biggest graveyard in Prague – Olšany Cemetery (Olšanské hřbitovy in Czech).  Here are some images of what a Czech All Soul’s Day looks like.   The November 2nd tradition The tradition of visiting cemeteries on November 2 hails from the 10th century, when, during 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny, France, made that specific...

 by Cara Stevenson Oct 29, 2024

Wenceslas Square Welcomes Reopening of Art Nouveau Hotel Evropa

After nearly a decade of closure, the historic Hotel Evropa on Wenceslas Square reopens today as W Prague, joining the global W Hotels luxury network managed by Marriott. The iconic Art Nouveau hotel, which closed its doors in 2013, has undergone extensive renovations, bringing new life to one of Prague’s architectural gems. The reopening marks an important milestone for the local hospitality sector, which has recently seen other major hotel projects, including Penta’s Cloud One and the highly anticipated reopening of the former Intercontinental Hotel as the Fairmont Golden Prague next year. Ferid Nasr, the hotel’s current owner and founder of Exim Tours, acquired the historic property from previous owner Julius Meinl in 2019. At the time, Nasr expressed a desire to restore Hotel Evropa’s original First Republic luxury character. Today, the building stands as a protected landmark after its meticulous transformation. Following the extensive reconstruction, W Prague boasts 161 rooms, including an exclusive presidential suite, along with a range of amenities: multiple restaurants and cafes, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, an indoor pool, fitness and wellness centers—all open to both hotel guests and the public. Prague’s hotel landscape continues to evolve, with further luxury brands expected to enter...

 by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2024

Opera Star Angela Gheorghiu to Perform in Prague on November 16

Internationally renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu is set to perform in Prague on November 16, promising a memorable evening for opera enthusiasts in the Czech capital. Known for her magnetic stage presence and exceptional vocal range, Gheorghiu’s appearance is one of the most anticipated events in Prague’s cultural calendar this season. Gheorghiu’s career has taken her to the world’s most prestigious stages, including Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, where she has portrayed iconic roles such as Violetta in La traviata, Mimì in La bohème, and Tosca. Hailed as one of the world’s premier sopranos, her performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. Born in the small Romanian town of Adjud, Gheorghiu discovered her love of music at an early age and went on to study at the National University of Music in Bucharest under the esteemed teacher Mia Barbu. She made her international debut in 1992 at Covent Garden, where her performance as Mimì captured the world’s attention. Since then, her career has included acclaimed recordings, awards, and performances at key global events, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Info:  When: 16th November at 7:30 pm,...

 by Prague Morning Oct 28, 2024

Airline Tickets to Increase Under New EU Environmental Rules

In the coming months, airline ticket prices are set to rise across Europe. Due to new European Union regulations, airlines will soon be required to use more environmentally friendly fuel, a switch that will impact ticket prices and tour packages. From January 1, 2025, travelers flying out of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland can expect higher ticket prices. At community level, the European Union has established ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. An intermediate stage envisages a reduction of 55% by 2030. To contribute to these objectives, from 2025 all flights departing from EU airports will be obliged to use a minimum quota of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This requirement falls within theReFuelEU Aviation initiative, aimed at decarbonising the aviation sector. The fee, based on flight length and fare class, is expected to range from €3 to €15 per one-way ticket. Tourism Experts Question New Fuel Mandates The new regulations have stirred debate among industry professionals. Some argue that airlines should have more autonomy over fuel choices and pricing. “The market should remain open, allowing airlines to decide which fuel they use and how they...

 by Prague Morning Oct 28, 2024

On This Day, in 1918: the Independence of Czechoslovakia Was Proclaimed

On October 28, 1918, the independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed by the Czechoslovak National Council in Prague, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the First World War. The birth of Czechoslovakia Throughout the 19th century, the rise of nationalist movements, mounting ethnic tensions and repressive religious and ethnic policies, such as the forced Magyarization of Slovaks, pushed the cohesion of the multi-national Austro-Hungarian Empire to its breaking point. Despite cultural differences, the Slovaks shared similar aspirations with the Czechs for independence from the Habsburg state, and by the start of the 20th century, the idea of a “Czecho-Slovak” entity, advocated by Czech and Slovak intellectuals began to emerge. During the First World War, Tomáš Masaryk, Edvard Beneš and Slovak astronomer Milan Rastislav Štefánik founded the Czechoslovak National Council who worked to secure Allied recognition. During that time, more than 90,000 Czech and Slovak volunteers formed the Czechoslovak Legions in Russia, France and Italy, where they fought against the Central Powers. Following the Pittsburgh Agreement of May 1918, which prescribed the intent to create an independent Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak Declaration of independence was signed by Masaryk, Štefánik and Beneš on October 18, 1918, in Paris. The independence of Czechoslovakia...

 by Prague Morning Oct 28, 2024

October 28th: Which Shops and Shopping Centers Will Be Open or Closed?

On October 28, 2024, Czechia commemorates Independence Day, marking the founding of an independent Czechoslovakia. This year, the holiday falls on a Monday, and many stores across the country will be impacted by legal closures. According to Czech law, retail stores with a sales area over 200 m² must remain closed on this day. Here’s what you need to know about which stores will be closed, which will remain open, and alternative shopping options. Where to Expect Store Closures Retail chains with large locations, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, will be closed on Monday, October 28. This includes major chains like Albert, Billa, Globus, Kaufland, Lidl, Penny, and Tesco, as well as Tesco Expres outlets. However, small stores with a sales area under 200 m², as well as certain essential locations, will continue operating. This includes: Airports and train/bus stations: Stores in transit hubs will remain open. Pharmacies: Pharmacies are exempt and will stay open. Gas stations: Most gas station shops, including select Tesco at fuel stations, will open from 9:00 to 17:00. Online shopping remains an option, with platforms like Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz, Albert Online, and Billa Online available for holiday orders. Tesco Online services, however, will not be operational, as...

 by Prague Morning Oct 26, 2024

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