AuthorMartin Hladík

La Mulți Ani, România – Romania National Day 2025

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.

RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic was the honored guest.

The event was moderated by Ms. Alexandrina Panaite-Cserkesz – Minister Counsellor.

Watch the Video with the speech of the Ambassador of Romania in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Antoaneta Barta, RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic.

Rwanda – Here we come

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

2025 – The 113rd Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Albania

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.

The traditional Korean Winter Concert with Ukrainian Youth

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.

The book “Indonesia at Home” won two awards at the 2025 Gourmand Awards in Riyadh Riyadh, November 28, 2025

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.

Mucha’s “Nature” sculpture sets record on Czech art market

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

Eva Jiřičná designs unique wavy bubble ceiling for new hall in Pardubice chateau

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

Rare medieval Madonna goes on display at Prague’s St Agnes Convent

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

Boží Dar: the post office of little Baby Jesus

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

Why Roráty matter: the magical Czech Advent masses before sunrise

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

The Bhutanese-Czech UNICEF partnership: “It’s not only economic development, people’s happiness is equally important”

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

220 years since the Battle of the Three Emperors: Austerlitz 1805 – the bloodiest clash on our soil

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

TerraDrought: Czech and US scientists launch global real-time drought tool

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

Olomouc’s Holy Trinity Column: 25 Years on the UNESCO List

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.

Eva Švankmajerová retrospective at DOX: surrealism, humour, and a fresh look at the female experience

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

New documentary on female public transport drivers aims to increase their numbers

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

Stromovka park: history, quiet corners, and Prague’s hidden nature

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

Stranger Things in Czechia: from Prague’s portal to the “Upside Down” to actor with Czech roots

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

The Bedřiška settlement was meant to serve as an example. Instead, it faces demolition.

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

Colombia Cultural exhibition “Gold and Coca Leaf”

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.

Rwanda – Here we come

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.

Farewell reception of H.E. Mr. Bakyt DYUSSENBAYEV, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan

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.

Hope and Blessing: Ukrainian Delegation Meets Pope Leo XIV

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/ 

New photography book shows famous St. Vitus Cathedral in all its glory

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

Rare gold-decorated shoe among artefacts from 12th-century Třebíč excavation

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

A bird’s-eye view of Christmas Brno

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.

From baby-head candle-holders to rubber-boot vases: Qubus marks 25 years of Czech design

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

New funds to help preserve German heritage of Czech borderlands

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Czechia rolls out new screening to tackle rising alcohol and addiction risks

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Czech-Polish presidential meeting overshadowed by security concerns

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Czech linguist Nikola Paillereau on how babies learn multiple languages

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Bell forged from Russian weapons used in Ukraine now sounds above Prague: “May it awaken those who sleep”

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan, Magdalena Hrozínková

“Finding dead bodies is never easy”, says Petr Novotný, the Czech rescuer in Taiwanese mountains

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.

See more here.

Author: Alexis Rosenzweig

Scientists from Ostrava want to send T-shirt into space to measure crew stress levels

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.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

When Prague connected with Tokyo: The first digital radio broadcast 40 years ago

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.

See more here.

Iconic Czech rock band Lucie celebrates 40 years with epic tour

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.

See more here.

The Czech link behind famous Michelin Stars: how Brno supplies the iconic plaques

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

EF English Proficiency Index: Brno speaks better English than Prague

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).

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Inside Ukraine: Meeting amputees, frontline soldiers, and the spirit of a nation

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.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Rwanda – Here we come

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 received the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, at Prague Castle.

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

Northern lights illuminate the sky over the Czech Republic

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.

See more here.

The Bohemian Switzerland Ridge Trail earns place among Europe’s best

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

“Live shows – that’s where the art is”: the Prague Comedy Festival brightens the dark winter months

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Czech Academy of Sciences launches a digital archive of 15,000 folk songs

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?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

“Shoebox” Christmas gift drive brings joy to thousands of children from socially disadvantaged families

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

“Writing was an island of freedom”: Brenda Flanagan and Hana Waisserová on women’s artistic dissent in Czechoslovakia

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Czech scientists reveal why some Prague birds fear humans more than others

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Czech democracy after 1989: Czechast special episode for November 17

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Max Diesing on “33 and a third” years of running Prague indie music store

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Max Diesing runs Maximum Underground, an alternative music shop located in Prague’s Old Town for many years. In fact the American says he is just about to mark his business’s “33 and a third” birthday as a fixture on the city’s alternative music scene. But what was it like setting up an independent store here just a couple of years after the Velvet Revolution? And what motivates him to keep running the business after all this time? We spoke at the store on Jílská St.

