As the year-end approaches, shops across the Czech Republic are stocking up on fireworks. Yet, many sellers report that public interest in pyrotechnics has declined in recent years. A proposed amendment to the law could bring even stricter regulations to the sale of fireworks. Approved by the government, the amendment is now pending review in the Chamber of Deputies. Despite current regulations, illegal sales remain a problem. Authorities have discovered unauthorized explosives, particularly in markets. For instance, in Prague’s SAPA market, inspectors uncovered 1,080 kilograms of explosive substances, far exceeding the legal limit of 80 kilograms. “The inspection revealed serious violations,” said František Kotrba, spokesperson for the Czech Trade Inspection Authority. Stricter Rules for High-Risk Fireworks The proposed amendment seeks to ban the sale of category F3 fireworks without a license. This means that New Year’s Eve 2024 could be the last opportunity for individuals to purchase F3 products freely. In the future, market stalls and street vendors will be restricted to selling only sparklers or the lowest-risk category, F1. “The amendment aims to restrict pyrotechnics sales to brick-and-mortar stores, except for category F1 items. High-risk fireworks in categories F3 and F4 will require a license,” explained Lukáš Trsek from...
Prague Zoo is bringing the magic of winter to life with its debut exhibition of Garden of Lights, featuring 110 lit sculptures representing 33 different animal species. Along with a variety of glowing decorations and interactive installations, the Garden of Lights offers a unique opportunity for guests to explore the zoo after dark in a whole new way. This light experience is open daily until February 16, 2025. The exhibit’s description invites visitors to: “Get to know beautiful animals that come to life through thousands of lights. Stand beneath the towering height of an elephant, lock eyes with a massive rhinoceros, or even high-five a friendly penguin! Capture every moment of this exotic adventure at dedicated photo points.” Dates and Admission The Garden of Lights is open every day except for December 24 and 31. Entry costs for Monday through Thursday are set at 280 CZK for adults and 240 CZK for children under 12. Weekend tickets have slightly higher prices. Tickets for Garden of Lights are separate from general zoo admission and do not grant access to the regular zoo exhibits. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or a wedding, finding the perfect gift is an art. These gifts from Czechia are sure to make a lasting impression. And as a bonus, we have also included tips on the best places where Czech design and fashion come together, making your gift-shopping experience even more memorable. Bohéma: Fashion with a Czech Footprint The Bohéma brand merges fashion with Czech history and culture, Czech icons, symbols, and personalities (including President Václav Havel, filmmaker Miloš Forman, and writer Franz Kafka). The brand produces stylish T-shirts, sweatshirts, books, and other accessories. A notable feature is their commitment to donating part of the proceeds to charitable and cultural projects. Where to buy: You can buy the products in the shop in the heart of Prague (Palackého 7) or shop online at the e-shop. Smetana Q and Hrzánská Arcade, a Hut for Czech Design Two must-visit locations in Prague where Czech design and Czech fashion, jewellery, and cosmetic brands are concentrated made it into our selection of places to go not only for Christmas shopping. The first is SmetanaQ, a unique venue combining a gallery, shop, and café in a historic building on the Vltava...
The Filmasia Festival, an annual celebration of Asian cinema, returns to Prague from December 5 to December 10 at the Bio Oko cinema. Over the past two decades, this event has introduced Czech audiences to the diverse world of contemporary Asian filmmaking. Since its first edition in 2005, the festival has screened nearly 250 films, including works from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This year, Filmasia celebrates its 20th anniversary by focusing on women in Asian cinema. The festival’s theme, Women in Asian Film, highlights the contributions of female directors and heroines, symbolizing a new era for the industry. The program will feature four films by contemporary female filmmakers from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. The Women Directors section presents: Fly Me to the Moon (2023): The acclaimed debut by Hong Kong filmmaker Sasha Chuk, mentored by industry veteran Stanley Kwan. Chuk will personally attend the festival to introduce her work. Fagara (2019): Directed by Heiward Mak, this Hong Kong drama explores family ties and resilience, with contributions from actress Sammi Cheng and producer Ann Hui. A post-screening discussion with Mak will offer further insights into her creative process. Next Sohee (2022):...
