AuthorMartin Hladík

Photo: Tomáš Adamec, Czech Radio

Commemorating exactly fourteen years since the death of former president Václav Havel, candles and flowers are laid in remembrance – not only of a president, but also of an artist, playwright, dissident, and public figure. Havel has come to symbolise the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia in 1989, in which he played a key role. Yet, political analyst Jiří Pehe, who served as Havel’s advisor and knew him well, argues that his legacy goes far beyond this and is increasingly important today.

“I think that what comes to mind today is his legacy, because he fought for a lot of things which are currently endangered, human rights, human dignity, global responsibility.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

Precisely ten years ago, the Paris Agreement was adopted by a record 195 parties – a moment of relief and euphoria for Stéphane Crouzat, who was among the architects of the landmark deal and is now France’s ambassador to Czechia. What does he make of Czechia’s stance on climate change ten years on from the Agreement?

In 2015, at COP21 in Paris, the Paris Agreement was adopted as a legally binding pact.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan, Jan Kaliba

Illustrative photo: geralt, Pixabay, Pixabay License

In 2025, Czechia ranked as the world’s sixth-best performing economy, according to The Economist. But did it really perform that well? In my interview with Vladimir Vano, Chief Economist at Wealth Effect Management, I asked him what factors contributed to The Economist’s favorable ranking of the Czech economy, how artificial intelligence might affect the country, and much more.

Czechia ranked as the world’s sixth-best performing economy this year.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo illustrative: Profimedia

The debate over mobile phones in Czech schools has moved from the margins to the mainstream. One of the voices shaping this discussion is lawyer Jan Vobořil, who supports the parental initiative “Cell-less Childhood” (Dětství bez mobilu) and argues that banning phones at school is both realistic and beneficial.

The initiative does not call for rejecting technology outright.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jaroslav Svoboda, ČTK

A magical evening took place at the pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená Hora in Žďár nad Sázavou. Dozens of worshippers honoured St. Lucy’s feast with songs and prayers, celebrating her name, which comes from the Latin word for “light.”

See more here.

Illustrative photo: Sharon Drummond, Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

New data on alcohol addiction treatment reveal stark regional differences. Most Czechs undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction come from eastern, northern, and central Moravia. The districts of Vsetín, Zlín, Jeseník, Kroměříž, and Přerov are particularly critical, with more than 300 people undergoing treatment per 100,000 inhabitants.

Alcohol addiction treatment in Czechia is unevenly distributed, with the eastern part of the country bearing the heaviest burden.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Ludmila Opltová, Czech Radio

Fragments of some of Brno’s best-known buildings are about to travel hundreds of kilometres to Britain. They’re headed for a Liverpool cemetery, where they will become part of a new memorial to Ernst Wiesner, a leading architect of interwar Brno.

The Villa Stiassni, the Villa Neumark, the headquarters of Czech Radio Brno, and the Morava Palace are all landmark buildings of interwar Brno — and all were designed by architect Ernst Wiesner.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Tomáš Kremr

Photo: Ondřej Tomšů, Radio Prague International

The statue of 82 children in Lidice, which commemorates the destruction of the Central Bohemian village by the Nazis in 1942, is set to undergo a major restoration in the next five years. The Lidice Memorial has now presented what the renovation will involve and how the work will be carried out.

The memorial, dedicated to the 82 children murdered by the Nazis in the summer of 1942, is the work of academic sculptor Marie Uchytilová.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Slavík, National Gallery Prague

Thirty years ago, on 13 December 1995, Veletržní Palace reopened after a long reconstruction. The National Gallery thus gained a representative home for its collection of modern and contemporary art, spread across 13,500 square meters. The opening was seen as a symbolic step — after decades of cultural isolation, Prague once again aligned itself with European modernism.

The reconstruction itself, which cost one billion crowns and took nearly ten years, was a major story in its own right.

See more here.

Photo: che, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5

In this episode of the Sunday Music Show, we’ll be presenting music from the rock group, Čechomor, A group of ex-rock musicians who’ve revitalized traditional Czech music.

Czechomoravian Music Society, better known simply as Čechomor, originally a group of rock musicians, is a Czech band known for revitalizing traditional Czech and Moravian folk music by blending it with modern styles.

See more here.

Photo: Klára Škodová, Czech Radio

For Prague Off the Beaten Track, Masarykovo nádraží, known as Masaryčka, is one of those places that feels both central and strangely overlooked. Opened in 1845, it is Prague’s oldest railway station and a rare example of a historic terminal still in everyday use. Named after the first Czechoslovak president, it quietly connects the city’s 19th-century beginnings with its 21st-century transformation.

Masarykovo nádraží may not be the largest station in Prague, but it is certainly the oldest.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

In the Winter issue of the Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, ( next week it will be online), we will feature a travel article about Rwanda.

Until then, in every newsletter, we will publish a promo for it.

The big adventure – the Zip Line Tour.

After a safety training, you get a helmet and harness. 1,850 meters across three scenic sections await you. You soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the forest’s rolling hills and the jungle. Václav had the courage to do it – I preferred to walk all the way down to the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor. This was definitely an unforgettable experience.

Watch the Video.

The Vietnamese Heritage Club “Ao Dai” in the Czech Republic celebrate his first year of activity in a glamorous event, which took place at the Hoang Thanh Convention Center, Sapa, Prague

Opening remarks by Mrs. Nguyen Tuyet Hanh, Chairwoman of the Heritage Club for Ao Dai in the Czech Republic

Welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Czech Republic (followed by an award certificate presentation to the Club)

Congratulatory remarks by Mr. Hoang Dinh Thang, President of the Confederation for the Overseas Vietnamese in Europe, and at the Czech Republic.

