AuthorMartin Hladík

On the occasion of the 80^th 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

Happy 80th National Day, Italy

Buona 80ª Festa Nazionale, Italia!

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

Screenshot

This year marks the 30^th 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.

Photo: University of West Bohemia in Plzeň

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: IPR Praha

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

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.

See more here.

Author: Juan Pablo Bertazza

Photo: Pawel Andrachiewicz, Newspix.pl / Profimedia

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

In Prague, around 157,000 apartments are currently under construction, which is 8,000 more than in the first half of last year.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo illustrative: M., Unsplash

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.

“I think the most alarming number is that 1.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Jacob David Marek

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.

See more here.

Olympic bronze medallist Tereza Voborníková has been named Czech Biathlete of the Year for the second time in her career.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Filip Jandourek, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Madrid

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Miroslav Chaloupka, ČTK

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.

See more here.

Photo: Laura Hájková, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Supraphon

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

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.

See more here.

Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo: Západočeská galerie v Plzni

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Libor Galia, Muzeum Prahy

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

On the occasion of the 78^th 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.

Happy Independence Day of the State of Israel

יום עצמאות שמח

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.

More information https://www.resortaurum.cz/en

Foto ilustrativa: wobbuffet13, Pixabay, Pixabay License

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.

See more here.

Author: Juan Muttoni

The new Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic is Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, who was born in Ireland.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Czech Senate

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

People in Prague today commemorated the 84th anniversary of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich at the Anthropoid memorial.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Daniela Brychtová, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Vlasta Luťanská, Borgis archive / Profimedia

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Michaela Říhová, ČTK

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Klára Škodová, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Vít Šimánek, ČTK

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.

See more here.

Photo: Libor Sochor, Profimedia

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Lehtikuva/ČTK

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.

See more here.

Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo illustrative: Pixabay, CC0 1.0 DEED

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.

Researchers at the J.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Karel Štefl, Open House Praha

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: krzys16, Pixabay, Pixabay License

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.

The threat of spring frosts is now probably over.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

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.

Watch the video, with highlights from the event.

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.

Photo by Filipínská Barrio Fiesta NOC.

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.

Foto: Škoda Auto

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.

See more here.

Author: Klára Stejskalová

Illustrative photo: TASR/Profimedia

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

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.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Archive of Leopold Sulovský/ČT24

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.

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Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo: Škoda Auto

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Jan Vrabec, ČTK

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Michaela Jílková, Profimedia

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Martin Soldán, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

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?.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Vít Černý, ČTK

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Adam Mráček, Kreativní Praha

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.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Blanka Kovandová, Czech Radio

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Czech Television

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.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

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.

Sretan Dan državnosti, Hrvatska

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.

It was a great evening.

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.

More about Edwards’ pheasant: https://www.zoopraha.cz/zvirata-a-expozice/lexikon-zvirat?d=48&start=48

More about the protection of Edwards’ pheasant at Prague Zoo: https://www.zoopraha.cz/zvirata-a-expozice/pomahame-jim-prezit/16016-zachrana-vyhynuleho-bazanta-edwardsova

Detailed information about Edwards’ pheasant in a special issue of Prague Zoo’s professional periodical GAZELLA: https://www.zoopraha.cz/gazella/vydani-casopisu/15292-gazella-special-issue-vietnam-pheasant

Photo: Zuzana Bönisch, Office of the President

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.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Foto: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International

En su visita oficial a Praga, la viceministra de Relaciones Exteriores de México, María Teresa Mercado Pérez, impulsó la firma de nuevos acuerdos bilaterales, abriendo paso a una cooperación más profunda en innovación y tecnología. También destacó la expectativa que despierta el inminente cruce mundialista entre Chequia y México y, en un gesto de cercanía cultural, invitó a los checos a descubrir un plato mexicano mucho menos conocido que los tacos, pero tan sublime como histórico.

Ni con su convivencia en el grupo A del mundial ni con la fama de la simpática canción de Michal Tučný: las relaciones entre México y Chequia comenzaron muchísimo antes.

See more here.

Author: Juan Pablo Bertazza

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš have agreed to four changes in a proposed list of new Czech ambassadors, the former said on Tuesday, adding that he would not comment on the matter further at present.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Tim Ireland, PA Images / Profimedia

Cities and municipalities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are gaining a new ally in the fight against climate change. Using freely available European satellite data, Czech and Slovak researchers have developed an app that will help local governments to better respond to drought, overheating, and the decline of urban greenery.

