November 17, 2024, marks 35 years since the Velvet Revolution, a pivotal moment when Czechoslovakia broke free from communism, reclaiming democracy and freedom. In Prague, the city where history was made, a variety of commemorative events will honor this historic day. Here’s a guide to the key happenings. Hlávka Dormitory: A Morning of Reflection The day begins with a solemn tribute at Hlávka Dormitory, a site tied to the tragic events of 1939. At 9:00 a.m., representatives of the academic community will deliver speeches and lay wreaths. By 10:00 a.m., the Czech national anthem will play, and a procession will proceed to the monument of Jan Opletal and Václav Sedláček, students who lost their lives during protests against Nazi occupation. Vyšehrad Hosts Free November The 10th annual Free November event moves this year to Vyšehrad, an iconic location for commemorating November 17. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Burgrave’s House (Staré Burkrabství), the program will feature a mix of cultural and historical activities designed to reflect on freedom’s value. Korzo Národní: A Celebration of Unity On Národní třída, the symbolic epicenter of the Velvet Revolution, the association Díky, že můžem organizes Korzo Národní, a vibrant all-day festival themed “Freedom...
In a chaotic incident early Thursday morning, the driver of an Audi collided with eight parked cars on Vaníčkova Street near Strahov. Following the multi-car crash, the driver fled, sparking a citywide police search. Police spokesperson Jan Rybanský confirmed the ongoing investigation. “We are currently responding to a serious traffic accident involving a passenger car on Vaníčkova Street. The vehicle struck and damaged eight others parked along the street,” Prague firefighters reported on the social media platform X around 11 a.m. Images shared by emergency responders reveal that the car involved was a shared vehicle, available for short-term rental. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Právě zasahujeme v ulici Vaníčkova u dopravní nehody osobního automobilu, které poškodilo dalších 8 vozidel. DN je bez zranění, příčina v šetření @PolicieCZ 🚒🚓 pic.twitter.com/eaztLn1vWH — Hasiči Praha 🚒 (@HasiciPraha) November 14, 2024 The incident began with a collision between the Audi and another moving car, after which the Audi veered into parked vehicles, causing extensive damage. The driver immediately abandoned the vehicle and left the scene, evading police efforts to locate him. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, as they work to identify and apprehend the suspect involved in this...
Christmas, traditionally a time of joy, cheer, and good times, is an especially lonely, sad and challenging time for homeless individuals but here is how you can help make a difference this holiday season: 1. First, with temperatures dropping, your DONATIONS OF WINTER CLOTHES AND CANNED FOOD can save lives and make the season more bearable for those who are less fortunate. The most needed items are warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, as well as canned legumes, meat, and fish (which, while providing proteins, can be easily carried, and consumed on the streets). More information about clothing collection can be found HERE 2. FriendShip Prague has also launched another FILL A CHRISTMAS SOCK FOR THE HOMELESS campaign, and you can support homeless people by purchasing a pair of warm socks and filling one of them with travel-size toiletries and sweets. You can find detailed video instructions HERE The socks will be distributed as a Christmas gift to people sleeping rough on the streets and at the shelters. Please DROP OFF your kind donations of winter clothes, canned food, and Christmas socks at our office: Room 208, DumRadost (Namesti Winstona Churchilla 2) every Friday from 16:30 to 18:00 and every Saturday...
Commemorative events marking November 17 will disrupt tram and car traffic throughout Prague’s city center, particularly around Národní třída and Wenceslas Square. Národní třída—where the revolutionary events that led to the fall of the communist regime began 35 years ago—will be transformed into a pedestrian zone for the national holiday. The Korzo Národní event will bring an all-day closure for both cars and trams, redirecting traffic in the heart of the city. Tram routes between Újezd and Lazarská will be closed in both directions, halting service over Legií Bridge, Národní, and Spálená streets. Tram lines 2, 9, 18, 22, and 23 will be impacted, with no replacement buses available, so travelers are encouraged to use the metro or walk. Car traffic will be restricted from Smetanovo nábřeží to Jungmannova Street, with detours set up along adjacent roads. A parking and stopping ban will be enforced along Národní Street starting on Saturday, November 16, at 6:00 p.m. “Additional pedestrian zones will be set up along 28. října Street and parts of Spálená Street for the entire day Sunday,” Hofman stated, adding that full traffic access is expected to resume by midnight on Monday, November 18. At Wenceslas Square, where the Concert...