Congratulatory remarks by HE Mrs. Petra Quittova, ( STAN)  Mayor of the Černovice – Brno City District

Congratulatory remarks by Guest of Honor  Mr. Daniel Blažkovec, Deputy Minister of Defence

A rich culture program, including live show of various Ao Dai styles and Club’s birthday ceremony.

Watch the Video of highlights from this magnificent event.

Rutland & Partners established in 2010 by Monika Rutland, is also a part of Andersen Global, an international network providing best in class tax and legal services around the world.

Photo: Václav Šálek, ČTK

On Saturday, Czech scouts lit lanterns with the Bethlehem Light in Linz, Austria, and brought it to Brno by train that evening. The flame, taken from the so-called eternal fire that travels annually from Bethlehem around the world, will be available to the public from December 13.

Shortly after 8 p.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

The Christmas market on Old Town Square is rated by the world media as one of the most beautiful in the world. Every year it attracts some 750,000 visitors from at home and abroad. So what makes this Christmas market so special and what is in store for visitors this year?

Prague’s Old Town Square, with its Gothic and Baroque architecture and its famous astronomical clock, attracts hordes of visitors all year round.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Online communication with authorities should be accessible to everyone by law, but in practice, this is often not the case, as Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, the government’s human rights commissioner, points out. She explains that people with visual or hearing impairments face various obstacles when using government websites and applications.

A data box or a request for a criminal record extract via the Citizen Portal is, for most people, an everyday convenience that makes life easier.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Behind the doors of a small workshop in Velvary, near Prague, simple ingredients are transformed into soft, delicious gingerbread. Gingerbread maker Kateřina develops her own recipes and shows that gingerbread can be more than just a Christmas classic. She seeks a balance between tradition and new flavours, and encourages everyone to create their own spice blend. Step inside her workshop with us and discover how to make the best gingerbread, and how modern gingerbread desserts are being reimagined.

See more here.

Photo: Mikuláš Vochozka, Czech Radio

A digital replica of Prague’s famed astronomical clock is now on display in the Knights’ Hall of the Old Town Hall. Thanks to the virtual model, visitors can gain a clearer understanding of how the world’s oldest functioning mechanism actually works.

Every full hour, the astronomical clock – the Orloj – draws crowds who gather to watch it come to life.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Vojta Berka, a Czech artist and illustrator, recently took a trip to the United States and saw it all — from the skyscrapers of New York City, to the vast countryside of Utah. Along the way, he filled his notebook with sketches of American cities, landscapes, and animals, capturing the North American continent from a European perspective.

Now, Vojta’s drawings are on display in the Ink Trail exhibition at the American Center in Prague, from Wednesday until January 23.

See more here.

Photo: Profimedia

Arnošt Lustig, one of the great figures of Czech literature, would have turned 100 next year. On the occasion, FestivAL100 will celebrate his enduring legacy. His powerful message of humanity, even in the darkest of times, resonates to this day, attracting readers both at home and abroad.

As a child, Arnošt Lustig survived Auschwitz, and the horrors he witnessed during the Holocaust profoundly shaped his writing.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Michal Sladký, Czech Radio

The Czech Republic has dozens of castles and chateaux whose history is well documented and whose interiors are open to visitors. However, some castle ruins have yet to reveal their secrets and modern technology is helping to uncover what lies buried deep underground.

Around twenty volunteers are busy cleaning up the surroundings of the Střílky Castle ruins in the Kroměříž region.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK

Keep getting lost in Prague’s city centre? Residents and visitors can now find their way more easily thanks to “Prague Walker”, a new pedestrian signage system that shows that sometimes walking really is the quickest way to get around.

The new signage system will gradually replace the brown signs attached to lampposts and poles across the city, familiar to most residents.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

The Czech Nightingale Awards, Český slavík, are the country’s annual popularity poll for singers and bands, decided entirely by public vote. This year, Ewa Farna triumphed among female singers for the third consecutive year, also claiming the overall top spot. Other familiar names also reinforced current trends in Czech music, with rock band Kabát winning the group category for the 15th time, defending last year’s title, and rapper Calin (Călin Panfili) claiming the hip-hop/rap award for the third year running. One surprise was Václav Noid Bárta, who won the male singer category for the first time. Bárta is also known as a composer, producer, songwriter, actor, and frontman of the metal band Dymytry. The Objev roku (Discovery of the Year) award, reserved for emerging talent, went to Czech-Vietnamese rapper, singer, and songwriter Renne Dang. His 2024 album Problémy v ráji blends pop, rap, and punk-rock.

See more here.

Photo: Oční klinika Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc

In December 1905, Austrian ophthalmologist Eduard Konrad Zirm performed in Olomouc the first successful corneal transplant in the world. Czech medicine thus became a pioneer in a field that continues to develop even in the modern era – for example thanks to unique methods used in Ostrava.

At the beginning of the 20th century, blindness caused by corneal damage was practically untreatable.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Czechs embrace the Christmas season with enthusiasm, but long-term statistics show that church attendance in Czechia is among the lowest in Europe. In this episode of Czechast, we explore why these two realities coexist — and where the roots of this paradox lie. Religion editor Adam Šindelář offers historical context and insight into Czech attitudes toward faith, tradition and spirituality.

