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New Academies, Communications Strategy and...

UN Tourism continues to deliver on its Agenda for Africa, bringing the region’s Members together around a focus on investments, multilateral cooperation, and education. The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa took...

Veronika Tuckerová: Dissidents like Havel...

Veronika Tuckerová has been teaching Czech Studies at Harvard University for the past decade. But she has also done extensive research into the Prague German-language author Franz Kafka. Indeed, the academic is currently preparing a book...

Government agrees on Síkela as new Czech EU...

The Czech government has decided that the country’s candidate for the next European Commission will be the current minister of industry and trade, Jozef Síkela. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening...

Sausages

Czech sausages come in a huge variety of different types. Every region, town, village, and sometimes even family has its own! Find out more about “klobásy” and “taliány” in the next episode of our video series Czech food classics! See more here...

Slalom canoeist Jiří Prskavec eyes Olympic...

Canoeist Jiří Prskavec is one of Czechia’s brightest medal hopes going into the Olympic Games in Paris. The kayak single specialist is current Olympic titleholder, a multiple world and European champion – and Czech number one in a sport in...

Night ban on cars in part of Prague’s...

A ban on cars and taxis at night in part of Prague’s Old Town district will come into force on Wednesday or Thursday, Prague 1 city councillor Vojtěch Ryvola told the Czech News Agency. The measure aims to reduce noise at night in the...

New look for New Stage: “Ice cube” building...

The ice cube-like New Stage of the National Theatre in Prague is to undergo major renovations, its operators announced on Tuesday. An adjacent building will also get an overhaul, and more use will be made of the small plaza linking the complex...

“It’s like familiar music in my brain.”...

As every year, dozens of students from all over the world arrived in Czechia to take part in this year’s edition of the annual Summer Czech Course for Expats organised by Charles University’s Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies...

Mini Eiffel Tower made of recycled ocean...

A mini Eiffel Tower made entirely out of recycled ocean waste has been erected near Lake Most in north Bohemia. The replica will be one of the centrepieces of the Olympic Festival, organised by the Czech Olympic Committee, taking place on the...

“The best validation is a packed venue”:...

Maybe you’ve heard of Lenny because she’s the daughter of legendary Czech singer Lenka Filipová. But as we learned from the conversation you’re about to listen to, Lenny is a force of nature in her own right, taking popular Czech music by storm...

The 33rd International Music Festival Český...

The second week of the Krumlov Festival brought experiences full of emotions in the spirit of the motto “Creating and inspiring muses” with an emphasis on original Czech work. At the same time, the 33rd edition respects the fact...

Judoka Lukáš Krpálek hopes for third title...

Lukáš Krpálek, the current Olympic heavyweight judo champion since his victory in Tokyo in 2021, will be competing at the Olympic Games once again in a few days’ time. Aware of the high expectations surrounding him, the most successful judoka...

International leaders for Globsec conference...

The heads of state of Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, Latvia, Montenegro and Serbia will attend the Globsec security conference due to take place in Prague at the end of August and the beginning of September, the organisers announced on Wednesday...

Addressing Gender Hate Speech: International...

23 July 2024 The partners of the groundbreaking ScrollOff project, of which the Business & Professional Women CR are proudly part of, have announced the completion of their research phase and are now gearing up to prepare a comprehensive...

July 20, 1874: demolition of Prague...

Prague’s fortification walls served as security barriers since the Middle Ages. Today, they are a testimony to the historical importance of the city. The fortifications of Prague have evolved over the centuries, from early wooden and clay...

Czechast: Czech Roads and Trails, History...

Walking on historical roads and trails is a great way to discover the past and present of Czechia. I’ve embarked on a long-term journey of walking the historic roads of Czechia. See more here. Author: Vít Pohanka

Crown jewels to be exhibited every year

President Petr Pavel has decided to display the Bohemian crown jewels every year on the occasion of Czech Statehood Day, which is celebrated on the Day of St Wenceslas, the nation’s patron saint, and falls on September 28. This year, the jewels...