The SatKlima project, developed by researchers from Tomas Bata University in Zlín and the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible at the local level.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Náprstek Museum

A new exhibition is currently underway at the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures in Prague, marking 200 years since the birth of Vojtěch Náprstek, a remarkable 19th-century figure who was not only the founder of a museum, but also an innovator, politician and early advocate for women’s rights.

Located on Prague’s Bethlehem Square, not far from the bustling Národní třída, the Náprstek Museum feels surprisingly quiet and hidden and is easy to overlook despite sitting right in the heart of the city.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Daniel Ordóñez, Radio Prague International

Book World Prague, Czechia’s biggest literary festival, gets underway at Prague’s Exhibition Grounds this week, featuring around 60 international writers, including historian Timothy Snyder. Ahead of the festival, I spoke with its director, Radovan Auer.

This year’s themes of Book World Prague are history and Europe, inspired by Milan Kundera’s quote: “The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

The skull of Saint Zdislava, a priceless 800-year-old relic, was stolen this week from a glass case in the Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdislava north of Prague. The theft has stunned clergy and worshippers alike, raising fears over the fate of an important religious and historical treasure.

Saint Zdislava, who lived between 1220 and 1252, was a Bohemian noblewoman known for founding monasteries and hospitals and caring for the sick and poor.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: ČEZ

The site of a nuclear power plant is not a place where you would expect to see wildlife or conservation efforts. However both the Temelin and Dukovany power plants pride themselves in providing rare birds of prey with a safe nesting ground.

The ČEZ power utility, which operates the plants, launched a conservation effort focusing on rare birds of prey in 2011, installing nesting boxes on tall industrial structures.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: xChristophxHardtx/NRW Germany/IMAGO/Panama Pictures, Reuters

For decades, Wolfgang Beltracchi fooled the art world with paintings he passed off as lost works by famous artists. Now the German former forger is exhibiting his own paintings in Prague.

His works hung in galleries, museums and private collections as supposedly rediscovered masterpieces.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Prague Spring Festival

The biggest classical music festival in Czechia gets underway on Tuesday as the 81st edition of the Prague Spring International Music Festival opens with Bedřich Smetana’s Má vlast, performed this year by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. This year’s line-up features leading international orchestras and soloists alongside contemporary music events under the Prague Offspring banner. I spoke to the festival’s artistic director Josef Třeštík about this year’s highlights, Artist-in-Residence Barbara Hannigan, and why contemporary music remains an important part of Prague Spring.

This year’s Artist-in-Residence at the Prague Spring International Music Festival is the Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: MichielTon, Pixabay, Pixabay License

Last winter Nico Moro managed to walk from Třebíč all the way to the Olympics in Milan. He covered more than 920 kilometres on foot in 31 days and gained many fans and supporters. Less than three months later, he already has a new goal – Fribourg, Switzerland.

Nico Moro is a 27-year-old with Czech-Italian roots who has managed to turn ordinary walking into an inspiring experience.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Petr Horník, Právo / Profimedia

Do you know who a groomer is? It is a dog hairstylist. At the international GrooMasters competition in Prague, 140 of the best dog groomers from Czechia, Slovakia, Germany and even Canada showcased their precision and skill in grooming and styling dog fur.

See more here.

Source: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

It is a dramatic legend of violence between women striving for independence and men determined to reassert control. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode explores the Maidens’ War and its enduring appeal. The story raises a deeper question: why has this bloody myth remained so powerful for centuries?

There are stories that survive not because they are clearly documented, but because they speak to something deeper.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka, Rob Cameron

Photo: Archive of National Museum

Filip Šír from the National Museum in Prague has spent years researching into a series of remarkable wartime broadcasts made by the much-loved Czech duo Jiří Voskovec and Jan Werich. Their satirical sketches and songs, some of them in English, were broadcast on shortwave from the United States and formed an important part of the campaign to fight Nazi propaganda and indoctrination with humour. Until recently they had been all but forgotten.

Voskovec and Werich’s satirical cabaret, the Liberated Theatre, was hugely popular in 1930s Prague and their sketches and songs, many composed by brilliant jazz composer Jaroslav Ježek are much loved to this day.

See more here.

Author: David Vaughan

On the occasion of the first Anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the See of Saint Peter, and a farewell from H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo – Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, the Apostolic Nunciature in Czechia hosted a concert and a reception at the beautiful Archbishop’s Palace in Prague.