As Advent lights appear across the country and Christmas approaches, Czech towns and cities fill with markets, music and familiar traditions.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: BoysPlayNice, Prague City Museum

After five years of renovation, the main building of the Museum of Prague at Florenc is reopening to the public. Visitors will find a completely new digital and interactive exhibition called City Through Time, based on the museum’s most valuable piece, the Langweil Model of Prague. Radio Prague International spoke with the museum’s director, Ivo Macek:

We’re standing in the renovated main building of the Museum of Prague, which now houses a new permanent exhibition that is both interactive and digital.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Dáša Kubíková, Czech Radio

The UNESCO committee has added amateur theater in Czechia to its list of intangible cultural heritage, the Czech Ministry of Culture announced on Wednesday. This is the tenth item that Czechia has on the list.

Since Tuesday, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been meeting in Delhi to consider new entries for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

On the occasion of the National Day of Romania, The Ambassador of Romania in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Antoaneta Barta, and Mr. Bogdan Barta hosted a reception at Prague – Kaiserštejnský Palác.

In the Winter issue of the Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, we will feature a travel article about Rwanda.

Until then, in every newsletter, we will publish a promo for it.

Lake Kivu is the biggest lake in Rwanda, with many islands in the middle. We took a sunrise boat excursion on this beautiful lake.

Watch the Video of Lake Kivu

On the occasion of the 113rd Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Ilir TEPELENA – the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Marsela Tepelena, hosted a reception at the Oriental Mandarin Hotel in Prague.

Mr. Radek Pech, the Chief Director of the European Section at the ministry of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Ilir TEPELENA – the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Radek Pech, the Chief Director of the European Section at the ministry of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

It’s become a great tradition, to support Ukrainian youth by the Korean Embassy in Prague, at their beautiful hall of events.

The concert starts with a Christmas Song performed by H.E. Mr. Youngki HONG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus OKOLO, H.E. Mr. Eduardo MENEZ, Ambassador of the Philippines and his spouse,and Ms. Helle Kelstrup – the spouse of the Denmark Ambassador. Ms. Hyojin Kim – The spouse of the Korean Ambassador accompanied them on the piano.

Watch the speech of H.E. Mr. Youngki HONG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea,H.E. Mr. Vasyl ZVARYCH, Ambassador of Ukraine, , and Ms. Yulia Oleinik – Head of UNICEF in the Czech Republic.

At the Rich Culture program appearance: Kroky Dobra ( Ukrainian Choir), Praha Korean Choir, Korean Musicians and Theater group UAkidsSchool, and a Very talented Korean opera singers.

Watch Highlights from the culture performance.

Excellent news reached us from Riyadh on Friday, November 28, 2025: the winner of the Best Cookbook award at the Gourmand Awards International, during the Saudi Feast food festival, was announced. It was the Indonesian cookbook “Indonesia at Home” by Eka Moncarre, founder of La Maison de l’Indonésie in Paris. It is with great pride that La Maison de l’Indonésie Paris announces that this book, published in 2025, has not only won the award for best cookbook, but also two other awards:

1. Best Asian Cookbook (ahead of Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and Vietnam) and
2. Best Bilingual Cookbook (second edition in English and French) (ahead of Bulgaria, Guatemala, Jordan, the United States, and Uzbekistan).

Created by Eka Moncarre, founder of La Maison de l’Indonésie, the cultural, artisanal, and gastronomic showcase of Indonesia in Paris, this book is the first bilingual French-English book dedicated to the culinary and cultural richness of the Indonesian archipelago. A unique book to discover Indonesia at home Indonesia at Home features: an immersion in Indonesian culture, its traditions, and its local products; a selection of the best Indonesian products, some of which are well-known and rare; authentic, simple, and comforting recipes for cooking “just like at home.” This success will undoubtedly contribute to making Indonesian gastronomy even more famous worldwide, as more than 100 countries are participating in the Gourmand Awards International 2025 in Riyadh from November 27 to 30, 2025.

International Recognition

The Gourmand Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the culinary book,” reward the most outstanding works in the world of gastronomy each year. Founded in 1985 by Mr Edouard Cointreau (founder of the Cordon Bleu cooking school), it is a prestigious competition for international cookbooks.

The distinction awarded to Indonesia at home is a major recognition for the international promotion of Indonesian cuisine.

The international network of the Gourmand Awards includes 205 participating countries and is the only international competition for culinary cultural content. Each year, it distinguishes the best books, print and digital, as well as TV shows and social media content devoted to the culinary arts. Participation is free and open to all languages. The Gourmand Awards gathering is always an opportunity to meet the most influential people in the sector: the biggest publishers, authors, chefs and journalists come together to present their work and share their knowledge. This year’s Gourmand Awards ceremony was exceptional, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the competition. Riyadh was chosen to host the Saudi Feast Food Festival.

Mr Abdul Aziz Ahmad, Indonesian Ambassador in Riyadh, and his team were also present as guests of honor to deliver a speech at the prestigious ceremony.

Eka Moncarre, author of the book “Indonesia at Home,” said she was touched and proud to have made Indonesia shine on the international stage and that her efforts to ensure the country’s success are finally being recognized around the world.

Located in Paris, La Maison de l’Indonesia is a unique space dedicated to promoting Indonesian culture, knowhow and gastronomy.

It offers a selection of coffees, teas, artisanal and gourmet products, as well as a regular programme of cultural events, workshops and meetings.

These two international awards certainly demonstrate the importance of gastro-diplomacy for Indonesia and should serve as a starting point for continued improvement and preservation as an Indonesian cultural heritage throughout the world.

Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK

Alfons Mucha’s sculpture “Nature” sold at a major Prague auction for CZK 18.35 million including fees, setting a new domestic record for the artist, according to the European Arts Investments auction house. The bronze bust, created in 1900 and listed as a protected object of Czech cultural heritage, had a starting price of CZK 14.8 million.

The 70-centimeter bust of a woman, made of patinated bronze and malachite, was originally created by the Czech artist for the renowned Parisian jeweller Georges Fouquet.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Josef Vostárek, ČTK

The Renaissance chateau in the east Bohemian town of Pardubice will have a new representative hall with a unique wavy bubble ceiling designed by architect Eva Jiřičná. It consists of 1,100 bubble-shaped pieces made of plaster that will ensure ideal acoustic conditions.

The first bubbles made of plaster are currently being installed on the ceiling of the future representative hall, situated in the northern wing of the Pardubice chateau.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Michaela Říhová, ČTK

The Madonna from Havraň, a rare medieval sculpture of the Virgin Mary, has gone on display in the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia in Prague. The National Gallery acquired the object three years ago, and it has since undergone careful examination and restoration.

The wooden statue is believed to have been carved in the 1360s or 1370s, during the reign of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Lenka Šipošová, Czech Radio

Have you ever wondered where to send your Czech Christmas wishes to? It’s not to Santa Claus at the North Pole, but instead to little Baby Jesus (or Ježíšek) whose “official” Christmas address is the post office in Boží Dar, the highest-located town in Czechia.

The post office in Boží Dar, nestled in the Ore Mountains, not only receives Christmas wishes from children around the world but also stamps holiday greetings and packages with a special Christmas postmark.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Zdeněk Němec, MAFRA / Profimedia

Roráty, the centuries-old Advent dawn Masses, remain one of the most distinctive spiritual traditions in Czech and Central European culture. Celebrated in darkness and by candlelight, they offer a quiet moment of reflection before sunrise. A Catholic priest and a mother from Zlín explain why these early-morning gatherings continue to touch both adults and children.

It is still dark outside when the first lights begin moving through towns and villages across Czechia.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: UNICEF

Bhutan and Czechia are not two countries we would immediately link together. Yet, they share a 20-year history of collaboration, with Bhutan being UNICEF Czechia’s most consistently supported partner. Current aid focuses on 9,000 young Buddhist monks and nuns, ensuring their monastic schools meet all their needs.

Bhutan, a landlocked South Asian country at the foothills of the Himalayas, has a population of around 700,000.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Exactly 220 years ago, on December 2, 1805, one of the most significant battles in European history unfolded near Slavkov. Emperor Napoleon I of France defeated the joint Russian-Austrian army in a brutal clash that claimed around 60,000 lives. Because Napoleon, Russian Tsar Alexander I, and Austrian Emperor Francis all took part in the battle personally, it entered history as the Battle of the Three Emperors — a day that forever reshaped the map of Europe.

See more here.

Author: Anna Kubišta, Barbora Navrátilová

Photo: Štěpán Sedláček, Czech Radio

Czech and US scientists have just launched TerraDrought, the first global system for monitoring drought and forecasting its impacts. To better understand how this tool works, what kinds of data it provides, and who it can help, I spoke with Miroslav Trnka, bioclimatologist and team leader at the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

So first of all, what exactly is TerraDrought? Where can people access it and what kinds of information does it provide?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Shutterstock

In the heart of Olomouc stands the monumental Baroque Holy Trinity Column, a 32-meter landmark consecrated in 1754 in the presence of Empress Maria Theresa. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 for its exceptional authenticity, it is now undergoing extensive restoration set to finish by Christmas 2026. The work has revealed two surprises: an underground chamber beneath the chapel and a time capsule hidden in the topmost sculpture.

The Holy Trinity Column was built over several decades as an expression of deep religious faith and as a symbol of pride for the city of Olomouc.

See more here.

Photo: Centrum DOX

A major retrospective of Eva Švankmajerová — painter, stage designer, writer, and a leading figure of Czech surrealism — is now on display at Prague’s DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. Titled Woe to the Painting…, the exhibition spans her entire creative life, from the 1960s to her final years.

Marking twenty years since Eva Švankmajerová’s death, the exhibition brings together not only her paintings and drawings, but also ceramics, furniture, and film props created for the works of her husband and lifelong collaborator, Jan Švankmajer, who contributed to this exhibition as well.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Soňa Jindrová, Czech Radio

The number of women driving buses, trolleybuses, and trams in Czechia is rising. According to the Association of Transport Companies, there are now 1,293 women drivers, about 12% of all public transport operators. The organization presented a new part of its campaign in Prague, aiming to challenge stereotypes and attract more women to the field.

The Association of Transport Companies of the Czech Republic presented a document on women employed in transport on Thursday.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Beekeeping has become a surprising new tool in the fight against poverty in Zambia, helping many poor families in rural areas to survive. Beekeeping has big potential but many locals lack the necessary equipment to get started. How is the Czech NGO Friends of New Renato helping? And what makes women better beekeepers than men?

See more here.

Author: Barbora Navrátilová

Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we take you into Stromovka, Prague’s vast Royal Game Reserve. Once a medieval hunting ground, today it’s one of the city’s most beloved and tranquil parks. Just a short walk from Výstaviště, it offers history, nature, and unexpected quiet in the middle of Prague.

Stromovka may look like a simple green oasis today, but its story stretches back hundreds of years.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Anna Kristová, MFDNES + LN / Profimedia

Prague has been pulled into the Stranger Things universe with new installations at the Albertov and Chodovská tram-stops. A looming Demogorgon and a symbolic portal to the “Upside Down” promote the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix series.