Bohemian village hosts annual tractor games

The Czech enthusiasm for all kinds of crazy races was in evidence at the weekend when the traditional tractor games – also featuring milling machines – were held in the West Bohemian village of Žebnice. Pictured are factory- and home-made...

The Second Pangolin Baby in Europe

It is known all over the world that since July 1 we have the second baby of Chinese pangolin in Prague Zoo; its photos have been published in media from the United States to India to Japan. But this is how it started – and I happened to be...

Beach volleyball world champions Schweiner...

Beach volleyball world champions David Schweiner and Ondřej Perušič will be among the first Czechs to compete at the imminent Olympic Games in Paris. Three years after their Covid-related disappointment in Tokyo, the Czechs are hoping to bring...

The Affordable Housing program got the green...

It will be possible to use money from the Affordable Housing subsidy-loan program for the construction of an apartment building, building modifications or the purchase of a new apartment, which will contribute to solving the current housing...

Animals at Prague zoo keeping cool in...

Like most of Europe, Czechia has seen some extremely hot weather over the past weeks. It is not just people who suffer during heatwaves – zoo animals do too. I talked with Prague Zoo’s spokesperson Filip Mašek to find out just how the animals...

The Arab Republic of Egypt celebrates the...

On the occasion of the 72nd year of the Anniversary of the Revolution and the 102nd year of diplomatic relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi hosts a reception at the Embassy’s...

WEEKEND OF INSECT CARNIVALS AT THE PRAGUE ZOO

This weekend, the Prague Zoo will be filled with fresh insect specialties. The menu, served on the terrace of the Education Center near the main entrance, will include locusts in banana batter, crickets in garlic or skewers of several types of...

A Baby Girl GIRAFFE WAS BORN IN THE PRAGUE...

The little female was born at the beginning of the month. Until now she was with her mother in the back of the African House due to the insufficiently stable position of her left thoracic limb, which manifested itself soon after birth. Now the...

Interest in wine regions in the Czech...

This fact is also confirmed by the fact that the prestigious wine tourism conference IWINETC 2025 will take place in the country next year Wine tourism in the Czech Republic is undergoing dynamic development and is becoming an important part of...

The voting for the 3rd year of the...

Until August 16, 2024, people can vote for their favorite from the list of finalists, which was created based on nominations by tourism experts. The prestigious award is announced by the CzechTourism agency. The “Heroes of Tourism”...

Ukrainian journalist Sevgil Musaieva: “Czech...

Sevgil Musaieva, a journalist from Crimea, Ukraine, is the editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda and among the initiators of the creation of the KrymSOS web portal. Ms. Musaieva was in Prague to speak this week at the conference Borders of...

Prague and Kyiv unveil plans to step up...

The Czech and Ukrainian governments on Monday signed a number of bilateral agreements opening the way for closer cooperation in arms production and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the two...

“He won the hearts of many in Plzeň”: US...

The American war veteran George Thompson, who helped liberate Plzeň in May 1945 with the 16th Armored Division, has died at the age of 99. He was the last of the surviving American veterans who liberated the city and returned repeatedly for the...

“For girls, tennis is number one”: How...

Barbora Krejčíková lifted the women’s singles title at tennis’s Wimbledon on Saturday – a year after her compatriot Markéta Vondroušová had also become a first-time champion at the All England Club. Just how is Czechia producing so many world...

Dreams focus of this year’s Summer...

The annual Summer Festivities of Early Music kick off in Prague on Tuesday evening with a special concert at Prague’s Emmaus Monastery. The performance, featuring rare instruments and music from medieval manuscripts, will bring to life an...

Large-scale murals unveiled at Prague’s...