The ceremony started with the Anthem of the Holy See and the Anthem of the Czech Republic.

Mons. Stanislav Přibyl, the new Archbishop of Prague, greeted the guest.

Then the representation of the Diplomatic Corps in the Czech Republic,

H.E. Mr. Claudio Javier ROZENCWAIG, Ambassador of Argentina

H.E. Ms. Maria-Antoaneta BARTA, Ambassador of Romania

H.E. Ms. Emily Ann MCLAUGHLIN, Ambassador of Canada

Greeted Archbishop Okolo, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, answered the greeting in his special way, and in a few languages.

Mrs. Marie Chatardova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and Senator Pavel Fischer conclude the speeches and the greetings.

The concert was performed by Mr. Filip Bandzak, internationally renowned Czech Baritone, and Kristina Markova Stepasjukova, pianist

Watch the Video with highlights of this special event.

We wish H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo a lot of success in his new mission.

President Petr Pavel received the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, at Prague Castle.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb arrived on Monday, the 4^th of May, for a two-day official visit.

President Pavel welcomed the Finnish President with a full ceremony at the first yard of Prague Castle.

Then a Private meeting of the presidents at Habsburg Salon, and a meeting of official delegations at the Mirror Salon.

Then, a press conference of the two presidents at the Octagon Hall.

Later, President Stubb met Jiří Drahoš, Vice-President of the Senate, and Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.

The first day of the visit was concluded with an official dinner at Prague Castle hosted by President Pavel.

On the 2^nd day of the visit, President Stubb and President Pavel participated in a Finnish-Czech Business Forum.

President Stubb then met Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, followed by a working lunch with experts on security policy issues.

In the afternoon, President Stubb and President Pavel took part in the annual Europe as a Task conference, dedicated to key European challenges from a global perspective.

President Stubb delivered a keynote address titled “Ensuring European Security in the World Disorder”. The speech was followed by a high-level discussion with President Pavel and a meeting with students.

During the visit, discussions focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, economic and security cooperation, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and its implications for energy security, the security of NATO’s eastern member states, as well as transatlantic relations.

President Stubb will be accompanied by Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Member of Parliament Mikko Savola and a business delegation. The companies represented will include Abloy, Aiforia Technologies, BeeHealthy, Bittium, Conlog, CPE Production, DigiFinland, Ensto Group, Helkama-Auto, ICEYE, IQM Quantum Computers, KONE, Konecranes, KONTIO, KT-Shelter, Lumon Invest, Nokia Solutions and Networks, Nordic Healthcare Group, Patria, Peikko Group Corporation, Planmeca, Proventia, Satatuote, Stora Enso, Temet, Wärtsilä and YIT.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb last visited Prague in August 2024 for the GLOBSEC Forum (photo). The previous bilateral visit to the Czech Republic at the level of heads of state or government was President Martti Ahtisaari’s state visit in 1996. The most recent presidential visit between the two countries took place in June 2005, when President Václav Klaus met President Tarja Halonen in Finland.

“Will the World be Saved or Destroyed? The Choice is Yours”

PASAYA Invites People to Explore the Fate of Humanity at Textile Art Exhibition

“The Sediments of Human Civilization (on The Brink of Its End)” at Bangkok Art and Culture Center

PASAYA, Thailand’s premium and innovative textile leader with over 23 years of experience and the ability to blend design with green technology for environmentally- and user-friendly products that enhance quality of life across all dimensions, is now set to organize “The Sediments of Human Civilization (on The Brink of Its End)” exhibition. Far from being a mere showcase of beautiful textiles, this landmark event poses a profound question about “the future of the world.” At a time when the never-seen-before environmental crisis puts humanity at a critical crossroads between “survival” and the “Sixth Mass Extinction,” this exhibition serves not only as a canvas for art but also as a space for critical decision-making.

Inspiration: Explore Future Civilizations

The Sediments of Human Civilization (on The Brink of Its End),” a philosophical art exhibition by PASAYA, imagines what could happen in the next 100 years. It visualizes extraterrestrial advanced beings arriving at the third planet (Earth) and unearthing the layers of civilization that have accumulated over millions of years. The narrative unfolds through three distinct levels of sediments:

• Surface Level: The Present Civilization reverts to the Past features the pinnacle of civilization,

where human experience is refined over time into “crystals of wisdom.” The zenith of spiritual

accumulation is achieved when humans learn from nature well enough to crystallize their ideas into art, culture, and exquisite craftsmanship—breathing wisdom across generations. The vision is expressed through the lines of Nithi Sthapitanonda (National Artist), whose “When Life Blossoms and Takes Root” drawing is reimagined through PASAYA’s distinctive textile artistry. This magnificent exhibit reflects the centuries-long bonds between the human race and architecture.