Max, in the summer of 1992 I was here visiting.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

The Czech boat builder behind Wicked’s fantasy vessels – now in a new exhibition

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Smíchov’s cycling pioneers: 145 years since founding of Czech Velocipedists’ Club

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.

See more here.

‘Music on a Plate’: Czech Radio’s interactive concert blends music and cooking

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.

See more here.

Hidden Prague: exploring Bohnice’s quiet cemetery and scenic vistas

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

100 years of Čechie–Böhmerland: the world’s longest motorcycles on display in Prague

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Scientists in Czechia uncover how the liver regenerates in “one of the most significant discoveries”

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Latest Earth satellite imagery visible at Prague Planetarium in new exhibition

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.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

The Czech Connection: plaques for Michelin starred restaurants come from Brno

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

The 12th Aussie & Kiwi Film Fest brings the best of Down Under to Prague

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.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Rwanda – Here we come

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

Ukrainian flags in Czechia – what is the ongoing debate?

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.

Read more here.

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

Liberec marks twenty-five years since the construction of the only post-war synagogue in Czechia

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.

Read more here.

Prague’s oldest public park, Chotek Gardens, to undergo major renovations

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.

Read more here.

Author: Aashna Miharia

Czech cavers’ discovery confirmed as the world’s largest spider web

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.

Read more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Remembering the Czechoslovak Legionnaires: my great-granduncle’s story

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.

Read more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Lukáš Dolanský: I loved London – but I’m happy I don’t have to live there

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.

Read more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Vintage cars in Nová Bystřice trace roots to America

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.

Read more here.

Authors: Klára Stejskalová, Petr Lukeš

“We have something to say to each other”: Over 80 institutions join Freedom Week

Source: Díky, že můžem

Today, Freedom Week began throughout Czechia. The event is organized by Díky, že můžem (“thanks that we can”) in support of freedom and democracy. More than 80 cultural and educational institutions are taking part in the commemorations, culminating with International Students’ Day, which Czechs celebrate on Monday, November 17. I spoke with the association’s project coordinator, Kristýna Zinková, to find out more.

Read more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Rare Czech cubism collection exhibited at Prague’s Kampa Museum

Photo: Martin Šimral, Museum Kampa

Almost 80 works by leading figures of Czech Cubism are now on display at the Kampa Museum in Prague. The remarkable collection has been built by the Gallery of West Bohemia in Plzeň over more than sixty years — and it’s the first time the public can see it presented on such a comprehensive scale.

Read more here.

Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Zuzana Filípková, Source:Český rozhlas

Slovak State Philharmonic Kosice Concert

On the occasion of the birth anniversaries of the founding figures of the Czechoslovak Republic – Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, and Milan Rastislav Stefanik, H.E. Mr. Martin  Muransky, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Czech Republic, hosted a gala concert at the beautiful Smetana Hall, The Municipal House, Prague.

The honoured speakers were Mr. Petr Pavel, the President of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Peter Pellegrini, the President of the Slovak Republic.

Watch the Video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Martin  Muransky, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Czech Republic, and highlights from the great performance of the Slovak State Philharmonic Kosice

Ceremony of the Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum

On the Occasion of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the unique Alchymist Hotel in Prague. Among the participants were Mr. Vaclav Kalus, the previous President of the Czech Republic, Many Ambassadors, and other distinguished guests.

The program was:

Welcome speech by H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Czech Republic

Short documentary about the Grand Egyptian Museum ( GEM )

Presentation by Prof. Miroslav Barta – GEM: A milestone in the world of Museums

Dance performance by the talented Matahari Group

And LIVE stream of the Gran official opening ceremony.

Watch the video with the speeches of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi – the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Czech Republic, Highlights from the reception in Prague, and highlights from the Grand opening ceremony.

The Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan

On the occasion of the Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the President Hotel in Prague.

Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Metin  Feyzioglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Shehryar Akbar Khan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Czech Republic, and H.E. Mr. András Barabyi, Ambassador of Hungary to the Czech Republic.

And an informative video about the situation there nowadays.

71st Algeria’s National Day Celebration

On the occasion of the 71st  Algeria’s National Day and the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Algeria and the Czech Republic, the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Belkacem Zeghmati, and his spouse hosted a reception at the iconic Grand Hotel International.

Mr. Martin Kupka, the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Pavel Janda, Deputy Minister of Environment, were the honored speakers.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr.Belkacem  Zeghmati, the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Czech Republic, Mr. Martin Kupka, the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Pavel Janda, Deputy Minister of Environment, and highlights of the cultural program.