Two large-scale murals have been officially unveiled on the platform of Prague’s Florenc metro station. The artworks, created by Matěj Olmer and Michal Škapa, are part of Prague City Gallery’s project called C Line 50, celebrating five decades...

Christian Democrat MP accuses British...

Christian Democrat MP and head of the European Affairs Committee Ondřej Benešík has accused the British ambassador to Czechia, Matt Field, of describing Czechia and Czechs as being intolerant. In an interview with the Czech daily Deník N...

Merry-go-round brings joy to Praguers for...

For 130 years a unique carousel, the oldest of its kind not only in Czechia but perhaps in the whole of Europe, has stood on the edge of Prague’s Letenské Sady. It had previously been located in Vinohrady, but only for a couple of years. The...

My Homeland – symphonic poem to Czech...

The seventh part of our video series on Czech Music Greats is devoted to the cycle of symphonic poems My Homeland by Bedřich Smetana, one of the greatest musical manifestations of the National Revival. It was composed between 1874 and 1879 and...

End of an era: esteemed national newspaper...

One of Czechia’s cornerstone national newspapers is set to scrap its print edition after the summer. Up until now, Lidové Noviny was the oldest Czech daily still in print. But from September onwards, it will only be available online. The...

Exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic...

Czech archaeologists have discovered a Neolithic settlement near the central Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Built approximately 7,000 years ago, it has been exceptionally well-preserved, including the floor plans of four long houses. I discussed...

Karlovy Vary: magnificent spa town...

Karlovy Vary is the largest and most visited spa town in Czechia. Together with Františkovy and Mariánské Lázně, it forms a so-called West Bohemian Spa triangle, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as part of the Great...

Jazz meets electro on joint album by Tomáš...

Jazz pianist and composer Tomáš Sýkora and his trio have teamed up with electronica artist Aid Kid to produce Alchemy, a dynamic and highly original fusion of jazz and electronic music. You can listen to it in this edition of Sunday Music Show...

Prague hosts street theatre festival Behind...

A parade of large puppets from Marianske Square to Old Town Square was one of the highlights of the Behind the Door street theatre festival held in Prague last week. The festival offers the best of Czech and international street theatre. See...

Czechast with President Petr Pavel and...

Your first thought will probably be: what a strange combination of guests. But bear with me. As I am recording this episode, a NATO summit is in full swing in faraway Washington, DC, and Czechia is, quite naturally, represented by its...

Czech desserts and sweet pastries

Czechs have a sweet tooth, and you can find these typical pastries and desserts in every Czech patisserie. Find out what rakvičky (little coffins), větrníčky (little windmills), and věnečky (small wreaths) are in the next episode of our video...

Prague in top 10 destinations for conferences

Prague is in the top 10 most desirable congress and conference destinations globally according to the International Congress Association (ICCA). In 2023, nearly 5,000 professional events were held in Prague, attracting almost 700,000 attendees...

New Blade Runner TV miniseries begins...

Blade Runner 2099, the upcoming Amazon Prime Video television sequel to the 1982 and 2017 films of the same franchise, has started shooting in Prague. US actress Hunter Schafer and Malaysian Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh are among the big names...

Sergio Almeida – the cyclists’ rights...

Cycling enthusiast Sergio Almeida has come to public attention in Prague for his clashes with the authorities, both online and on the streets. The Portuguese man, who is 45, criticizes the city’s cycling lanes and aggressive drivers on social...

THE BABY PANGOLIN IS A FEMALE. HER NAME WILL...

Only the second baby pangolin in Europe, which was born last week at the Prague Zoo, is a female. The findings of the Prague breeders were also confirmed by experts from Taiwan's Taipei Zoo based on the photos sent. Readers of the iDNES.cz...

Members of Slánský family rehabilitated...

Seventy years after the execution of Rudolf Slánský, a prominent Communist Party member convicted in an infamous 1952 show trial, a court in Prague has rehabilitated his wife and son in memoriam. The court found that they had been illegally...