But the Czech link goes beyond the marketing spectacle, as the new season features Luke Ellison Kokotek, a young American actor with Czech roots.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Marta Pilařová, Czech Radio

President Petr Pavel has described the Bedřiška settlement as a unique example of how residents of a socially excluded area transformed their neighbourhood into a thriving community. In his view – and that of many others defending the settlement – Bedřiška should stand as a model of successful community life, not face demolition. So why is it being torn down, and is there still a chance to save it?

The former miners’ settlement of Bedřiška is located in Ostrava in the far east of the Czech Republic.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

The Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia H.E. Ms. Solangel  ORTIZ MEJIA,hosted the opening ceremony of the cultural exhibition “Gold and Coca Leaf”  and the gastronomic event  “Flavours of the Colombian Caribbean in Prague”, at the at the Hotel NH Collection Prague Carlo IV.

 Gold and Coca Leaf is a traveling exhibition that, in nine European countries, proposes a dialogue between heritage,contemporary art,and publicpolicy. At its core are 56 exactreplicas of the Quimbaya Collection, created by master goldsmith Omar Hurtado in dialogue withk knowledge bearers, and La Chagrade Amoka, awork by Tatiana Arocha centeredon the coca leaf as a living archive of the forest and of biocultural memories.

Chef Jorge Mendez, brings the vibrant spirit and flavours of the Colombian Caribbean to the heart of Prague.

Watch the video with highlights from the speeches of H.E. Ms. Solangel  ORTIZ MEJIA, the goldsmith Mr. Omar Hurtado, and Tatiana Arocha, the culture program and pictures from this beautiful exhibition.

In the Winter issue of the Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, we will feature a travel article about Rwanda.

Until then, in every newsletter, we will publish a promo for it.

“The way back to the Cyamudongo tourist centre took us about two hours, with a surprise from the community people, a show of traditional songs and dance.”

Watch the video with the beautiful performance.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E Mr. Bakyt DYUSSENBAYEV, and his spouse, hosted at the Vienna Diplomat hotel farewell reception.

Here are selected sections of H.E Mr. Bakyt DYUSSENBAYEV and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus OKOLO speeches at the event.

A Ukrainian delegation, including children returned home under the Presidential program Bring Kids Back UA and civilian women freed from Russian captivity, was received by Pope Leo XIV in The Vatican city.

Witnesses of Suffering: Each child and civilian woman represents a profound story of pain, loss, and simultaneously, redemption and hope.

Great gratitude was conveyed to His Holiness for his deep empathy for Ukraine’s suffering and his readiness to heed calls for help. This appreciation extends to his daily humanitarian efforts that continue to reunite Ukrainian families.

The delegation sought the continued support of the Holy See in the mission to repatriate Ukrainian children, secure the release of prisoners, and ensure every Ukrainian displaced by the war can embrace their loved ones once more.

The meeting concluded with a truly sincere prayer for life, for children, and for peace, followed by the Pontiff’s blessing—a powerful sign of immense hope.

Photo: Vatican Media

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/taras-holub_popeleoxiv-saveukrainianchildren-standwithukraine-activity-7397890068281102336-MjXc/ 

Photo: Michal Krumphanzl, ČTK

A new book has just been released that captures Prague’s famous St. Vitus Cathedral, in remarkable detail. Called St. Vitus Cathedral, The Stone Crown of the Kingdom, it was created by photographer Jan William Drnek and includes photos of places most visitors never get to see.

For three years, Jan William Drnek and his team photographed St.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Veronika Bartes Vohralíková, Czech Radio

Archaeologists are concluding a major investigation into the 12th-century origins of Třebíč, a Moravian town about 60 kilometres west of Brno. Their work has already earned the prestigious Patrimonium pro futuro award, presented by the National Heritage Institute.

The survey on Karlovo and Martinského squares in the historic centre of Třebíč has taken several years and is now entering its final stage.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK

For the first time, visitors in Brno can see the city’s Christmas lights from above. Every Saturday until Christmas, you can hop on a hot-air balloon in front of the Janáček Theatre.

See more here.

Photo: Sabina Vosecká, Czech Radio

Porcelain mantel clocks with digital displays or vases shaped like rubber boots — these are just two of the iconic objects created by one of Czechia’s most outstanding designers, Maxim Velčovský. His work is now being showcased in a retrospective exhibition opened by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.

The exhibition, titled Qubus: The Beautiful Beast – The Battle with Beauty, presents a comprehensive overview of the independent Czech design brand and the design studio of the same name, which will celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary next year.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Daniela Pilařová, Czech Radio

The expulsion of more than three million Sudeten Germans from post-war Czechoslovakia in 1945 not only changed the face of the region but left many German graves abandoned. Some municipalities repair and maintain the graves on regional budgets or cross-border grant programs. Now regular subsidies from the Ministry for Regional Development will help boost this effort.

In 1918, the town of Svitavy was known as Zwittau and was almost entirely German, with only a tiny Czech minority.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Shutterstock

Czechia consistently ranks among the heaviest-drinking countries in Europe. A new addictology screening program aims to identify risky alcohol and tobacco use sooner and guide people to help before long-term harm develops. The online training prepares doctors, teachers, and social-care workers to recognise the early warning signs of dependence.

