On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Ales Balut and Mrs. Adrijana Balut, hosted a reception at the beautiful garden of the Slovenian Embassy in Prague.
Mr. Jiří Brodský, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored guest.
Watch the video featuring speeches by H.E. Mr. Ales Balut, the Ambassador of Slovenia to the Czech Republic, and Mr. Jiří Brodský, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, as well as a presentation on the city of Ptuj.
CZK 1.32 million, funds raised during the International Charity Market, organized by the DSA in November 2025, at the Hilton Prague Atrium hotel. A unique annual event, held under the patronage of the First Lady, Mrs. Eva Pavlova, welcomed thousands of visitors and offered a vibrant journey around the world through food, handicrafts, and cultural products from dozens of countries. Revenue was generated through ticket sales, the sale of international goods, and generous contributions from individual and corporate donors.
The grants were formally presented to representatives of the selected charities at the 2026 DSA Grant Award Ceremony, which took place on 12 June 2026 at the Czernin Palace, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. Among the distinguished guests were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Macinka, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as DSA sponsors and partners.
It was the first time such a ceremony took place. It was a very successful event, which will become a tradition in future years.
For almost 3 decades, the DSA has raised approximately CZK 80 million and supported hundreds of charitable initiatives throughout the Czech Republic.
The association is entirely volunteer-run, and 100% of net proceeds are donated directly to Czech charities.
The next International Charity Market will take place on 21 November 2026 at the Hilton Prague Atrium hotel. We hope to see you there.
We appreciate Markéta Šarbochová, the Director of the Diplomatic Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, for her big help.
Watch the Video of the ceremony, with the speeches of Mr. Petr Macinka, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, DSA President: Ms. Jana Muranska (Slovakia).DSA Vice-President: Ms. Catharina Jevrell (Sweden).
DSA Charity Coordinator: Ms. Sonia Shehryar (Pakistan).DSA Cultural Coordinator: Ms. Leslie Merrick (USA), and DSA Secretary: Ms. Brenda Moore, (USA).
Please read the presentation of the selected charities at the 2026 DSA Grant Award Ceremony:
Mezi Námi
May I invite Daniela Hufová, PR and Fundraising Manager of Mezi Námi.
Since 2013, Mezi Námi has been connecting seniors and children through intergenerational programmes across the Czech Republic. By linking senior care facilities with schools and kindergartens and operating community programmes for older adults, this organization helps reduce loneliness, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen bonds between generations.
DSA is funding furniture & IT equipment for their Intergenerational house
Grant Awarded: CZK 48,750
SOS Dětské Vesničky
Please welcome Jana Nevřalová, Head of Fundraising and Communication.
SOS Children’s Villages is one of the Czech Republic’s leading non-profit organizations supporting vulnerable children and families. Its work ranges from preventing family separation and providing crisis assistance to supporting foster families and helping disadvantaged young people transition to independent adulthood.
DSA is funding equipment for the new Crisis Center building
Grant Awarded: CZK 150,000
Centrum pro dětský sluch Tamtam
I would like to invite Jana Hrmová, Project Coordinator at Centre for Children with Hearing Impairment Tamtam, to receive her organization’s certificate.
Founded in 1990, Tamtam provides nationwide support to children with hearing impairments and their families from birth through adolescence. Through counselling, education, social services, and public awareness activities, the organization promotes communication, inclusion, and equal opportunities for children with hearing loss.
DSA is funding sensory tools for the children
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
Česká unie neslyšících
Cheskay oonie a Neslayasheetseeh
Please welcome Jiří Strejček, (YIRI STRAYCHECK ) Director of the Czech Union of the Deaf.
Since 1990, the Czech Union of the Deaf has provided a wide range of services for people with hearing loss. Its programmes support deaf seniors, parents and children, and women through educational, social, technological, and recreational activities that promote inclusion, independence, and lifelong learning.
DSA is funding foam mats for the children
Grant Awarded: CZK 8,388
Dobré víly dětem
DOBRAY VILEE JAYTEM
May I invite Angelika Nevěřilová, (NEVIERILOVA), Chief Executive Officer.
Since 2015, Dobré víly dětem has supported children living in children’s homes throughout the Czech Republic. Through mentoring, educational support, camps, leisure activities, and individual attention, the organization helps children build confidence, skills, and meaningful relationships.
DSA is funding travel costs, volunteer coordination & school supplies.
Grant Awarded: CZK 170,000
Nadace Leontinka
NADATSAY LAYONTINKA
Please welcome Martins Balzerova from the Leontinka foundation to receive the award.
Established in 2005, the Leontinka Foundation supports children and young adults with visual impairments. A key focus of its work is early intervention, providing specialised support for children from birth to seven years of age and helping them develop the skills needed to thrive.
DSA is funding equipment and aids for visual stimulation & sensory integration of children aged 0-7 years
Grant Awarded: CZK 46,224
Nadační fond Harmonie
NADACHNI FOND HARMONIYE
May I invite Terézia Hledíková, TAYRAYZIA HLEDIKOVA Acting Representative of the Harmonie Foundation.
Inspired by the internationally renowned El Sistema model, the Harmonie Foundation has provided free music education since 2009. By offering tuition and musical instruments at no cost, the foundation ensures that every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music.
DSA is funding venue costs for their concert
Grant Awarded: CZK 50,000
Péče bez překážek
PAYCHAY BAYZ PRAYKAZHEK
Please welcome Markéta Sojková to receive the certificate on behalf of Péče bez překážek.
Since its founding in 2017, the organisation has worked to improve access to support services for children with disabilities and their families. Its programmes include rehabilitation swimming, physiotherapy guidance, educational seminars, and the sharing of practical resources and experiences for caregivers.
DSA is funding swimming venue costs for children with disabilities
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
Sdílení Telč
ZZZDEELENI TELCH
May I invite Michaela Čeřovská, MEEKHAELA CHEROVSKA Director of Zdeelení, to the stage.Sdílení provides professional support to families caring for seriously ill, elderly, or dying loved ones at home. Through the work of nurses, doctors, social workers, and care assistants, the
organisation enables people to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving compassionate and comprehensive care.
DSA is funding equipment for providing palliative care at home
Grant Awarded: CZK 39,109
Centrum integrace dětí a mládeže (CID)
Please welcome Dr. Marie Petrželová to receive the award on behalf of the CID
For more than 35 years, CID has supported children and young people, including those with disabilities or social disadvantages, as well as their families and seniors. Guided by its motto, “A beautiful and happy childhood for all children,” the organization promotes inclusion and equal opportunities for every child.
DSA is funding psychological support for parents and therapeutic support for children in need
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
Za sklem
May I invite Jana Horáčková.
Za sklem is a non-governmental organization supporting people on the autism spectrum and their families. Through specialized social services, therapeutic programmes, and educational support, the organization helps children and young people develop communication, social, and independent living skills, enabling them to reach their full potential.
DSA is funding new tools and equipment for children & adolescents with autism
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
DownSyndrom
Please welcome Gabriela Šalková to receive the grant and donation certificate.
Since 1996, DownSyndrom has supported individuals with Down syndrome and their families through counselling, education, family events, leisure activities, and inclusion programmes. Guided by its motto, “We are a bridge for people with Down syndrome,” the organization promotes awareness, equal opportunities, and a more inclusive society.