First Czech satellite with hyperspectral...

The Czech satellite Troll can see chlorophyll in plants, pollution in rivers and nutrients in the soil from space. Only the third of its kind anywhere in the world, the Czech-made satellite should be put into orbit this October by Elon Musk’s...

A re-enactment of the siege of Bezděz Castle

A re-enactment of the siege of Bezděz Castle by Sigismund of Hungary, who arrived in summer of 1402 with his army in an attempt to besiege the castle, took place at the weekend. Visitors were treated to historical fencing, period weapons in...

Pavel Nedvěd: One of only two Czechs named...

Renowned Czech footballer Pavel Nedvěd, from Cheb in the Karlovy Vary region, known as the “Czech Cannon” and “Czech Master,” gained widespread recognition for his standout performances while playing for the Italian club Juventus Turin and for...

Jakub, Eliška… Kevin: App spotlights first...

What are the most common Czech first names of the last century and when have they enjoyed greatest popularity? And in recent decades what names have been inspired by Western pop culture? This information can be gleaned from an online app...

Metallica shares Czech dulcimer band’s...

This time, the Muse on the Water music festival in České Budějovice will be accompanied by the dulcimer music of Milan Brouček. A native of West Bohemia, Mr. Brouček fell in love with the dulcimer as a child during a visit to Slovakia. Despite...

Leoš Janáček and his greatest work –...

July 3rd marked 170 years since the birth of Leoš Janáček – a classical music composer with a distinctly Czech style. Born on July 3, 1854 in the small town of Hukvaldy in Moravia, Leoš Janáček showed exceptional musical talent from an...

“It feels absolutely amazing”: UK film is...

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has been won for the first time by a documentary: A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things. Among the other works honoured at Saturday’s closing ceremony was Waves, which is centred on events at...

Czechs celebrate legacy of reformer priest...

July 6th is a public holiday in the Czech Republic marking the 609th anniversary of the burning at stake of reformer priest Jan Hus. Masses are celebrated around the country, among others in Jan Hus’ birthplace Husinec and at Bethlehem Chapel...

Hantec enthusiasts seek to make the Brno...

The promoters of hantec, a unique Czech language variety, spoken by the lower classes of Brno during the 19th and early 20th centuries, would like get it inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List. They are hoping that this might...

A public call for Czech artists to...

Czech Centers and the Office of the Commissioner General announce an open call for artists and projects to participate in the cultural program of the Czech National Pavilion at the World Exhibition EXPO 2025. Projects selected by an expert jury...

Ancient Egyptian scribes faced similar risks...

The work of ancient Egyptian scribes left specific traces on their skeletons, suggests a new study by Czech scientists. It shows that certain degenerative changes to the spine and joints were much more common in scribes than in other men. Men...

Czechs celebrate legacy of Saints Cyril and...

July 5th is a public holiday in the Czech Republic honouring the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius who came to Great Moravia in 863 to spread the Christian faith and lay the foundations of literacy with the Glagolitic alphabet. Thousands of...

Boating on the headstream of the Vltava...

The first zone of Šumava National Park is an off-limits area dedicated to flora and fauna protection. But while hikers are not allowed to enter the primeval forests, boaters may admire its beauty from the Teplá Vltava, or “warm Vltava“ a...

Czechia’s world-famous beer

We can’t talk about Czech gastronomy without mentioning beer! With its bitterness, rich colour, intense hoppy flavour, and an over 1000-year-long history, Czech lager is commonly regarded as one of the best in the world. Find out how it’s made...

Expert: Babiš will be seen as pro-Russian...

ANO leader Andrej Babiš recently founded a new group at the European Parliament with Viktor Orban. Regarded as a far-right bloc, Patriots for Europe also now includes the likes of Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders – and this week was accused of...

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta...

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová attended a meeting of the leading representatives of the parliaments of NATO countries in Washington, D.C. In her contribution, she appealed for more intensive support for the...