According to the Czech National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction (NMS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), annual per-capita alcohol consumption places the country near the very top of European rankings, while smoking rates remain substantial — with roughly a quarter of adults using tobacco.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Monday paid his first visit to the Czech Republic since taking office. Traditionally strong partners and allies, the two neighbours have been brought even closer together by the worsening security situation, their proximity to the war in Ukraine and their concerns over Russian expansionism.

Poland is Czechia’s second biggest trading partner, cross-border contacts are traditionally strong and the nations are culturally and linguistically very close.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague Int.

How do babies learn the language—or languages—of their parents? Can they distinguish between different dialects? And do bilingual children babble differently to their mom and dad? Czech psycholinguist Nikola Paillereau and her international team are leading one of the few studies in the world exploring these fascinating questions. I visited her Prague lab to learn more and started by asking why she began her career in France.

“Well, it was my passion for the French language.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Magdalena Hrozínková, Radio Prague International

Forged from weapons used by Russia in Ukraine, the “bell of freedom” now rings from the north tower of the Church of the Holy Saviour next to the Charles Bridge. Formally handed over by the Dutch royal couple in June, it was blessed last week by priest Tomáš Halík in a ceremony attended by the Ukrainian, Dutch, and Danish ambassadors.

The bell, christened Salvátor during the ceremony, weighs 198 kilograms and measures 69 centimetres in diameter.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan, Magdalena Hrozínková

Photo: Alexis Rosenzweig, Radio Prague International

Born in Červený Kostelec, Petr Novotný has become one of the most recognisable foreign outdoor personalities in Taiwan, a place he now calls home. Known as “Beast runner”, he has pushed himself through some of the island’s toughest terrains, from exposed ridgelines to remote jungle paths.

With his Taiwanese wife Eva, he is also the driving force behind the Formosa Trail, one of Taiwan’s most respected and challenging trail-running events, attracting several athletes from around the world the last week-end of November.

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Author: Alexis Rosenzweig

Photo: Martin Knitl, Czech Radio

A special smart T-shirt is being developed in collaboration between scientists from the Technical University of Ostrava and Masaryk University. The unique system of sensors will examine Czechia’s space crew’s reactions to stress in orbit and will also be used in healthcare.

The astronaut lies on a moving bench, wearing 3D glasses, and the simulated stress begins.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Illustrative photo: APF Czech Radio

In November 1985, Czechoslovak Radio made history in global broadcasting. From Prague’s Rudolfinum, a concert by the Symphony Orchestra was transmitted live to Tokyo—for the very first time digitally via satellite. This bold experiment became a milestone in radio broadcasting.

Exactly forty years ago, on November 24, 1985, Czechoslovak Radio transmitted a Symphony Orchestra concert from Prague’s Rudolfinum all the way to Tokyo, Japan.

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Photo: Jiří Matějů, Český rozhlas

Fans flock to see rock legends Lucie live as the band marks its 40th anniversary with a huge nationwide tour, promising their most spectacular shows yet.

Founded in 1985 by singer-guitarist Robert Kodym and bass player Petr Chovanec (P.

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Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this episode of Czechast, we reveal the unexpected Czech footprint behind one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic symbols. Smalt Brno company manufactures the iconic enamel plaques displayed by Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe.

When diners see the bright red plaque at the entrance of a Michelin-starred restaurant, few realise that the sign was made in Czechia.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Illustrative photo: Polina Tankilewitsch, Pexels, CC0 1.0 DEED

Czechs have improved their English skills, with the country ranking 23rd in the global English Proficiency Index published by EF Education First. Brno performed especially well, surpassing Prague – and even cities such as Oslo, Bern, and Brussels.

Czechia’s overall score increased by 15 points compared to last year, with the biggest progress seen among younger age groups (aged 18 to 30).

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Jakub Ferenčík, Radio Prague International

In 2024, Czechia sent 1.5 million rounds to Kyiv and aims to supply 1.8 million by the end of 2025. This is by far the largest part of Europe’s vital ammunition supplies to Ukraine. Czech support for Ukraine has been steadfast. But can we expect it to continue? It was also because of this that I traveled to Ukraine with an international group of journalists in October. I wanted to get a sense of how morale is holding up and how Ukrainians view western support amidst another surge of nativist populism on the continent.

Arriving in Lviv, Ukraine, the air was brisk and significantly colder than the lukewarm early October fall weather we were having in Prague.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

In the Winter issue of the Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, we will feature a travel article about Rwanda.

Until then, in every newsletter, we will publish a promo for it.

Kigali is Rwanda capital city. A beautiful city, very clean and with friendly people.

In this video, you can see the Modern Convention Centre. A special architecture in the shape of the old King’s palace.

The city also has a modern big stadium – Amahoro National Stadium, and BK Arena, for hosting international events.

The President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, and Mrs. Eva Pavlová welcomed the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, and his wife, Armanda Begajová, to Prague Castle on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The statesmen discussed mutual relations between the two countries, Albania’s accession process to the European Union, and cooperation within NATO.

“Although Albania is a smaller country in terms of population, it is an important partner for the Czech Republic. Our relations are without open issues and cooperation is constantly developing – from trade to defense and security to education and tourism,” said President Pavel, adding: “I would also like to emphasize that the Czech Republic has long supported Albania’s ambition to become a member of the European Union, because we are convinced that the membership of the Balkan countries in the EU and NATO is also a guarantee of our security and prosperity.”

photo: Tomas Fongus

Photo: Lukáš Ronge

The night sky over the Czech Republic lit up with northern lights on Tuesday night, visible from many parts of the country. Stunning photos were captured in Pec pod Sněžkou in the Krkonoše Mountains, near Husova Bouda, showing the spectacle that takes place high up in Earth’s atmosphere.