DSA is funding IT, household equipment, and half-year rent for children and adults with Down syndrome
Grant Awarded: CZK 50,000
Nadace Dagmar a Václava Havlových VIZE 97
NADATSAY DAAGMAR A VATSSLAVA HAAVLOVEEH
May I invite JUDITA SOUKUPOVA and Mr. Jakub Doležal to the stage to receive this award on behalf of the foundation.
Through its Stop Before You Hit programme, launched in 2021, the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation works to prevent domestic violence before it occurs. By providing professional therapeutic support to individuals struggling with aggression and anger management, the programme promotes healthier relationships, personal responsibility, and safer family environments.
DSA is funding therapy, therapy materials & renovation of the therapy rooms for victims of domestic violence
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
ACORUS
Please welcome Katarina Mos Šinková, Head of Professional Services at ACORUS.
Since 1997, ACORUS has provided comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Through specialized services, prevention programmes, and professional assistance, the organization helps people regain safety, stability, and the opportunity to live free from violence.
DSA is funding furniture for their women & children’s domestic violence shelter
Grant Awarded: CZK 60,000
PFERDA
May I invite Hana Košťálková to receive the award on behalf of PFERDA.
PFERDA supports people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups in employment, education, and independent living. Through community-based programmes and social services, the organisation helps individuals develop their abilities and participate fully in society.
DSA is funding modern cleaning equipment for use by employed people with disabilities
Grant Awarded: CZK 100,000
Charita Nový Hrozenkov
Finally, please welcome Lenka Vráželová, VRAAJELOVA Director of Charita Nový Hrozenkov.
Since 1992, Charita Nový Hrozenkov has served communities in the mountainous Wallachia region near the Slovak border. Its mission is to enable people facing declining health to remain in their own homes, living with dignity, independence, and the support of their loved ones for as long as possible.
DSA is funding residential visits and home health aid equipment for movement, meals, hygiene, etc
Karla Reyes Leiva es una ingeniera biomédica hondureña que realiza un postdoctorado en la Universidad Técnica de Ostrava (Vysoká škola báňská). Su campo es el procesamiento de señales médicas y la ciencia de datos. Y para ello utiliza mucho la inteligencia artificial, a la que ve como una aliada, una herramienta ideal que le permite hacer su trabajo.
Karla Reyes Leiva es una hondureña de Santa Bárbara, donde se produce el mejor café de Honduras, asegura.
One hundred and twenty-five years ago, Prague witnessed a milestone in the history of women’s education. At just 24 years old, zoologist Marie Zdenka Baborová became the first woman to earn a doctorate at a university in the Czech lands. At a time when women were only beginning to gain access to higher education, her achievement marked a breakthrough that helped open the doors of academia to future generations.
In June 1901, Marie Zdenka Baborová became the first woman to earn a doctorate in philosophy at Prague University, today’s Charles University.
Steve Gove, founder and director of the Prague Fringe Festival, has been awarded an MBE by King Charles III in recognition of his contribution to Czech-British cultural relations.
For climbers, El Capitan in California’s Yosemite National Park is what Mount Everest is for mountaineers. This spring, Czech climber František D’Agostino achieved something that only a handful of people have ever done. Together with American climber Samuel Stroh, he free-climbed the legendary El Niño route on El Capitan in a single day. Just a few days later, the pair returned to tackle another demanding route on the wall, Golden Gate, this time in a 26-hour push.
Upon his return from Yosemite, I met with D’Agostino to talk about the experience, the challenges of big-wall climbing and his plans for the future.
A 17th-century engraving by Wenceslas Hollar has returned to the Beneš Villa in Sezimovo Ústí after spending decades with relatives of the Czechoslovak President in the United States. For the family, the donation is not only the return of a work of art, but also a symbolic act of remembrance, reconciliation and homecoming.
For decades, the engraving quietly hung on the walls of a family home in the United States.
Eleven monumental works by artist Jaroslav Róna are now on display in the town of Litomyšl. According to the artist, each sculpture has a special connection to the space in which it is placed.
In the latest episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, a Czechast series, we step inside the Church of St. Martin in the Wall, one of Prague’s oldest and least-known historic churches. Hidden just off Národní třída, it played a remarkable role in the Hussite movement and today offers one of the city’s most welcoming and distinctive Protestant communities.
For many visitors, churches are places to admire for a few minutes before moving on to the next attraction.
For nearly 25 years, Libuše Salomonovičová has been piecing together the stories of Jewish families connected to Ostrava in the northeastern Czech region of Moravia-Silesia. Now the 89-year-old researcher has donated her life’s work, a unique archive containing records on some 33,000 people, to Ostrava’s City Archive.
Although not Jewish herself, Libuše Salomonovičová married into a Jewish family.
The Czech Entomological Society has named the praying mantis Czechia’s Insect of the Year for 2026. Once found mainly in southern Moravia, this striking predator has spread across much of the country and is now turning up in places where people would hardly have expected to see it a few decades ago. Researchers are also asking the public to help track its spread, while keeping an eye on other mantis species that may soon reach Czechia.
I spoke with the society’s Petr Šípek and began by asking him why the praying mantis was chosen as Czechia’s Insect of the Year for 2026.
People around the country can now experience a trip into space through virtual reality. A special rocket-shaped simulator called SpaceBuzz is touring the country, offering visitors a chance to embark on a virtual space mission and view Earth from the perspective of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
The 18-metre-long white structure resembling a spacecraft is mounted on a mobile truck and visitors climb up a set of steps to its interior for the unique experience of leaving the Earth’s orbit.
Czechs are famous for their love of cottages, cabins and weekend retreats. But while this tradition has often been explored as a social phenomenon, far less attention has been paid to the architecture behind it. A new exhibition at Prague’s Museum of Applied Arts, called The Modern Cottage: An Architectural Phenomenon, aims to change that, tracing the evolution of cottage architecture from the interwar period to the end of socialism. I sat down with its curator, architectural historian Adam Štěch, to find out more.
Why did you feel the architectural side of the cottage phenomenon deserved more attention?.
On the occasion of the Portuguese Republic National Day, Camões and Portuguese Communities, the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Carlos Manuel FOLHADELA DE MACEDO OLIVEIRA, and the Camões Portuguese Language Centre hosted a reception and a concert by Rita Maria and Filipe Raposo, at the beautiful New Town Hall in Prague.
The honored Speaker was Mrs. Marie Chatardova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Watch the video with the speech of the Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Carlos Manuel FOLHADELA DE MACEDO OLIVEIRA, and Mrs. Marie Chatardova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and highlights from the concert.
The Fassati Art Festivalis an art project that offers a unique blend of experiences, encompassing music, fine arts, architecture, design, epicurean delicacies, emotions, and interpersonal harmony.
The main idea of the festival was prepared by the beautiful soprano Markéta Fassati, who guarantees the festival’s uniqueness.
The 2026 Gala evening took place at the Martinick Palace on Hradčanské náměstí, close to Prague Castle. A beautiful Renaissance palace.
Martinic Palace on the Hradčany square is one of the most beautiful late-Renaissance palaces in Prague; it was originally built in two stages separated by approximately eighty years, in 1550–1630, when a couple of older Gothic houses were expanded and rebuilt. In the second half of the 14th century, four Gothic buildings used to stand where the palace is today. One of them was owned by the famous chronicler Benesch of Weitmile, who was commissioned by Charles IV. to oversee the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral. Another house was occupied by Lady Ofka, Queen Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting. According to legends, she sometimes appears after midnight, accompanied by a burning dog. You can find more information at: https://www.martinickypalac.cz/en/history-of-the-palace/
This year, the beautiful soprano Marketa Fassati was accompanied by the pianist and composer Pavel Vetrovec, Frantisek Raba on the Contrabass, and Josef Nepustil on the drums.