6 July 2019: Kladruby Imperial Stud Farm...

In 1563, the Holy Roman Emperor Maxmillian II of Habsburg founded a stud farm in Kladruby nad Labem which his successor, Emperor Rudolph II of Habsburg, granted a charter in 1579, elevating it to the status of Imperial Court Stud Farm. The stud...

Pangolin in a garden shop

When a pangolin escaped from Prague Zoo in the 1950s, it was reportedly killed by security guards of a government villa and subsequently declared to be an “infected crocodile”. At least that is how the story goes. Unfortunately, I don’t know...

Could a 4-day workweek be the norm in...

Research shows that a four-day workweek can significantly reduce stress, illness, and burnout in the workforce. An overwhelming percentage of companies that choose to adopt the shorter workweek stick with it due to its success. But when could...

All-Sokol Slet feels like “one giant family”...

Thousands of people have flocked to Prague this week for the 17th All-Sokol Slet, a gathering of Sokol branches from all over the world which takes place in the Czech capital every six years. The almost week-long event culminates on Thursday...

Slavkov comes alive with First Republic...

The vintage car jamboree in Slavkov near Brno annually attracts thousands of vintage car lovers. On show this weekend were veteran cars, motorbikes, tractors and bicycles. Pictured here is a vintage unicycle. Source: ČTK

Pundit on new alliance in EP: Babiš is no...

Andrej Babiš’ ANO party, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party and Austria’s FPÖ have announced the formation of a joint alliance in the European Parliament called “Patriots of Europe”. How much do they have in common and how much...

Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025 set to be...

The Czech pavilion for EXPO Osaka 2025, designed by Apropos Architects, will be the tallest wooden structure without steel support in Japan. What is the motivation behind the project and what challenges will the structure present? The 12-meter...

Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra embarks on...

The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra with their chief conductor Petr Popelka has left on a two-week tour of Japan. They are set to perform six concerts in five cities across the country, starting in Osaka on Saturday. Ahead of their departure, I...

Rare mushroom, previously thought to only...

A Czech amateur mycologist has discovered a unique truffle-like mushroom in South Moravia. It was identified by experts as Sedecula pulvinata, a rare and protected species previously thought to grow only in the west of the United States...

Viggo Mortensen Western to launch Karlovy...

The 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival gets underway on Friday in the west Bohemian spa town. Among the biggest stars to attend this year’s edition of the region’s biggest film event will be Hollywood actors Viggo Mortensen and Clive...

Landscape Festival shows visitors potential...

The Landscape Festival Prague 2024 is a three-month multidisciplinary platform that aims to transform the urban landscape for the summer season into a place for discussion about the potential uses of public space. Through temporary...

Explore the Karlovy Vary Region from the...

Join us on a trip to the Karlovy Vary Region – famed for its hot mineral springs, spa treatments and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which every year draws movie stars from Hollywood and beyond. Our drone video will guide...

New museum exhibition in Nelahozeves...

A new museum exhibition in Nelahozeves connects renowned composer Antonín Dvořák’s music with the spirit of his birthplace. The exhibition emphasizes sound and music, with visitors accessing the experience through special audio guides that...

June 1914: Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg dies...

Some 110 years ago, on 28 June 1914, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo. His wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg was killed alongside him. Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg was the daughter of Countess Wilhelmine Kinsky von Wchinitz und...

Czechast with Dušan Neumann

Dušan Neumann has a great story to share. Coming to New York in 1980 was definitely NOT like coming to the promised land. In 1980, New York was a city with mostly dysfunctional public services, a high crime rate, and corruption. See more here...

Film critic on why ‘Waves’ received several...

Jiří Mádl’s new film Vlny (Waves) premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Monday night to a several-minute standing ovation. The film, set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring and the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of...