• Earth Level: Nature, the Mother of Humankind showcases civilization driven by the vitality of flora and fauna. In this era, nature is a key source of inspiration. This essence is woven into the artistic traditions of the East—particularly Thai and Chinese art—where nature serves as a ‘medium’ for expressing imagination and spirituality—passed down over thousands of years. Experience the beauty of botanical forms and diverse bird species, intricately rendered on fabrics. Exhibits here are masterful works by Zeng Xiaolian (a renowned Chinese botanical painter) and exquisite rose paintings by Phansakdi Chakkaphak (a celebrated Thai botanical artist).
• Elemental Level: Return to the Four Core Elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire presents the beginning of all life. As we delve into the deepest strata of civilization’s sediments, we discover the fundamental elements that birthed all existence. In this layer, PASAYA conveys the belief in five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Wood, and Metal—reinterpreting them through multi-sensory textile art to tell the story of the world since the dawn of elemental creation. This reinterpretation is based on the Color Field Painting style of Mark Rothko—one of the most influential artists of the movement. The exhibit reflects the origins of the Earth some 4.5 billion years ago, capturing the enduring evolution of all life through countless cycles of birth and extinction.

Ultimate Journey: From Sediments of Civilization to Future Choices

This art event also features a variety of compelling activities, such as “The Sediments of Human Civilization” panel discussion. Panelists include Mr. Schle Wood-Thanan, Founder and Managing Director of premium-textile brand “PASAYA” under Textile Gallery Co., Ltd., and other PASAYA’s executives. Together, they explore how art and innovation can help sustain and extend the lifeline of humanity.

“This exhibition goes beyond displaying textiles—it questions the future of the world and requires us to choose. We are standing at a crossroads between ‘saving’ and ‘destroying.’ So, it’s now time to decide. For 4.5 billion years, the Earth has nurtured all life, but in just a few decades, humans have rapidly pushed toward an end like never before. This exhibition is not just about unearthing the ‘crystals of the past’ but also about our ‘current responsibility’ especially in the industrial sector, which holds the power to shape the direction of this planet. Art and innovation are not just alternatives, but the ‘compass’ for change. Because the only thing that will crystallize and matter in the future is not the civilization we have built, but the decision we make today,” Mr. Schle said.

Textiles as the ‘Art of Living’ and Path to Survival

The Sediments of Human Civilization (on The Brink of Its End) exhibition also addresses the Epilogue—akin to the final, yet unwritten, page of a journal. As the world enters the human-driven Sixth Mass Extinction, the survival of all existence hangs by a thread of time. At this crucial crossroads, only the right decisions made today will extend the lifeline of our "civilization" and enable its enduring beauty to remain in the future.

Importantly, PASAYA underscores that ‘textiles’ are a creative medium inseparable from human life—one that not only conveys imagination and philosophy but also serves as a voice for our planet. Through this lens, textiles highlight the “crossroads” we face: continuing on our current path toward extinction (represented by the symbol of a skull) or choosing to adapt our behaviors, reduce carbon (CO2) emissions, and preserve the Earth for generations to come.

PASAYA cordially invites you to embark on a journey through millions of years, masterfully captured on sustainable and innovative textiles. Experience “The Sediments of Human Civilization (on The Brink of Its End)” and explore the path to humanity’s survival along the curved wall on 3rd to 5th floors, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from 18 April to 3 May 2026. Admission is free.

Source

The Terracotta Army is a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese Emperor. It is a form of funeral buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE in his mausoleum, to protect him in his afterlife.

The figures, dating from approximately the late 200s BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers outside Xian, China.

Almost 20 years ago, we lived in Shanghai for a year. Not far from our apartment at Xintiandi was the flea market. Unfortunately is was closed a few years ago, and new luxury buildings are there now.

I was walking there with my Labrador almost every day. Very friendly people, even though I don’t speak Chinese.

While walking, a special element caught my eye.

A horse-drawn cart, made from heavy metal. Visiting the Terracotta Army in Xian, I knew what it was. A duplicate of the Emperor Kart.