A landmark revival begins in Prague: the city has officially opened the pilot operation of arch no. 36 of the Karlín Viaduct. This historic arch, part of the Negrelli Viaduct, has undergone a modern transformation and is now an information and exhibition center. Built between 1846 and 1850, this architectural gem enters a new chapter as a cultural and community hub. Urban Transformation in Karlín Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček emphasized the broader implications of this project. He highlighted the coordination between various developments in the area, including the revitalization of the Karlín Barracks and the launch of an international architectural competition for new blocks near Florenc. “Within 10 to 15 years, this district will evolve into a vibrant urban hub, integrating cutting-edge architecture and public projects like the future Prague railway junction,” he said. Councilor Adam Zábranský noted that European cities often transform similar spaces into socio-cultural hubs. “Our vision includes glazing and utilizing up to 40 arches, which could inject energy into the Negrelli Viaduct area. For now, we await the trial results, which I fully support,” he stated. They both expressed optimism about the potential for cafes, cultural spaces, and community activities within the viaduct’s arches. “This is just...
This December, Manifesto Market in Prague transforms into a winter wonderland, offering holiday magic, creative workshops, and festive giveaways. Winter Market Opens with a Festive Launch On Saturday, December 7th, from 6 pm, Manifesto Market will host the grand opening of its Winter Market. Visitors can enjoy a variety of offerings, including food from international cuisines, cocktails, hot drinks, and a special mulled wine recipe. The evening will feature live music and an array of festive activities, creating a lively ambiance for the season. Christmas Gift Vouchers: A Unique Present Manifesto Market is introducing Christmas Gift Vouchers as part of its seasonal offerings. Available in denominations of 1000 CZK and 2000 CZK, these vouchers offer the opportunity to explore Prague’s diverse culinary scene. More details about the vouchers can be found on the market’s official website. Instagram Giveaway for the Holiday Season From December 2nd, Manifesto Market runs a Christmas Giveaway on Instagram, offering participants a chance to win prizes such as restaurant vouchers, Jagermeister Orange bottles, and exclusive Manifesto Christmas mugs. To participate, you must follow Manifesto Market on Instagram, like the giveaway post, and tag a friend in the comments. Additional chances to win are available by posting...
Prague authorities have launched a public awareness campaign to promote the humane treatment of carp, a traditional symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations. Running until December 23, the campaign highlights carp suffering when handled improperly, such as being kept in bathtubs, killed unprofessionally, or released into rivers. “We want to emphasize that certain practices surrounding carp handling are extremely cruel and cause immense suffering for these animals,” said Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) at a press conference. “This issue has been discussed for many years, and some retailers have already taken steps to address it. The initiative does not aim to ban the sale of live carp in Prague’s streets but seeks to encourage professional and humane practices.” Why Keeping Carp in Bathtubs is Harmful Experts warn that keeping live carp in bathtubs causes severe stress and health issues for the fish. “The temperature difference in bathtubs, combined with chlorinated water, creates an environment that is toxic and distressing for carp,” explained Ondřej Slavík, a specialist in fish behavior from the Czech University of Life Sciences. “The fish often exhibit signs of extreme stress, such as poor respiration, necrosis, and erratic swimming.” Slavík also pointed out that transporting carp in...
The Christmas Markets on Old Town Square opened last week. Here’s what you can expect to pay for your favorite holiday treats this year. On Saturday, the lighting ceremony of the Old Town Square Christmas tree officially kicked off Prague’s most popular Advent event. The Christmas markets, which will run until January 6, are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Rising Prices for Festive Treats A small mulled wine (0.2 L) or a classic trdelník will cost you 100 CZK each. A Pilsner beer (0.4 L) is priced at 80 CZK. Other seasonal specialties have also seen price increases, reflecting broader inflation trends. “We’ve raised prices by 10 to 20 crowns this year, especially for items like beer, mulled wine, and roasted corn. Inflation has made it unavoidable.” Tree ornaments cost between 80 and 150 CZK, while a bunch of mistletoe is priced at 70 CZK. Complete Price List for Food and Drinks Beer: Pilsner (0.4 L) – 80 CZK Soft Drinks: Ralinovka, Cola, or Mattoni (0.4 L) – 70 CZK Hot Drinks: Espresso – 70 CZK, Cappuccino – 90 CZK, Tea – 70 CZK, Hot Chocolate – 90 CZK, Mulled Wine (0.2 L) – 100 CZK, Hot...