Watch the video with highlights from this great concert; it was a great joy.
For the 9th year, Prague 6 is organizing a special and unique festival – the Festival of Embassies – Food & Culture.
This year, 60 countries and Ambassadors participated in this big festival.
The festival was hosted by Mr. Jakub Starek, the Mayor of Prague 6, Mr. Jan Lipavsky – Foreign Minister of the CR, Mr. Jan Lacina – a member of the Parliament of the CR, Mr. Jiří Růžička – a member of the Senate of the CR, MUDr. Bohuslav Svoboda – Mayor of Prague, and other officials.
Martin Churavy moderated the event, in English & Czech.
Ambassadors greeted the big crowd by saying “Bon Appétit” in their language, and promoting their food, culture, and tourism.
This year the culture program was bigger than before. A unique cultural show from all over the world entertained the crowd, and a special stage for the children.
It was a big success and the weather was great. Tour around the world in 12 hours.
Next year we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique festival. Looking forward to the big celebration.
Instead of visitors, the white-banded ring-tailed lemurs have been lounging on the benches lately. While the ring-tailed lemurs most often catch rays while sitting, the white-banded ring-tailed lemurs can assume various positions. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
A new environment, strange smells and sounds – and above all, unfamiliar roommates. The white-banded vari, one of the largest and loudest lemurs, settled in their new home surprisingly quickly.
Previously, visitors to Prague Zoo would see them opposite large turtles, but now they share a walk-through exhibit at the main entrance along with ring-tailed lemurs. Both Madagascan primates move freely around the island among people and can be observed from close quarters.
“We were relieved that we managed to bring the groups together. The experiences of other institutions sometimes suggested the opposite,” says Jan Mengr, curator of primates at Prague Zoo. “Coexistence is going beyond expectations. Each troop has its own ‘home’, where they do not let each other in, and most of the time they ignore each other in the enclosure.”
Getting to know each other on Lemur Island took place gradually. The white-banded ring-tailed lemurs spent the first fortnight in the hinterland, from where the ring-tailed lemurs could observe them. Then they had their first walks on the island, and then both groups took turns on it. Surprisingly, their first meeting together in the enclosure went well.
“The ring-tailed lemurs quickly settled in on the island and especially liked sunbathing on the benches,” describes Prague Zoo primate keeper Nikola Kučerová. “The ring-tailed lemurs, on the other hand, like to climb trees and bushes. Sometimes both species run into each other; light skirmishes only occur when I bring food.”
The Prague Zoo wants to dedicate the free enclosure for the white-banded ring-tailed lemurs to another Madagascar endemic species in time.
Although the white-banded ring-tailed lemurs are larger in size, the ring-tailed lemurs are more numerous on the island. While the male group of pure black and white prosimians numbers four individuals, their roommates with the unmistakable striped tail are six: five females and one male. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Visitors will learn interesting facts about the life of these Malagasy endemics during the guided meetings, which are held daily at 3 p.m. on Lemur Island. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The safety of visitors and animals is supervised by Prague Zoo staff. Of course, it is not possible to feed or touch the animals. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The white-banded ring-tailed lemurs are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers are also declining due to deforestation and hunting, and the populations are not helped by the very slow rate of reproduction. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Foto: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International
Su gran dominio del idioma y chispa mediterránea hacen que compatriotas y extranjeros tomen a Lucie Novotná por española. Desde las aulas hasta Instagram, esta checa que desconcierta a todos se está volviendo cada vez más popular por contagiar su gran pasión por un idioma que adoptó como propio.
Czech linguists are helping preserve the language of one of Central America’s Indigenous peoples. They are racing to record the stories of El Salvador’s Nahuat Pipil before they disappear with the last generation of storytellers.
The Nahuat Pipil are an Indigenous people whose ancestors migrated from central Mexico to present-day El Salvador around a thousand years ago.
Eighty-four years ago, on June 10, 1942, the Nazis annihilated the Central Bohemian village of Lidice in retaliation for the assassination of Acting Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich by Czechoslovak parachutists. In one of the most brutal reprisals of WWII, they shot 173 men, deported the women to concentration camps, and murdered most of the children or took them away for Germanization. The village was razed to the ground.
“General Heydrich had come to like our country; he was our friend.
The Czech Republic boasts one of the densest library networks in Europe. But who exactly uses these libraries, and what do their reading habits look like? Drawing on data from roughly 17 million loans made over three years at Prague’s Municipal Library, data journalist Michal Kašpárek uncovered a number of intriguing patterns. At what age do men and women read the same books? Who are the library’s ‘super-users’? And how do readers’ interests change over the course of a year? Ruth Fraňková spoke to Kašpárek about what the data revealed.
Of all the patterns hidden in the data, was there anything that really took you by surprise?.
Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda is on track to become the first Czech citizen to visit the International Space Station. The European Space Agency has signed an agreement with the US space company VAST that could see him fly to the ISS next year, and take on the key role of pilot.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced the news on Monday, saying Aleš Svoboda is expected to fly to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft next year.
For generations, the town of Vamberk has been synonymous with lace-making. Now its most famous craft has earned a new distinction: the exquisite Vamberk bobbin lace has become the first Czech craft product to receive European protected geographical indication status.
Nestled in the foothills of the Orlické Mountains in the north-east of Czechia, Vamberk has been associated with lace-making since the 17th century.
Dog owners in Czechia will be required to register their pets in a new Central Dog Register from July 1, the Czech News Agency reported on Saturday, citing the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons and the Agriculture Ministry.
Photo: Die Gross-Industrie Oesterreichs, Band 3. Leopold Weiss, Wien 1898/Wikimedia Commons, public domain
130 years ago, the Kolben & Co. factory began its story in Vysočany, which became the industrial heart of Prague and a symbol of Czech electrical engineering.
Emil Kolben was a Czech engineer who worked in the United States alongside Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in the late 19th century.
The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 100 years. In this five-part series, we follow its journey from a modest ensemble to an orchestra that helped shape Czech musical history.
The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra (SOČR) is one of the oldest and most prominent orchestras in the Czech Republic.
Award-winning Czech indie studio Amanita Design has unveiled its latest game, Phonopolis, a story-driven puzzle adventure set in a dystopian city built entirely from cardboard. More than a decade in the making, the game combines puzzle-solving gameplay with a distinctive hand-crafted visual style inspired by avant-garde art. What made the developers choose cardboard as the foundation of an entire game world? How do you turn stacks of paper models into a living digital city? And how did a project that took more than ten years to complete evolve along the way? I discussed these questions with Phonopolis producer Lukáš Kunce.
For listeners who haven’t come across Phonopolis yet, could you briefly introduce the game, its story and the main characters?.
A small zoo near the Central Bohemian town of Kladno is celebrating an exceptional breeding achievement. At the end of March, a young African hawk eagle hatched at the Zájezd Zoopark, one of only three zoos in Europe that keep the species. According to available records, it could be the first successful breeding of the bird in a European zoo. To learn more, I spoke with Daniel Koleška, the zoo’s head of conservation projects and education.
Hundreds of employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio staged protests on Wednesday against proposed changes to the funding of public-service media, warning that the measures could threaten their independence and financial stability.