More than 100 light sculptures and objects composed of 400,000 lights illuminate Žluté lázně this season with the theme “Bell’s Journey Through Space.” Returning for its third year, the “Lights Tell…” exhibition invites visitors to a cosmic spectacle inspired by the enchanting fairy tale character, Bell. The “Bell’s Journey Through Space” display enchants visitors with planets, stars, the Sun, spaceships, and astronauts, offering both an astounding visual experience and interactive educational elements. Through advanced animations, attendees can learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy in a fun, engaging way—perfect for curious kids and adults alike! The exhibition blends the Christmas spirit with a cosmic theme. The Star of Bethlehem, symbolized by a comet, guides visitors through the exhibition’s vast expanse, culminating at a cosmic wish tree. = Handcrafted Light Sculptures by Decoled “Lights Tell…” is distinguished by its handcrafted light sculptures, created by the Czech family company Decoled. Led by owner Eva Poláčková, Decoled’s team of designers and artisans work year-round to develop these one-of-a-kind pieces. Each sculpture not only complements the unique venue of Žluté lázně but also highlights Czech craftsmanship in each design detail. Designed with a focus on ecology and sustainability, the exhibit uses energy-efficient LED lights...
Patti Smith Quartet will perform on July 19 at Forum Karlín in Prague as part of their European tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her album “Horses”. Released in December 1975, Horses is regarded as a landmark punk rock album, with Smith’s unique style influencing countless artists. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios and produced by John Cale of The Velvet Underground, featuring Czech-American guitarist Ivan Král, Smith’s collaborator and friend who passed away in 2020. Few other artists can light up big stages with their huge presence as perfectly as Patti Smith. “If you go on stage, you have to put yourself at risk,” Leonard Cohen once said, and there is hardly an artist who embodies this claim as perfectly as Patti Smith: her concerts are one-of-a-kind performances. Audiences can experience the next step in the artist’s transformation from punk icon to wise but still fierce, sometimes downright angry, combative shaman. Patti Smith is not only one of the great icons of rock music, but also of literature. In addition to Patti Smith herself, the band also includes Jackson Smith (guitar), Tony Shanahan (keyboards/bass) and Seb Rochford (drums). Ticket price from CZK 1690 Tickets on sale...
A tram and bus collided in Prague-Libeň early this evening, resulting in six injuries, including the bus driver, who required assistance from firefighters to be freed from the vehicle. “All patients are stable and conscious, with minor to moderate injuries, mainly affecting the head, arms, and legs. After thorough treatment, each was transported to a medical facility,” the Prague City Health Rescue Service posted on X, noting that three ambulance teams, a doctor, and an inspector responded to the accident. The incident took place at Dr. Václav Holý Square. Traffic, which was temporarily halted, resumed around 6:40 p.m. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision. The Prague City Transport Company (DPP) initially reported that tram service was suspended between the Kobylisy and Palmovka stops due to the accident. Lines 3, 10, and 24 were rerouted in both directions, with a replacement bus service, X10, established in the affected area. Additional updates can be found on the DPP website. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
On November 21, the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague will present a concert for game enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike at the Dvořák Hall at Rudolfinum. Accompanied by the Bohemian Choir Prague and the renowned Boni Pueri choir, the 70-piece orchestra will perform orchestral renditions of beloved game soundtracks, bringing iconic video game music from consoles to the grand stage. The event, Gaming Music Live Vol. 2, promises a symphonic journey through some of the most recognizable tunes in gaming history. Fans can look forward to hearing pieces from recent hit games and enduring classics, including Elden Ring, Dark Souls III, Mortal Kombat, Super Mario, The Witcher 3, Final Fantasy, Zelda, Mafia 2, God of War, Halo 3, and Duke Nukem. To further elevate the experience, the concert will be enhanced by original light choreography, transforming the performance into a visually captivating celebration of music and gaming. “This concert allows audiences to fully appreciate the true beauty and power of video game music,” says Martin Šanda, the chief conductor and director of the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague. “Our symphonic interpretation offers listeners a chance to focus purely on the music—to hear every note and feel every emotion in ways often...