The Prague Public Transport Company has secured a preliminary building permit for the construction of a new tram line through the Žižkov Freight Station. The construction is expected to begin next year and finish by the end of 2027. The new tram line will stretch from Olšanská Street to Habrová in Jarov, with six stops planned: Nový Žižkov Nákladová Malešická Nad Kapličkou Habrová Sídliště Jarov The route, nearly two kilometers long, will run along the northern edge of the freight station. The section from Olšanská and Jana Želivského streets will be double-tracked, while the final 500 meters to Jarov will use a single track along the existing railway surface. Future phases aim to extend the line to Malešice. “This line will provide better connectivity for the area and support the redevelopment of Žižkov,” said Pavel Dobeš, Deputy Mayor of Prague 3. Land Acquisition in Progress A critical step in the project is the acquisition of the historic Žižkov Freight Station building and surrounding land. Negotiations are currently underway between the city and the Sekyra Group, which holds pre-emptive rights to the property. At the start of November, Prague announced plans to sign a cooperation agreement with Sekyra Group to secure...
Vladimír Pinta, the legendary saxophonist who became an integral part of Prague’s street music scene, has died at the age of 91. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family. Pinta passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Known for his charisma and skill, his musical career spanned an impressive 70 years. A public farewell will take place on December 4 at 1:00 PM in the Church of St. Nicholas, located on Old Town Square, where Pinta spent the last two decades of his life enchanting passersby with his saxophone. For 30 years, Pinta worked as a teacher in an educational institution, striving to inspire young people toward better lives. Despite his professional commitments, music remained his true passion. Over the decades, he performed with various bands and collaborated with well-known names in the Czech music scene, such as Olina Svobodová, alongside his early partnerships with Karel Gott and Karel Hála. His talent extended beyond the Czech Republic, with performances abroad and a portfolio of jazz and swing albums that captured the hearts of listeners everywhere. Choosing the Streets Over Fame While many of his peers pursued fame in prestigious venues, Pinta embraced life as a street musician....
Czech billionaire Michal Strnad, owner of the industrial group Czechoslovak Group, has purchased the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Prague. The property was acquired from the American investment firm Northwood Investors for a reported 4.7 billion crowns, according to the Newstream portal. Renáta Kellnerová, the wealthiest Czech woman and owner of the PPF Group, had also expressed interest in buying the hotel. However, negotiations with Northwood Investors did not result in an agreement. The Four Seasons Hotel Prague first opened its doors in 2001. At the time, it was the first branch of the renowned luxury chain in Central and Eastern Europe. The hotel has since become a favored destination for high-profile visitors, hosting celebrities like Madonna and the Rolling Stones, as well as Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former U.S. President Barack Obama. Northwood Investors had owned the hotel since 2014, marking it as one of the most prominent assets in Prague’s luxury hospitality sector. Frederic Le Fichoux, head of European hotel transactions at Cushman & Wakefield, revealed that the sale of the Hilton Hotel in Prague is also anticipated. In addition, two other five-star properties—Andaz Prague by Hyatt and the Marriott Hotel Prague—are reportedly seeking new investors, according to...
Police in Prague arrested a man who allegedly threatened to carry out a shooting at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University on Friday afternoon. The incident sparked a major police operation in the city center, with officers securing the area and launching an urgent search for the suspect, who initially fled the scene. According to Jan Daněk, a police spokesperson, the man entered the Faculty of Arts building on Jan Palach Square and displayed alarming behavior, making threats about shooting in the premises. “We are actively searching for a man who exhibited abnormal behavior and spoke of shooting,” Daněk informed Novinky shortly after 3:00 p.m. Following the threat, the suspect left the area, prompting an intensive search operation involving dozens of officers in Prague’s historic center. Police efforts led to the suspect being detained within half an hour of the initial report. The individual was reportedly apprehended shortly before 3:30 p.m. Further details about the man, including his identity or potential motives, have not yet been disclosed. V centru Prahy aktuálně pátráme po muži, který přišel do budovy Filosofické fakulty UK na náměstí Jana Palacha, choval se nestandardně a mluvil o střelbě. Na místě jsou desítky policistů a...
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