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Photo: Hannah Vaughan, Radio Prague International

The six-day Bohemian Switzerland Ridge Trail takes hikers through dramatic rock formations, deep forests and breath-taking views — and it is now officially one of Europe’s most beautiful. The trail has been awarded the Leading Quality Trails–Best of Europe certificate, joining only 23 other exceptional routes across the continent. Radio Prague International went to see what all the fuss is about.

To receive the certificate issued by the European Hiking Federation, a trail must meet strict criteria – for example, the share of concrete paths must remain under 20%, and information boards and signage must be in at least three languages to ensure accessibility for international visitors.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Nadace neratovického komunitního centra

A new church is taking shape in the central Bohemian town of Neratovice, built with 3D printing technology. Much of the structure will be assembled from concrete pieces that click together like parts of a puzzle.

The Church of the Holy Trinity was designed by award winning architect Zdeněk Fránek.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The 2nd Prague Comedy Festival is back in November with plenty of laughs to warm you up in the cold. It is organised by the team behind the Prague Fringe held every May and offers a rich programme of comedy from around the world. Radio Prague International spoke with three guests: the festival’s founder, Steve Gove; co-director Simar Singh; and one of this year’s headliners, Tarang Hardikar.

I began by asking Steve for a quick introduction to what is happening in Prague over the next few days and what we can look forward to.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Nearly fifteen thousand songs from all regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia are now freely available through a new online library called Písňovna.cz. The project was created by the Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, whose archives hold most of this unique collection. The digital catalogue is also aimed at teachers, making it easier to bring folk songs into the classroom. I discussed the project with the Institute’s musicologist and ethnologist, Matěj Kratochvíl.

What inspired you to create this online library, and why did you decide to launch it now?.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: The Diaconia of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren

The Diaconia of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren has launched its 15th nationwide Christmas gift collection “Shoebox“. Held under the auspices of the country’s First Lady Eva Pavlová, the project enables people to help light up the Christmas holiday for children from socially disadvantaged families.

Christmas is a time for charity and, as stores fill up with glittering Christmas decorations, many Czechs stop to think about ways to bring joy to those less fortunate.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo collage: Jiří Bervida/Ian Willoughby, MAFRA/ Profimedia/ Radio Prague International

What was it like for women in Czechoslovakia to live and create under a totalitarian regime? How did they resist, and how did their art reflect their struggle for freedom? Some of the answers to these questions can be found in Women’s Artistic Dissent: Repelling Totalitarianism in Pre-1989 Czechoslovakia, written by Brenda Flanagan and Hana Waisserová. In this interview, they share insights about the women who used writing, painting, and other creative forms to push back against oppression, and about the book that brings their stories to light.

Brenda, you first visited the Czech Republic in the late 1990s.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

A new study by Czech ornithologists reveals why some birds are more scared of humans than others. By examining nearly 70 species in Prague’s parks and cemeteries, researchers found that the key factor shaping a bird’s “fear of humans” is its long-term coexistence with people, not how common the species is in the city.

Why are certain bird species in Prague, such as magpies or thrushes, more afraid of humans than pigeons, blackbirds or sparrows? That’s the question at the heart of a study by ornithologists from the Department of Environmental Studies at the Faculty of Science, Charles University.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Michaela Danelová, Czech Radio

In a special episode of Czechast, we revisit a 2019 discussion on the state of Czech democracy with Jiří Pehe and Tomáš Sedláček. Recorded at a time when Andrej Babiš was Prime Minister, the debate feels even more relevant today. As Czechia reflects on November 17, this episode offers perspective on political shifts, polarization, and the resilience of democratic processes.

November 17 is a date that resonates deeply in Czech collective memory.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Lenka Kratochvílová, Czech Radio

Did you know that the boats in Game of Thrones, Vikings, The Chronicles of Narnia, or the recent hit musical Wicked were built in Czechia? Specifically in the town of Lipník nad Bečvou, where a new exhibition at the Konírna Gallery showcases the remarkable journey and craftsmanship of the company behind them – Kolumbus 92.

Based in Lipník nad Bečvou for the past thirteen years, Kolumbus 92 focuses on traditional craftsmanship, film props, and historical European martial arts.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: e-Sbírky, National Museum – Historical Museum, CC BY 4.0 DEED

On November 16, 1880, the Czech Velocipedists’ Club was established in Prague’s Smíchov district. It was the very first cycling club in the territory of what was then Austria-Hungary. It was founded by brothers Josef and František Kohout, sons of a Smíchov factory owner, who first saw a bicycle thanks to an English visitor. Their enthusiasm launched not only bicycle production in Bohemia but also organized cycling life.

The first bicycles appeared in the Czech lands as early as 1867, in the form of heavy wooden machines nicknamed “boneshakers.

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Photo: Vlnohraní/ Czech Radio

Music doesn’t always have to spring from deep emotions or the beauty of nature. Sometimes, inspiration comes straight from the kitchen. That’s exactly the idea behind an educational concert for children organised by Czech Radio, entitled Music on a Plate, which showcased musical works with a culinary twist. They included the song of a swan from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bohuslav Martinů’s playful Kitchen Revue, and Otmar Kvěch’s Kitchen Band.

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Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we explore Bohnice, a Prague district with a fascinating mix of history, nature, and calm. It’s a place where ivy has reclaimed forgotten graves and trails lead to scenic lookouts above the city. Come along for a peaceful autumn walk through one of Prague’s most surprising corners.