For one day only, Prague Castle will open its doors to the public, granting access to its normally restricted state rooms at no cost. This special open house event is set for Saturday, November 30, and will allow visitors to step inside the grand spaces where President Petr Pavel meets with dignitaries and hosts important gatherings. Along with this rare behind-the-scenes look, guests can also explore Prague Castle’s classic visitor circuit for free, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane. In addition, the castle’s permanent exhibitions will be accessible to all attendees, giving a full view of Prague Castle’s historical and cultural significance. Some rooms will feature festive Christmas decorations. As part of an Advent celebration, visitors can join a “Christmas Walk through Prague Castle” program, bringing a holiday atmosphere to the centuries-old halls and courtyards. On the terrace near the Prague Castle Riding Hall, families will find the picturesque Bethlehem Yurt by the Forman Brothers Theatre, along with art workshops designed for children. Meanwhile, Rožmberk Palace will host “The Fragile Beauty of Christmas,” a special exhibit showcasing traditional Czech holiday decorations amid a magical forest of Christmas trees adorned with Czech...
Orion club in Prague’s Žižkov has become notorious among locals for repeated disturbances. Owned by a Ukrainian entrepreneur, the club attracts a predominantly young Ukrainian clientele, who have gained a reputation for rowdy behavior. According to residents, club-goers frequently disrupt the area by drinking excessively, creating noise, and leaving litter, vomit, and other waste in their wake. These disturbances, dating back to 2020, have recently intensified, drawing the attention of national media. Residents have inundated the Prague 3 district office with complaints and even launched a petition, demanding action to address the escalating problems. Now, it appears the authorities are responding. First Inspection Finds Illicit Alcohol and Cigarettes On Friday, November 8, the Czech Customs Administration conducted an initial inspection of Orion nightclub, uncovering alcohol and cigarettes lacking Czech excise stamps. As a result, the club’s owner faces potential administrative proceedings and a significant fine. Sunday Night Police Raid Blocks Off Street In a larger show of force, around 30 officers from the Prague Police raided the club late on Sunday, November 10. After sealing off Řehořova Street, officers conducted searches and checked identification for people standing outside the club or sitting in parked cars. Following the initial checks, police...
The National Museum in Prague is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Czech composer Bedřich Smetana’s birth with a major exhibition dedicated to his renowned symphonic cycle, My Homeland. Open to the public until October next year, the exhibition showcases a unique blend of authentic documents, personal artifacts, and deep insights into the historical and cultural significance of Smetana’s work, which has become a cornerstone of Czech national identity. An Intimate Look at Smetana’s Life and Times The exhibition is divided into thematic sections that guide visitors through Smetana’s life, from personal possessions to the broader historical setting of his music. Visitors can see personal items, including his glasses, writing tools, and a hearing aid, which provide a glimpse into the life of the celebrated composer. These artifacts set the stage for a journey through the cultural and personal backdrop of My Homeland, composed between 1874 and 1879 and first performed in its entirety on November 5, 1882. In another section, individual symphonic poems from the My Homeland cycle are highlighted, each underscoring Smetana’s connection to Czech landscapes, history, and mythology. Director General’s Vision for the Exhibition “Bedřich Smetana, as the creator of a national musical style and the genius behind...
Prague is embracing a new AI-powered traffic control system, promising to revolutionize traffic management across the city. Developed by the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) and funded by the European Union, this system will adapt traffic lights to current conditions in real-time, reducing congestion and improving overall traffic flow. This new approach aligns Prague with global cities like London and Boston, which have also adopted AI to tackle complex urban traffic challenges. Smart Traffic Management: How AI Enhances Prague’s Traffic Signals The new AI-based system intelligently optimizes traffic light timings to ensure the smoothest passage for vehicles and public transportation alike. Unlike the previous static system, where each intersection followed a fixed pattern, AI now dynamically adapts to actual traffic conditions. By continuously assessing real-time data and learning from previous traffic patterns, the AI system reduces delays and the number of stops, leading to shorter travel times for all road users. The system’s initial phase included testing at intersections along Patočkova Street, where the AI’s integration with Prague’s existing telematics and sensor networks was evaluated in real-world conditions. Results from the pilot confirmed that the AI could smoothly handle changing traffic situations and respond to unforeseen challenges, indicating its potential...
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