Hundreds of Czech Television and Czech Radio employees came to work dressed in black on Wednesday to sound the alarm that their future is at stake and that if the ruling coalition pushes through its planned funding reform they may no longer be able to fulfill their mission.
The Regional Museum in Chrudim has opened an exhibition of works by the renowned Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. The collection of first edition posters, which captivated Paris in the late 1890s, is on show under the title Alphonse Mucha – Euphoria of Ornament.
The collection of posters ranks among the greatest treasures of the museum’s art collection.
This November will mark 60 years since the premiere of Closely Watched Trains, the Oscar-winning film by Jiří Menzel. The anniversary will be celebrated on 20 June in Loděnice, where a large part of the film was shot. Fans of the famous movie and the book it is based on can also explore the local Muzeum trati (Museum of the Railway Line), open from April till October.
Closely Watched Trains is a Czechoslovak film directed by Jiří Menzel in 1966, based on a novella of the same name by Bohumil Hrabal.
Two Czech Roman Catholic priests killed by the communist regime were beatified in Brno at the weekend. Jan Bula and Václav Drbola were hanged after a show trial in the 1950s, the darkest decade of the totalitarian era.
Clerics Jan Bula and Václav Drbola were beatified as martyrs in front of over 13,000 people in a hall at Brno’s Exhibition Grounds on Saturday afternoon.
The annual final exhibition of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) has moved to Kasárna Karlín, where students have come together to showcase an exciting variety of works, from sculpture to performance art, shaped by their new temporary home amid the reconstruction of the university’s main building.
Originally built for military purposes as barracks in the 1840s, Kasárna Karlín has, in recent years, become one of Prague’s most distinctive cultural and social hubs, home to an open-air cinema, a volleyball court, bars, cafes and art galleries.
On the occasion of the 80th Italian National Day, the Ambassador of Italy to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Alessandro Gaudiano, and Mrs. Beate Bender hosted a reception at the beautiful Italian Cultural Institute in Prague.
The honored speaker was Mr. Andrej Babiš – the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Alessandro Gaudiano, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic, and Mr. Andrej Babiš –the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
The countries of the Nordic and Baltic regions – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden – hold their yearly joint National Days celebration together, with Ukraine as a partner and an ally, at the beautiful Fanta Hall at Prague Main Railway Station
Prague is the only place where this celebration has been arranged for many years. We fully agree with Ambassadors when they say that „our strength thrives not only on our economies and our alliances but above all on our values.
Solidarity, justice, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms form the foundation of our societies. It works both inwards and outwards.“ We all stand for Ukraine together as great allies and partners.
The honored speaker was Mr. Andrej Babiš – the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.
Watch the video with the speeches of:
H.E. Mr. Pasi Olavi TUOMINEN – Ambassador of the Republic of Finland
H.E. Mr. Rolandas KAČINSKAS – Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania
H.E. Mr. Vilmars HENINŠ – Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia
Mr. Ágúst Már Ágústsson – Deputy Head of Mission of Iceland
H.E. Ms. Jana VANAVESKI – Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia
H.E. Ms. Snofrid Byrlokken EMTERUD – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway
H.E. Mr. Hakan JEVRELL – Ambassador of Sweden
Mr. Frederik Carl Morville FELDING,- CDA of the Kingdom of Denmark
H.E. Mr. Vasyl ZVARYCH – Ambassador of Ukraine
And Mr. Andrej Babiš – the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.
Tillykke! Onnittelut! Grattis! Gratulerer! Palju õnne! Apsveicu! Sveikinu! Vitaju!
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between the city of Kyoto and the city of Prague, established on 15 April 1996.
I April 2026, a delegation from Prague City visited Kyoto, where both cities reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation across a wide range of fields, including culture, business, art and academia.
H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA, the Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception in honor of Mr. MATSUI Koji, Mayor of Kyoto City, at his beautiful residence.
The reception provided a useful opportunity to discuss the means to materialize the shared interests into specific types of cooperation.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA, the Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic, and Mr. MATSUI Koji, Mayor of Kyoto ( in Japanese with translation to Czech )
The public opening will take place at the Lidice Gallery, Tokajícká 152, Lidice, attended by Huma Kabakci, custodian of the NHK Collection; Dr. Eduard Stehlik, Director of the Lidice Memorial; Ruth Noack, member of the LAC Council; and Míloslav Vorlíček, Head of the Lidice Art Collection.
The Lidice Art Collection (LAC) at the Lidice Memorial in the Czech Republic presents NHK Collection for Lidice, a new exhibition drawn entirely from the landmark donation of 65 artworks by Huma Kabakci, the Turkish-British custodian and curator of the Nahit & Huma Kabakci Collection (NHK Collection), to LAC. The exhibition opens on 9 June 2026 and runs through 7 March 2027 at the Lidice Gallery. It is the first exhibition to present the donated works to the public and marks the most significant addition to LAC in recent years. The gift highlights artists from Turkic-speaking regions while broadening the LAC’s global perspective and fostering dialogue across different geographies and generations.
NHK Collection for Lidice exhibition brings together artists whose practices span generations and geographies and resonate directly with Lidice’s mission. Artist Volkan Aslan explores half-remembered narratives by manipulating everyday objects into surreal structures. İpek Duben explores themes of identity, feminism, and migration across various media. Işıl Eğrikavuk advances dialogue-based performance rooted in protest and civic imagination. Babi Badalov’s visual poetry bends and splices languages to reflect on displacement. Sabina Shikhlinskaya, Azerbaijan’s conceptual art pioneer, explores the changing relationship between individuals and society.
The Lidice Art Collection was established through solidarity and continues to grow as a public resource for research, exhibitions, and education. NHK Collection for Lidice is a direct expression of that founding principle, presenting an exceptional private gift as a permanent contribution to the public record.
A team of Czech scientists has developed DigiDiadem, an app designed to help identify memory problems at an early stage. Using ten simple voice-based tasks and artificial intelligence, the system analyzes speech patterns that may indicate cognitive impairment or the onset of dementia.
The app was unveiled at the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň and is based on ten simple tasks that users complete by speaking their answers aloud.
After over a decade of preparation, the Prague Council last week approved a new zoning plan for the city. What will it do to fix Prague’s shortage of new apartments? And does it factor in all the amenities that development will demand? I spoke to Deputy Mayor for Spatial Development Petr Hlaváček (Mayors party), who oversaw the conclusion of the entire project.
Preparations for the new municipal zoning plan took many years.
Foto: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International
Convocada por una retrospectiva de sus mejores películas, la realizadora Jana Boková volvió a Praga con más miedo que certezas. Sin embargo, el entusiasmo del público y un episodio surrealista mientras bailaba tango le devolvieron, de golpe, esa ciudad que creía perdida.
A algunas personas podría inquietarlas un poco la idea de una retrospectiva, como la que está llevando a cabo estos días el Archivo Nacional de Cine Checo sobre la obra cinematográfica de Jana Boková: ocho de sus mejores películas proyectadas a modo de maratón entre el 14 de mayo y el 4 de junio en dos emblemáticas salas de Praga, Ponrepo y Atlas.
Jakub Menšík’s breakthrough season has reached another milestone. The Czech tennis star defeated Brazil’s João Fonseca in straight sets to become the first Czech man in sixteen years to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros. Speaking after the match, Menšík highlighted the importance of his return game, mental strength and aggressive tactics as he prepares for a showdown with Alexander Zverev.
Jakub Menšík’s remarkable rise in world tennis continues.