Conductor Rafael Kubelík born 110 years ago

Today’s edition of Sunday Music Show is dedicated to Rafael Kubelík, one of the country’s most renowned 20th century conductors and composers, who was born 110 years ago. To mark the occasion we will be listening to excerpts from Bedřich...

Czechia’s delicious sourdough bread

Sourdough bread is a Czech staple that you will not find anywhere else in the world. An indelible part of the Czech cuisine, sourdough bread is something that most Czechs eat daily and that Czechs living abroad take home with them when they...

Baggage crisis at Prague’s Václav Havel...

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has been struggling to deal with a baggage-handling crisis that has affected thousands of passengers on both incoming and outgoing flights. The airports’ handling company is taking measures to correct the situation...

Prague zoo present – POISONOUS BEAUTY...

More than 30 species of woodpeckers in one place will be presented to the visitors of the Prague Zoo from, July 6. At 1 p.m. The opening ceremony of the Arrow Frogs exhibition will take place in the Gočárovy Domy Gallery. The thematic program...

Education and diversification are recognized...

Diversifying tourism across Asia and the Pacific, alongside promoting more and better education, will be key to building a more resilient and sustainable sector. According to UN Tourism’s data, the sector is experiencing a rapid recovery in...

Construction management in the Czech...

On the first of July, the Ministry of Regional Development launched the builder's portal for the public and the construction management information system for officials. Both connected systems are part of digital construction management, which...

The first containers with wood for the Czech...

The first containers with the wooden structure of the Czech national pavilion for EXPO 2025 in Osaka ceremoniously left Zveřovice in Novojičínsko in the Moravian-Silesian region. These are the supporting columns of the pavilion, which will be...

The Giants’ Gate at Prague Castle will...

The Giant’s Gate bordering Prague Castle from Hradčanské náměstí will be closed for several weeks from Monday 8th July 2024. The reason is the replacement of the safety posts. The reopening of the gate is scheduled for the last week of...

The 248th Anniversary of the Independence of...

On the occasion of the 248th Anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Bijan Sabet the Ambassador of the United States of America in the Czech Republic and his spouse Ms. Lauren Sabet organized a garden reception...

Czech Republic is welcoming H.E Mr. Javier...

The official visit of the President of Argentina H.E Mr. Javier Gerardo Milei, to the Czech Republic contributed significantly to the development of the bilateral political dialogue and the boost of cooperation in many other spheres. President...

Jan Dismas Zelenka – a worthy...

Baroque music was very different across European countries. What most European influences agreed on within Baroque music, however, was polyphony – the simultaneous conducting of voices which have their own rhythm and melody, yet go together...

Government unveils plans to send Czech...

The Czech government has announced that after nearly half a century, the country is ready to send another astronaut to space. The man preparing for the mission, which is expected to take place in five years’ time, is Czech fighter pilot Aleš...

Joan Sedlacek, dedicated chronicler of US...

Members of Sokol, a Czech physical fitness organisation with branches the world over, are descending on Prague for the 17th All Sokol Slet, or jamboree, due to start on Sunday. Among the 20,000 enthusiasts due to attend is Joan Sedlacek, a...

Famous Czech sculptor working on new statue...

Sculptor Petr Váňa has left his mark around Czechia. He made the replica of the 1650 Marian Column on Prague’s Old Town Square and has created dozens of sculptures for Czech churches, village squares and hilltops. He even has a statue...

Jaroslav Rudiš: Everything is connected in...

After decades as one of Czechia’s best-known authors, Jaroslav Rudiš is about to see the first ever publication of one of his novels in English. However, Winterberg’s Last Journey was actually written in German, rather than Czech, reflecting...

MOBI WILL BE HALF A YEAR. THE LITTLE GORILLA...

Female gorilla Mobi, born in January at the Prague Zoo, is the current star of the Reserve Dja pavilion. She is learning to walk and hang on a rope, while her mother Duni allows her to go on increasingly daring expeditions around the area.