Happy National day Algeria – عيد وطني سعيد للجزائر

“Disinformation is a lifestyle”: Tomáš Koblížek on how fake news thrives – and how to resist it

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Tomáš Koblížek is an expert on disinformation, a phenomenon that has grabbed many headlines in recent years. In a wide-ranging conversation, the philosopher says disinfo isn’t focused only on deceiving people but is also about “boring” them into losing interest in certain issues entirely. But, he argues, it is possible to combat it. I spoke to Koblížek in connection with the recent publication of the book Disinformation and Hate Speech from the Perspectives of Philosophy, Law and Security, which he co-authored.

If we’re speaking about disinformation, what do you mean by that term?.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Albrecht Dürer’s first edition of Rhinoceros discovered in Czech Academy library

Photo: Jana Plavec, Czech Academy of Sciences

The Czech Academy of Sciences has announced an extraordinary discovery. One of the first prints of Rhinoceros, the famous woodcut by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, dating back to 1515, has been found in the Academy’s library, where it has been stored since the 1950s.

Painter, printmaker, and writer Albrecht Dürer is generally regarded as the greatest German Renaissance artist.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Eva Kézrová

Lidice Art Collection receives record donation from Turkish-British curator Hüma Kabakcı

Photo: Michal Kamaryt, ČTK, Profimedia

The Lidice Art Collection is set to receive its largest donation to date, valued at over ten and a half million crowns. Last week, the Lidice Memorial signed an agreement with Turkish-British curator Hüma Kabakcı for 65 new works of art from around the world.

The artworks are being donated by Kabakcı on behalf of the Nahit & Hüma Kabakcı Collection, named after her and her late father, Nahit, who began building it in the late 1980s.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Charles Games’ Playing Prague wins top mobile game award

Source: Charles Games

The digital game Playing Prague, part of the city’s tourism campaign, has just won the 2025 Central & Eastern European Game Award for Best Mobile Game. Developed by Charles Games in collaboration with Prague City Tourism, the free app has attracted tens of thousands of players eager to explore the Czech capital in a new way. Radio Prague International spoke to Ondřej Paška from Charles Games about the game and its upcoming update.

What was the main idea or goal behind creating Playing Prague?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

The experience of three Zambian students in Czechia

Photo: Radio Prague International

Who are the Zambian students studying in Czechia? Three recipients of a Czech government scholarship share their experiences of adapting to cold winters, overcoming language barriers, and adjusting to a more reserved culture. How do they plan to use the skills they gain at Czech universities to support Zambia’s development and foster future collaboration between the two countries? Find out more in our interview.

See more here.

Celebrating the World Day of Romani Language at Charles University

Photo: Radek Vebr, MF DNES, LN/Profimedia

November 5th marks the World Day of Romani Language, celebrated across Czechia with events that highlight and support the importance of Romani as a living language and as an integral part of Czech Roma identity. This year, for the first time, the day is being celebrated at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University, home to a Department of Romani Studies.

The programme began this morning at Charles University with a series of talks under the title Romani Language in Scholarly Teamwork.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Archaeologists search for bodies of Communist political prisoners

Photo: Michal Růžička, MFDNES + LN / Profimedia

After almost 80 years, the families of three former Czechoslovak soldiers who fought against Nazism and Communism may finally be able to bury their relatives. Archaeologists are searching for Vilém Sok, Miloslav Jebavý, and Karel Sabela, political prisoners who were executed by the Communists on July 18, 1949.

Sok, Jebavý, and Sabela were important figures in the fight against the Nazis during the Second World War.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Historic cogwheel locomotives return to Jizera Mountains reviving part of an old Austro-Prussian route from 1902

Photo: Ota Bartovský, MAFRA/ Profimedia

After an extensive reconstruction, historic cogwheel locomotives returned to the Tanvald–Kořenov–Harrachov line this Saturday. The renewal of the only remaining cog railway line in the Czech Republic attracted hundreds of railway enthusiasts.

The railway line Tanvald – Kořenov –Harrachov is the steepest rail route in the Czech Republic and one of the last cog railways still operating in Europe.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Prague rolls out first new tram model in 20 years

Photo: Petr Hejna, DPP

Seven new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams were put into regular service in the Czech capital this week – Prague’s first new tram model in two decades.The Prague Transit Company plans to add 20 new trams on various routes for the city’s passengers by the end of the year.

The modern Škoda trams –now in service on line 12 from Lehovec to Sídliště Barrandov – are designed to maximize passenger comfort, with space to accommodate more passengers than older models and features including air conditioning and WiFi connectivity.

See more here.

Czechia hosting Canicross World Championships in Pardubice

Photo: Zdeňka Trachtová, Czech Radio

As the horse racing season winds down, dogs are set to take over the spotlight. This week the Pardubice racecourse will host the Canicross World Championships for the first time ever.