The 12 contenders for the Crystal Globe at the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival have just been revealed. They include one Czech picture as well as works from as far afield as Myanmar and Lebanon. Meanwhile the region’s biggest celebration of cinema will have more special screenings than ever. I discussed this year’s selection with artistic director Karel Och at a presentation on Tuesday.
There is one Czech film in the main competition, Chica Checa.
A new survey commissioned by the organisation Konsent suggests that relationships between teachers and students may be more common than many people realise. The research also found broad agreement that such behaviour has no place in schools, although younger and older Czechs often describe it differently. I discussed the findings with Konsent’s director Johanna Nejedlová and began by asking her what surprised her most about the results.
For most people, hearing the name Stalin evokes images of the late Soviet dictator and of immense restriction. But in the case of many people in the Czech capital the name has instead become associated with fairy lights, electronic music and views of the Prague skyline. The place where a statue of the dictator once stood is now one of the most popular cultural venues.
For the past 10 years the Stalin Cultural Center at Prague’s Letná has hosted DJs, live music, documentaries and feature films alongside the giant red metronome and graffitied skate park that have replaced the towering symbol of totalitarian oppression.
Up to 70 percent of former prisoners in the Czech Republic end up returning to jail, often because they lack access to housing, work, addiction treatment or family support after release. A new online platform, launching this autumn, aims to change that by connecting former inmates with organizations that can help them rebuild their lives.
Around 10,000 people are released from Czech prisons each year.
Earlier this year, Jan Zikmund launched Zikmund Literary, an agency that primarily aims to help Czech authors find readers around the world. But how does he plan to achieve this? How do books from this country tend to fare in foreign markets? And what other states can Czechia learn from in this arena? I discussed these questions and more with Zikmund, who is in his mid 30s and previously helped promote Czech writing in English-speaking countries at the state-funded Czech Literary Centre.
“I felt there was a need for a new literary agency here.
In the Madrid Río park, just a few steps from the Puente de Praga, the statue of František Suchý has been standing for a few days now. Suchý was the director of the Strašnice Crematorium, who secretly preserved the identities of more than two thousand people executed during the Nazi occupation. Among them were several Spaniards. Created by Czech sculptor Jakub Vlček, the monument weaves together Czech and Spanish history, acts of personal courage and international efforts to uncover forgotten stories.
František Suchý, originally a landscape architect, was appointed director of Prague’s Strašnice Crematorium during the Nazi occupation.
Owners and enthusiasts of cars, motorcycles and utility vehicles from the former Eastern Bloc gathered at Autocamp Hnačov in the Klatovy District for this year’s annual gathering of historic vehicles. The photograph captures a moment from the event’s popular ceremonial drive through the surrounding countryside.
Prague’s public transport operator has unveiled the new cars for the Petřín Funicular, allowing the public to see them for the first time, as reconstruction of the line moves toward completion in the second half of September.
The popular cable car to Petřín has been out of operation since late 2024 and a crowd of curious onlookers gathered to see its upgraded version in action for the first time this week.
Yvonne Přenosilová was a Czech singer and radio presenter, regarded as one of the pioneers of Czech rhythm and blues and rock and roll. Her life and career were shaped not only by music, but also by political upheaval, emigration, and a constant search for artistic freedom.
Přenosilová was born on July 2, 1947 in Prague into a family marked by war and displacement.
Source: T. Smith, Wellcome Collection gallery/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 DEED
It is 610 years since the death of Jerome of Prague (Jeroným Pražský), who sought to defend Jan Hus but ended up burnt at the stake for heresy himself.
Exactly 610 years ago, on May 30, 1416, the Czech philosopher and university professor Jerome of Prague died in the German town of Constance.
The Czech National Bank has unveiled a new gold coin dedicated to the west Bohemian city of Plzeň. Although its face value is 5,000 crowns, collectors are already paying almost 60,000 for it. Made from pure gold, the coin features some of Plzeň’s best-known landmarks and forms part of the bank’s series honouring historic Czech cities.
The coin was presented on Tuesday at the Masné krámy gallery in Plzeň, attended by its creator, sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů.
The garden of Rothmayer Villa in Prague, one of the finest examples of Czechoslovak interwar architecture, is now open to the public free of charge. Visitors can now explore the garden, famously photographed by Josef Sudek, without having to join a guided tour of the villa itself.
Dozens of people gathered in the garden of Rothmayer Villa in the Střešovice district on Wednesday to mark its opening to the public.
On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Amir Weissbrod, the Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the beautiful garden of the Ambassador’s Residence.
The honored guest was MUDr. Boris Stastny – Minister for Sport, Prevention and Health.
Watch the video of the speech of H.E. Mr. Amir Weissbrod, the Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic, and MUDr. Boris Stastny – Minister for Sport, Prevention and Health.
H.E. Mr. Metin FEYZIOGLU, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Birgul FEYZIOGLU, hosted a special event on the occasion of the Turkish cuisine week, at their beautiful residence.
The theme of this year is “Heritage at One Table.”
Watch the video of the speech by H.E. Mr. Metin FEYZIOGLU, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and their touching surprise.
Turkish specialties were served to the guests. It was very tasty.
Located at Černý Důl, Krkonoše, Aurum Resort is a modern next-generation mountain resort in the heart of the Krkonoše Mountains, redefining the way people experience time in the mountains.
It brings together sport, regeneration, gastronomy, and experiences into one seamless rhythm of daytime and evening life — for individuals, families, companies, and communities alike.
A place where every generation feels welcome, and every guest has their own space, their own program, and their own reason to return.
You can enjoy one of the 80 Stylish and comfortable apartments with one to three bedrooms, designed for peaceful mountain stays.
Less than 2 hours from Prague, you can enjoy Unique Resort facilities:
Sports
Technogym fitness center, Full Swing golf simulator, outdoor illuminated courts, and the mountains themselves are a natural playground for countless year-round activities.
Wellness
Swimming pool with jacuzzi, saunas, massages, and a relaxation zone designed to restore balance and harmony.
Entertainment for Children & Teenagers
Kids’ corner, gaming zones for teenagers, outdoor playground, and adventure trips into the surrounding nature.
Gastronomy & Bar
Restaurant, bar, summer terrace, and our own craft beer as a natural part of shared moments.
Events & Gatherings
Facilities for corporate events, team building, sports events, weddings, and family celebrations.
Additional Programs
Kids’ animators, trainers, sports lessons, themed evenings, and meditation sessions.
Un ranking global basado en millones de reservas y opiniones sitúa a Praga como una de las ciudades más atractivas para descubrir a pie, gracias a su centro histórico compacto y su creciente apuesta por el turismo de experiencias.
Praga se ha situado en el séptimo lugar mundial entre las mejores ciudades para recorrer a pie en 2026, según un ranking global elaborado por la plataforma de viajes Freetour.
The Czech Senate celebrated 30 years of existence in a ceremony on Tuesday evening. But what has the upper house of Parliament actually achieved in the last three decades? And could talk of abolishing it ever become reality? I discussed those questions with political scientist Petr Just.
The Senate was established by the Czech Constitution of 1993.
An unvaccinated preschool child from the Ostrava region has died after contracting diphtheria, a disease that had become extremely rare thanks to routine immunization. The case has prompted renewed concern about vaccine coverage, with health officials urging parents not to delay their children’s scheduled shots.
The preschool boy was diagnosed with diphtheria about a month ago and initially treated at Ostrava University Hospital.