When most people in Prague hear the name Bohnice, they think of the psychiatric hospital that has stood here for more than a century.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

Three dozen vintage Čechie–Böhmerland motorcycles — often described as the longest in the world — are now on display at Prague’s National Technical Museum. The exhibition marks 100 years since the production of these iconic machines first began.

The bikes, famous for their distinctive colours, unusual construction and unmistakable sound, were built in the Šluknov region in northern Bohemia from the mid-1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Illustrative photo: Profimedia

It has long been known that the liver can regenerate. A new study now shows how: scientists in Czechia have discovered that the liver uses ammonia – highly toxic under normal conditions – and converts it into the amino acid glutamine, which drives rapid cell division and allows the organ to repair itself.

An international team of researchers, led by the Biotechnology Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, published their study on liver regeneration in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

Photo: Karolína Burdová, Czech Radio

On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Czechia’s accession to the European Space Agency (ESA), a permanent interactive exhibition titled ESA: Earth from Space was officially opened at the Prague Planetarium on Wednesday, November 12. The project was created in cooperation with the ESA.

Visitors to the Prague Planetarium can see the latest exhibition and discover how Europe observes its planet from space.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Smalt Brno, spol. s.r.o.

Few diners realise that the coveted plaques displayed by Michelin-starred restaurants are manufactured in Brno. For the Michelin Guide, which has shaped global gastronomy for more than a century, these small signs are an essential symbol of excellence. A Czech company has now produced more than ten thousand of them for restaurants around the world.

The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900, has grown into the world’s most influential restaurant rating system, awarding one, two or three stars to establishments demonstrating outstanding culinary achievement.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Facebook / Aussie & Kiwi Film Fest

The Aussie & Kiwi Film Fest in Prague is special in two aspects: it is organised entirely by volunteers, and a short film precedes each screening. This year’s edition will run from November 14 to 21. What not to miss?

Bringing the best of Australian and New Zealand cinema to Czech audiences is the passion of Martina Vacková, who founded the festival.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan

In the Winter issue of the Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, we will feature a travel article about Rwanda.

Until then, in every newsletter, we will publish a promo for it.

In this video, we have dogs who are being trained to protect against hunters in the nature reserve

Photo: Eva Soukeníková, Czech Radio

Last Thursday, Tomio Okamura (SPD) ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the Czech lower house of parliament shortly after being elected its speaker. The act sparked widespread debate across the Czech political scene. The latest reaction came from President Petr Pavel, whose stance can be summarised as: flags are a symbol, but it would be worse if Czechia stopped its aid to Ukraine.

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Author: Hannah Vaughan, Sources: ČTK,Czech Radio,iROZHLAS.cz

Photo: Matyáš Gál

Exactly twenty-five years ago, on November 9, 2000, a new chapter of Jewish history began in Liberec. In the heart of the city, the only synagogue built in Czechia since the end of the Second World War was ceremonially opened. The modern prayer space, housed within the Regional Research Library, stands on the site where one of Central Europe’s largest synagogues once stood.

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Photo: Charles Agall, Selection

British music star Jamie Cullum takes the stage at Prague’s O2 Universum tonight, bringing his unmistakable pop-infused jazz to Czech fans. The set will feature beloved hits alongside new tracks from his forthcoming tenth album. Should jazz ever be as popular as pop?

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Authors: Hannah Vaughan, Jiří Štefl| Source:Czech Radio

Photo: Michaela Danelová, iROZHLAS.cz

The Chotek Gardens, Prague’s first public park, will undergo a major renovation and redesign, marking the first improvement of any kind to the historic space in thirty years. Residents and visitors can expect to see the first stages of the renovation as early as next year.

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Author: Aashna Miharia

Photo: Poetry Day festival

The 27th annual Poetry Day festival opens on Monday in cities and towns throughout Czechia. The event features public readings by Czech and international poets, theatre and music performances, exhibitions, workshops, and activities for children. Radio Prague discussed the event with one of the organisers, Bernie Higgins.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Richard Bouda, fotobouda.cz

Czech cavers discovered what may be the world’s largest spider web in a cave on the Albania–Greece border, home to over 100,000 spiders. The find was made in 2022, but an international team of scientists has now confirmed its significance: it is the largest spider web ever recorded, and the first known case of two normally solitary species working together.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: archive of Vít Pohanka

In this special episode of Czechast, we revisit a report originally produced for Radio Prague International that tells the story of the Czechoslovak Legionnaires — soldiers who fought across Europe and deep into Siberia to secure their country’s independence. Among them was host Vít Pohanka’s great-granduncle, who fell in battle near the Ural Mountains. His fate is part of a larger story of courage, sacrifice, and nation-building that should never be forgotten.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Lukáš Dolanský is a well-known journalist who until this year served as Czech Television’s correspondent in the United Kingdom. Dolanský underwent something of a baptism of fire in the posting, arriving just days before the news broke of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That’s among many stories Dolanský recounts, and insights he shares, in a new book, The Colours of My London.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Petr Lukeš, Radio Prague International

Nová Bystřice is a small South Bohemian town near the Austrian border. Allegedly the oldest town in the Jindřichův Hradec region, it attracts visitors with its monuments as well as its historic vehicles. In fact, it boasts the largest collection of American vintage cars in central Europe.

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Authors: Klára Stejskalová, Petr Lukeš

Photo: David Taneček, ČTK

The mushing races, held this weekend at the Pardubice Racecourse, drew 940 competitors from 31 countries. Participants competed in three disciplines: canicross, bikejöring, and scooterjöring.

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