Close to a 1,000 competitors from 30 countries are expected to descend on the town of Pardubice in Central Bohemia for the 2025 Canicross World Championships due to take place from November 7 to November 9.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

“Putin is scared of political solidarity”: Former president of Ukraine Yushchenko on the EU’s help to Ukraine and our future

Photo: Jakub Ferenčík, Radio Prague International

Viktor Yushchenko, who served as president of Ukraine from 2005 to 2010, was a central figure in Ukraine’s democratic trajectory. He played a key role in the Orange Revolution of late 2004, a precursor to the Maidan Revolution ten years later that fundamentally changed the country’s future. On my trip to Ukraine in early October with a group of international journalists, the former president spent three hours with us in his office discussing the country’s path since then and how Russia’s yoke over Europe’s breadbasket continues to imperil its, and our, future.

In 2004, Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin as he campaigned to become president of Ukraine.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

“Impossible and somewhat absurd” – Austrian architect’s design for Kundera’s tombstone in Brno

Source: Johannes Paar

Earlier this year, the city of Brno launched an art competition for the design of the tombstone of world-renowned author Milan Kundera. The commission went to Austrian architect Johannes Paar, who spoke with Radio Prague International about the ideas behind the design and what the finished tombstone will look like.

Over two years ago, the Czech-French writer Milan Kundera passed away.

See more here.

Author: Alexis Rosenzweig, Hannah Vaughan

How Movember is changing men’s approach to health in Czechia

Illustrative photo: Tom PREJEANT, Unsplash

Movember is a global yearly charity campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches throughout November to highlight important men’s health issues, namely prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention. The slogan of this year’s Movember campaign is: “Changing the face of men’s health.”

Movember originated in Australia in 2001.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Klang Systematiek: reimagining Prague’s contemporary music scene

Photo: Klang Systematiek

A new Prague music ensemble, Klang Systematiek, presents its inaugural concert series this autumn, featuring performances of contemporary classical music. Radio Prague International spoke with Gareth Davis – the British-born, Amsterdam-based musician who founded the group and serves as its artistic director – about why the international ensemble chose Prague as its home and what audiences can expect from a Klang Sytematiek concert.

Klang Systematiek’s latest concert took place in the DOX+ Multi-Functional Hall in September, and the setup was anything but conventional.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

“Not just the oldest”: Jan Bumba on how Prague’s Charles University stays modern

Photo illustrative: Charles University

In a wide-ranging conversation for Czechast, Charles University spokesperson Jan Bumba explains how a 700-year-old institution works to stay modern and international. He reflects on his switch from journalism to academia, the realities of rankings, and the draw of studying in Prague. Bumba also acknowledges dormitory shortcomings and why improving student housing is now a key priority.

Charles University’s spokesperson Jan Bumba has spent just a few months in the role after a 25-year career in radio and print.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Slow fashion by Humanoddity: “Repairing is such an important part of being a human”

Illustrative photo: Wallace Chuck, Pexels

Humanoddity pushes the boundaries of slow and local fashion. Co-founder Daniel Weber, student at the Brno University of Technology, focuses on creating clothing that is easy to adjust and repair, ensuring that each piece lasts for years. But the brand’s mission goes further – sparking conversations about the fashion industry and how we consume.

“We are more of a project than a fashion brand.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

Czechia’s Dušičky light up cemeteries across the country

Photo: Lucie Suchánková Hochmanová, Czech Radio

Although Halloween has become increasingly popular, in Czechia the day that carries greater significance comes two days later – All Souls’ Day, observed on November 2nd. In Czech, the day dedicated to remembering deceased loved ones is called Dušičky, which literally translates to “little souls.“

The Czech Republic remains one of the most atheist countries in Europe, yet All Souls’ Day – which has its origins in medieval Christianity – continues to hold deep importance even today.

See more here.

Author: Hannah Vaughan

In Memoriam – To Her Majesty Queen Siriky, The Queen Mother of Thailand

With profound reverence to Her Majesty Queen Sirikir, The Queen Mother, The Royal Thai Embassy in Prague opened a book of Condolences.

The opening times till November 7, 2025, are: Monday – Friday, 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-4 pm.

Location: The Royal Thai Embassy in the Czech Republic.

Romaina Rollanda 481/3 160 00 Prague 6 – Bubenec

Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage, Preservation and Development

On the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic( 1950-2025), and Viet Nam’s Cultural Heritage Day on 23 November, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam, and the Embassy of the S.R. of Viet Nam in the Czech Republic, organized the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage, Preservation and Development” at the beautiful Kaiserstejnsky Palace, in Prague.

The guests were welcomed by :

H.E. Mr. Duong  Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Czech Republic

H.E. Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam.

Mr. Daniel Blažkovec – Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video with the speeches of –

H.E. Mr. Duong  Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Czech Republic,H.E. Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam, and Mr. Daniel Blažkovec – Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and highlights from the exhibition tour.