Richard Falbr, a former head of the main Czech trade unions umbrella body and MEP, has died at the age of 85. A very well-known face in public life in the 1990s, Falbr was born in the UK during the war to a Czech airman father and Spanish mother.
Richard Falbr was a member of the European Parliament for two five-year terms.
The line-up of the 2026 Prague Sounds multi-genre music festival has just been announced. Names such as sitar star Anoushka Shankar, jazz pioneer Shabaka and electronica-and-visuals wizard Max Cooper will appear at a variety of venues in the city during November’s landmark 30th edition.
Kojey Radical will appear at Prague’s Lucerna Music Bar on November 16, one of a dozen or so live events in three weeks that will make up this year’s Prague Sounds.
Prague Castle’s Renaissance jewel, the Royal Summer Palace of Queen Anne, better known as the Belvedere, is closing to the public for nearly two years as a major restoration project begins. The Prague Castle Administration has launched the extensive renovation at an estimated cost of around 100 million Czech crowns, marking one of the most significant conservation efforts at the Castle complex in recent years.
The elegant Renaissance structure, with its arcaded façade, distinctive copper roof shaped like an inverted ship’s hull, and beautifully tended gardens attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
The 2026 Speedway Grand Prix at Prague’s Stadion Markéta featured a showdown between the elite riders of world speedway. Pictured are Max Fricke, Adam Bubba Bednář, Jason Doyle and Brady Kurtz.
Exactly 85 years ago, on May 24, one of the most famous American singer-songwriters, Bob Dylan, is born. A few years later and several thousand kilometres further east, another baby sees the light of day for the first time – Jozef Frídl, who would later be nicknamed “Czech Bob Dylan.”
Jozef “Bob” Frídl’s singing career began in 1967 with the group Green Spiders.
On 25 May, 1996, Czech javelin thrower Jan Železný threw 98.48 m at a small meet in Germany where he reportedly travelled „just to test his form“. The world record set in Jena in 1996 still stands today and remains one of the toughest records in athletics.
The javelin throw is one of the oldest athletics disciplines, and the Czech Republic has an exceptionally strong tradition in the event.
Czech researchers have discovered that nanoplastics can weaken the lungs’ natural defence system, raising fresh concerns about the health risks posed by the tiny particles now found almost everywhere in the environment. Using a special microscope, the scientists were able to observe exactly how nanoplastics behave inside the lungs.
This weekend, more than 100 usually inaccessible buildings and spaces across Prague will open to the public free of charge as part of the Open House festival, whose theme this year explores the link between historic preservation and urban development. I spoke with the festival’s Michaela Pánková and first asked her about some of this year’s highlights linked to the main theme.
“The festival features several buildings that are currently undergoing renovation as well as changes in function.
Orchard owners in several regions are dealing with the consequences of the frosts. According to preliminary estimates by the Fruit Growers Union, the harvest will be roughly half of the average, and the damage could reach hundreds of millions of crowns.
On the occasion of Ibero-American Week in Prague, the Ambassador of Colombia to the Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Solangel Ortiz, hosted a Colombian music concert “Marimbea All Stars” at the French Institute in Prague.
It was a great experience of the rich culture of the Colombian Pacific region, with its ancestral music and rhythms, where the joyful sounds of the marimba and percussion take center stage.
Filipínská Barrio Fiesta 2026 Brings a Vibrant Celebration of Filipino Culture, Music, and Community to Prague
The Filipino community in the Czech Republic warmly invites the public to experience Filipínská Barrio Fiesta 2026, a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and community on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Prague.
The one-day celebration will feature colorful performances, authentic Filipino cuisine, and family-friendly activities that showcase the warmth and vibrant spirit of the Philippines.
Organized by the National Organizing Committee (NOC) with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Prague, the festival brings together Filipinos, local communities, and international guests in a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture and traditions in Europe.
Centered on the theme “Kulturang Pinoy: Pamana sa Makabagong Panahon” (“Filipino Culture: Heritage in the Modern Era”), the festival celebrates and preserves Filipino traditions while strengthening cultural connections among Filipinos, local communities, and international guests across Europe.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 11:00 AM at Sportovní hala Královka (Nad Královskou oborou 1080/51, 170 00 Praha 7-Bubeneč )
The event is open to the public for free.
Festival attendees can look forward to a full day of entertainment and cultural experiences, including:
Traditional and modern Filipino dance performances
Live musical entertainment
Authentic Filipino food and delicacies
Games and competitions
Booths featuring local businesses and community organizations
Activities for all ages
Organizers hope the event festival will serve as a platform for cultural appreciation, community engagement, and unity among Filipinos and friends of the Philippines living in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries.
“Filipínská Barrio Fiesta is more than a festival—it is a strong affirmation of identity, heritage, and community among Filipinos abroad,” said event organizers. “Join us to experience the warmth, hospitality, and vibrant spirit of Filipino culture.”
The event is anticipated to draw a lively crowd from Prague and nearby cities, creating a jubilant setting that celebrates the diversity and vibrant expressions of Filipino traditions throughout the festivities.
Filipínská Barrio Fiesta is an annual cultural event dedicated to celebrating Filipino heritage in the Czech Republic through music, dance, food, and community activities. The festival promotes cultural exchange and strengthens the connection between Filipinos and international communities throughout Europe.
Przewalski’s horse stallions at the Prague Zoo breeding and acclimatization station in Dolní Dobřejov. The entire transport begins there. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The return of the wild horses continues this year! The transport of Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan, directed by Prague Zoo and its partners, will begin next week. This will happen almost exactly fifteen years after the first Prague transport of horses to Mongolia. Eight passengers – for the first time ever, four stallions and four mares – will head to the Golden Steppe aboard a CASA aircraft of the Czech Army. On Sunday, May 31, the military aircraft will first transport four horses from Prague and then return to the German capital for four individuals prepared at the Tierpark Berlin there.
“The return of wild horses, initiated fifteen years ago by my predecessor Miroslav Bobek, is the flagship of Prague Zoo’s rescue projects. We will continue this world-famous and recognized initiative until there is a basis for a viable population of this still endangered species in the wilds of central Kazakhstan,” says Prague Zoo Director Lenka Poliaková.
The return of wild horses to Kazakhstan began in 2024. During two transports, fourteen horses were successfully brought to the Golden Steppe, from which Przewalski’s horses disappeared due to human activity more than two hundred years ago. In order for the population there to be genetically variable, it is necessary to transport a sufficient number of Przewalski’s horses from farms across Europe.
For the media: A press conference just before the departure of the Przewalski’s horses will take place at Prague-Kbely Airport on Sunday, May 31. The meeting will be held in the parking lot at the entrance to the military complex at 11:45. In addition to representatives of the Prague Zoo, representatives of the Prague City Hall and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Czech Republic will also attend.
Candidates for transport to Kazakhstan. They are currently undergoing the necessary pre-departure quarantine. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Please send applications for press accreditation to the e-mail masek@zoopraha.cz strictly by Friday, May 29, at 12:00. In addition to your full name and telephone number, please provide your ID card number. If you plan to arrive by car, you must also send the name of the car’s make and license plate number.
Partners of this year’s transport of Przewalski’s horses
The Prague Zoo maintains the International Stud Book of the Przewalski’s horse and also its EEP (EAZA Ex situ programme = European breeding programme). After World War II, it played a crucial role in saving the Przewalski’s horse. Later, it gave rise to the idea of its reintroduction, in which it subsequently became involved. Its nine transports of Przewalski’s horses from Europe to western Mongolia in 2011–2019 were very significant. Now, in addition to the transports of Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan, it is preparing a reintroduction project for eastern Mongolia, in the so-called Valley of Monasteries.
The Association for the Protection of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) is a national non-profit organization aimed at preserving biodiversity and educating the population. The Return of Wild Horses project is part of its long-term efforts to reconstruct the original steppe communities in the country in a broader perspective. ACBK is behind the construction of the necessary infrastructure in the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve. It was used in the past for the reintroduction of kulans in cooperation with the FZS.
The Forestry and Wildlife Committee (FWC) is a state department under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its task is the management and protection of nature and specially protected areas. His appeal to Prague Zoo in the fall of 2022 initiated the Return of Wild Horses to Kazakhstan project.
The author of the visual for this year’s transport is Czech naturalist, writer and illustrator Jan Dungel. Source Prague Zoo
Tierpark Berlin is a zoo that has previously participated in the breeding, management and reintroduction of various animal species, and has also cooperated in the protection of the Przewalski’s horse. As part of the Return of Wild Horses project, it provides horses from its own breeding, brings candidates from other European institutions to its breeding facility, and directly participates in their transport to Kazakhstan.
The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international organization coordinating projects for the protection of endangered species and ecosystems in 18 countries around the world. In Kazakhstan, it participates in the protection of Tatar saigas and kulans. In 2006, it co-founded the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (ADCI).
The Air Force of the Czech Republic, specifically the 24th Transport Air Force Base located at Prague-Kbely Airport, ensures the transport of horses to Kazakhstan. They have also collaborated with Prague Zoo in the past, including on the transport of the lowland gorilla Duni and nine transports of Przewalski’s horses to western Mongolia.
Hace un siglo, el presidente Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk recibió el primer automóvil con el emblema de Škoda, una lujosa limusina basada en la ingeniería de la firma española Hispano Suiza que simbolizó el avance tecnológico y las ambiciones del joven Estado checoslovaco.
El 10 de mayo de 1926 marcó un momento clave para la industria automotriz en Checoslovaquia.
The annual GLOBSEC Forum is set to bring over 2,000 guests – including presidents, ministers and business and civil society leaders – to Prague later this week. Run by the think-tank GLOBSEC, the strategic conference will deliver dozens of in-depth discussions focused on geopolitics and transatlantic security.
This year’s edition of GLOBSEC Forum, held under the auspices of Czech President Petr Pavel, will host a large number of ministers from Europe and beyond, as well as heads of state and representatives of major global companies.
New plaques at Prague’s Old Jewish Cemetery pay tribute to staff at the city’s Jewish Museum who saved countless valuable artefacts during the Holocaust. The memorial helps mark the 120th anniversary of the foundation of the museum, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world.
Recently installed plaques at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague’s Josefov list scores of names of staff and associates of the city’s Jewish Museum whose work gathering items owned by Jewish families and communities during the Holocaust led to the institution having one of the largest collections of Judaica anywhere in the world.
Prague has ranked sixth among thousands of destinations in the latest global congress rankings, confirming its place among the world’s leading conference cities. International conferences bring significant economic benefits, with delegates spending far more than leisure tourists. But maintaining Prague’s competitive edge will require continued investment and strategic planning.
Prague is known around the world for its historic skyline, cultural heritage and architectural beauty. But beyond the postcard image, the Czech capital has also built a formidable reputation in a less visible but highly lucrative field: international congresses, conferences and expert meetings.
Thirty-five years ago, mountaineer Leopold Sulovský became the first Czech to reach the summit of Mount Everest. On May 17, 1991, he climbed the world’s highest mountain with an Italian expedition, reaching an altitude of 8,848 metres at a time when modern climbing equipment was far from standard.
On May 17, 1991, Leopold Sulovský became the first Czech to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Škoda Auto has officially unveiled its smallest and most affordable electric vehicle to date, the new Škoda Epiq, during a world premiere in Zurich. The compact crossover represents Škoda’s latest step in its rapid expansion of electric mobility and is designed to attract new customers to the EV market with a relatively affordable price tag, practical interior and modern technology.
The Epiq will enter production in June at the Volkswagen Group plant near Pamplona in northern Spain, with the first customer deliveries expected by the end of the summer.
When psychiatrist Jaroslav Skála opened the world’s first medically supervised sobering-up station, he wanted to help intoxicated people rather than punish them. Although his idea revolutionised immediate care for intoxicated people, sobering-up stations are now in decline.
Psychiatrist Jaroslav Skála first founded an alcohol treatment clinic in 1948.
A two-year-old lynx named Bardi has completed what experts say is the longest lynx migration ever recorded in Czechia. The young male travelled from the Šumava region in the far south of the country all the way to the German side of the Krušné Hory Mountains in the north, covering at least 160 kilometres in a straight line.
Bardi was born in 2024 near the village of Hartmanice in western Šumava as one of three cubs of a female lynx named Surya, a well-known specimen that conservationists in the area have monitored for several years and through multiple litters.
In a sports hall in the Czech town of Pelhřimov, a dream from the age of steam and brass finally lifted off the ground. A nearly three-meter-long replica of the Albatross – the fantastical flying machine from Jules Verne’s 1886 novel Robur the Conqueror – successfully took flight, earning a place in the Czech Book of Records.
Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror was remarkably prophetic for its time.
Since its seat-of-the-pants beginnings in the early 2000s, the Prague Fringe has established itself as one of the leading events of its kind in Europe. Indeed, this year the festival is marking no less than a quarter century of existence with a packed programme that gets underway on May 22. The Prague Fringe was first dreamt up by two friends: Steve Gove, who still runs it, and Angus Coull, who is now back in the pair’s native Scotland. And ahead of this year’s landmark edition, Gove and Coull shared often colourful recollections of the festival’s beginnings.
My first question is a simple one – how did you guys first meet?.
The story of the theft of the skull of Saint Zdislava, which shocked the nation last week, has a happy ending. The police found it in time and restorers say it will be preserved for future generations. However, questions still remain about when and under what conditions it will be displayed again.
The Dominicans from the town of Jablonné v Podještědí described Sunday’s news as a miracle.
A once-neglected passageway inside the iconic Prague apartment building known as Molochov has been transformed into a new gallery space. The opening exhibition features works by illustrator and artist Jakub Bachorík.
Standing opposite the wide open space of Letná Plain, Molochov is one of Prague’s best-known functionalist apartment blocks.
Puppets are considered a true national heritage in Czechia. Therefore, it is no surprise that when one of the most famous of them, the little rascal Hurvínek, celebrates his 100th birthday, celebrations are taking place across the entire country.
It is the spring of 1926, and puppet maker and woodcarver Gustav Nosek is putting the finishing touches on his newest wooden puppet in his workshop in the western Czechoslovak town of Cheb.
He is big, shaggy, kind-hearted, and loves his best friend Ája – Maxipes Fík is an animated fairy-tale character who has been wishing children good night for five decades. Nevertheless, it is also a prime example of Czech animation resulting from the collaboration of top Czech creators.
Večerníček, Czech television’s popular bedtime story series, has been part of the bedtime routine of several generations of Czech children for over 60 years.
On the occasion of the National Day, Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Croatia, the Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Mrs. Ljiljana Pancirov, and the Defense Attache, CDR Ivo Musulin, hosted a reception and exhibition of the “Cravat Story” at the historic New Town Hall in Prague.
Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mrs. Ljiljana Pancirov – Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Defense Attache, CDR Ivo Musulin, and pictures from the “Cravat Day” exhibition.
H.E. Mr. Metin FEYZIOGLU, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Birgul FEYZIOGLU, hosted a Piano recital at their beautiful residence in Prague.
The piano recital was performed by Ruya Taner, one of Türkiye’s leading concert pianists and a Steinway artist.
Ruya Taner is originally from Northern Cyprus. She began her piano studies with her father, Yilmaz Taner, and entered the Ankara State Conservatory at the age of 11, studying with Mithat Fenmen, and Tulga Cetiz.
In 1983, she was awarded a state scholarship under the “Law of Gifted Children “. Continued her education at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
Watch the Video with the welcome speech of H.E. Mr. Metin FEYZIOGLU, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and highlights from Ruya Taner’s beautiful performance.
Transport crates for Edwards’ pheasants. Photo Berlin Zoo
Edwards’ pheasants, who have not been seen in the wild since 2000, are returning to their original homeland. Ten pairs will be transported to Vietnam this week by the Berlin Zoo, with three of the twenty animals coming directly from the Prague Zoo. The transport under the slogan Bring Back Blue is the result of decades of international efforts in which Prague Zoo plays a key role: it coordinates the European Breeding Program (EEP) and also manages the European studbook of Edwards’ pheasants. This native endemic of the forests of central Vietnam, it has been breeding continuously since the 1940s and has raised almost two hundred chicks. It has also financed the construction of a breeding center in Vietnam, where the birds from Europe will now go.
The initiative is supported by a wide network of partners who bring together expertise in breeding management, veterinary medicine, habitat protection and long-term monitoring. The European Breeding Programme (EEP) led by Prague Zoo plays a key role in this collaboration, ensuring the long-term viability of the population. “Coordinated management of the European population was essential in preparing for this moment,” says Veronika Zahradníčková, EEP coordinator for Edwards’ pheasant at Prague Zoo. “Thanks to careful and long-term breeding planning based on genetics, we have been able to maintain a healthy and viable population. The provision of individuals from the breeding programme to this project is a significant milestone in the return of Edwards’ pheasant to its natural habitat.”
From Extinction to Rescue
Central Vietnam has been without one of its most remarkable residents for over two decades. Originally native to the dense, humid lowland forests of the region, the Edwards’ Pheasant has not been reliably recorded in the wild for decades. It was last seen in March 2000. It is currently listed as “Critically Endangered (Probably Extinct in the Wild)” on the IUCN Red List.
The decline of this burrowing bird, whose males are distinguished by their elegant appearance thanks to their metallic plumage and bright red skin on their heads, is the result of pressure from many sides. Factors behind its probable extinction in the wild include widespread habitat loss, agricultural expansion, illegal hunting and, last but not least, the lasting ecological impact of the Vietnam War, during which large areas of native forest in its range were destroyed.
Male Edwards’ pheasant. Photo Václav Šilha, Prague Zoo
An international alliance of conservation organizations, zoological institutions, and Vietnamese partners have come together with a common goal: to return the Edwards’ pheasant to the forests where it once lived. The project is one of the few global efforts to reintroduce a species that is likely extinct in the wild, making it both an ambitious and deeply symbolic undertaking.
The survival of the Edwards’ pheasant to the present day is a remarkable story in itself. In the early 20th century, a small number of the birds were brought to Europe from Vietnam. This human-carried population became the basis for a carefully managed effort to save the species across zoological institutions and private breeders. Thanks to international coordination, the bred pheasants have remained genetically viable.
Now, this population from European zoos will be used to support their return to the wild. This week, a group of twenty pheasants selected from European institutions and breeders will be transported from Berlin to Vietnam. Each individual was selected with regard to genetic diversity, health status, and behavioral characteristics to ensure the strongest possible foundation for the future population in Vietnam.
Transport and next steps
The selected pheasants will be transported from Germany to Vietnam by cargo planes in specially designed transport crates that ensure safety, ventilation and minimal stress during the entire journey. The transport will be accompanied by experts who will continuously monitor the birds and ensure their maximum well-being.
After arrival, the pheasants will be acclimatized and quarantined at the Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc zoo in Vietnam. After that, some of them will remain at the zoo and some will travel to the breeding center in Kim Ngân. All pheasants will therefore remain under surveillance. The immediate goal is not their release, but stability: this plan will allow the pheasants to adapt to local climatic conditions, form natural breeding pairs and give birth to a new generation, hatched in Vietnam. Only then will further steps be considered leading to their release into the wild.
This approach reflects the complexity of the problem. Returning a species that is no longer in the wild requires more than “just” transferring it from a zoo to its original habitat. Functional ecosystems, subsequent protection and support from local people are absolutely essential.
In central Vietnam, these conditions are being created in parallel. Protected areas of forest are being designated as potential future release sites within the species’ historical range. Conservation teams are working in the field to protect these habitats, survey biodiversity and reduce ongoing threats, particularly poaching.
Portrait of a male Edwards’ pheasant. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Partnerships and citations
Central to the on-the-ground efforts is the Rare Pheasants Breeding Centre, run by local non-profit organisation Viet Nature. The first facility of its kind in Vietnam, the centre combines breeding with research and environmental education, while also involving local communities in protecting their natural heritage.
“For Vietnam, the recovery of the Edwards’ pheasant is more than just the return of a species,” says Pham Tuan Anh, Director of Viet Nature. “It represents our pride and responsibility to protect our natural heritage. This project shows how conservationists, scientists, local communities and authorities can come together to restore what was once lost.”
“This project is the result of decades of international cooperation,” says Andreas Knieriem, Director of Zoo Berlin and Tierpark Berlin. “The Edwards’ pheasant survived only thanks to coordinated conservation breeding, and now we have the opportunity to take the next step: returning it to the wild, where it belongs.”
Global conservation partners outside Europe also emphasize the importance of a long-term commitment. “The World Pheasant Association (WPA) is committed to a long-term partnership in one of the most challenging yet innovative conservation projects in recent years. WPA first sent four pairs of the species to the Hanoi Zoo in 1994, and today’s landmark transfer has been the result of many years of determined negotiation. Edwards’ pheasant is one of the few bird species that is now completely dependent on human-managed populations for its survival, and WPA is committed to changing the fate of this bird by restoring its wild population. The strong support from the Vietnamese authorities and the multinational team gives us confidence that we can succeed. It is a step-by-step process, with the transfer of twenty birds from Germany as part of the Bring Back Blue project being key,” said Jo Gregson, President of the World Pheasant Association (WPA). Several partners from different countries are contributing their specialist expertise to different aspects of the project. One of these is the long-term monitoring of the birds after their eventual release into the wild. “When reintroducing a species, it’s really important to know how well it can survive in the wild, so monitoring after release is essential. That’s where radiotelemetry transmitters come in, allowing us to safely monitor the birds and their health in the wild without disturbing them. We’re running trials to find the best way to attach them to the pheasants,” says Leah Williams, senior conservation scientist at Chester Zoo.
The return of the Edwards’ pheasant represents a rare opportunity to reverse a loss that once seemed final. The project therefore highlights the role that long-term, thoughtful human-led husbandry can play in conserving species, and shows the importance of international collaboration in addressing global biodiversity challenges.
In this special episode of Czechast, Czech President Petr Pavel and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have a timely discussion on Europe’s future, security, and democracy. A thoughtful conversation between two European leaders at a critical moment.
Foto: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International
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