The owners of the shop couldn’t tell me when it was made. Just that it’s very old.

I asked them to sell it to me, but they refused at the beginning, and after visiting them every day, they agree for a very high price I couldn’t afford.

After a few months, winter arrived, and the streets got empty, especially of tourists. I was almost the only visitor at the market.

Just before leaving back for Europe, I tried again to speak with them, maybe we can find some way so that I can buy this beautiful element.

The miracle happened, and they agreed. I spent all my savings and took it with me back home, approved by the authorities.

It was displayed in a honor place in our living room for a few years, then we moved to a smaller place, and this beautiful Emperor Kart moved to the storage.

With a broken heart, I decided to find a better place for it. Maybe a place where more people can admire it.

But before that, maybe you, as experts, can tell me more about this item.

How old is it? Have you seen more items like that? What is his value?

Size: 120 cm long, 40 cm high, 38 cm wide, and very heavy.

You can contact me via LinkedIn.

Foto: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International

La delegación comercial del estado mexicano de Nayarit presentó en Praga su apuesta por la conectividad, la infraestructura logística y el desarrollo industrial, además de subrayar la identidad cultural del estado mediante las artesanías de sus pueblos originarios. Desde la tierra del muelle de San Blas, Nayarit busca ahora tender nuevos puentes con Europa Central.

Como Penélope, pero sin las idas y vueltas de Odiseo.

See more here.

Author: Juan Pablo Bertazza

Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK

Politicians, veterans and members of the public gathered outside Czech Radio’s Prague headquarters on Tuesday to mark the 81st anniversary of the Prague Uprising against Nazi rule. The uprising began on 5 May 1945, near the end of the Second World War, and the ceremony honoured those who fought and died in the final days of the occupation.

The Czech Radio building on Vinohradská Street, a symbol of national resistance, became the epicentre of the uprising and the site of some of the fiercest fighting against Nazi forces.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová

Two offenders broke into the building of the Armenian Embassy in Prague late last year and stole a safe, Czech Radio reported citing its investigative team.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

The story of Saint Wenceslas is often told as a tale of faith and virtue—but it begins with violence. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode examines what we really know about his death. It is a story where history and legend have been intertwined for more than a thousand years.

In the early 10th century, Bohemia was a very different place from the country we know today.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka, Rob Cameron

Photo: Anifilm

The annual Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films kicks off on May 5 in the North Bohemian city of Liberec. This year’s programme features more than 500 animated films and games, alongside exhibitions, talks and other accompanying events. I spoke with programme coordinator Radek Hosenseidl and began by asking him about this year’s main theme, which is myths and legends.

“We have been thinking about working on this theme for some time because when we look back to the very beginning of film and animation, there are many films that were based on myths and old stories such as The Adventures of Prince Achmed or The White Snake Enchantress.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Martin Stolař, MF DNES + LN / Profimedia

Thousands gathered for the reopening of the Singing Fountain, a landmark of the spa colonnade, closed since last summer. The fountain underwent extensive restoration, including its visible features, lighting, jets and a full technology upgrade.

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Photo: Miroslav Chaloupka, ČTK

The Convoy of Liberty drove through the west Bohemian city of Plzeň on Sunday within the Freedom Festival commemorating the end of World War II and the city’s liberation by the US Army in May 1945.

As the Convoy of Liberty moved through the city, crowds lined the roughly two-kilometer route, waving Czech, American and Belgian flags and holding sprigs of blooming lilac, the flowers with which residents welcomed their liberators 81 years ago.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Michal Sladký, Czech Radio

Rare archaeological finds from the era of Great Moravia, including an ivory vessel believed to have been brought to the region by Saints Cyril and Methodius, are now on display at the Archaeological Museum in Modrá in the Zlín region. The new exhibition in the site’s treasury presents some objects that have never before been exhibited.

In bulletproof glass cases, visitors can admire more than 200 exhibits, mainly from the 8th and 9th centuries.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: National Heritage Institute, CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 CZ

550 years ago, a woman died who would become more famous after her death than she ever was in life. Perchta of Rožmberk – known as the White Lady, the most famous ghost of Czech castles – was in reality a victim of political arrangements, family indifference, and brutal domestic abuse. Her story is both dark and fascinating, which is why it continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Perchta was born in 1429 into the powerful Rožmberk family, which controlled much of South Bohemia.

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Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Although it may seem that folk songs belong to the past, in Czechia they are still very much alive. They are sung at celebrations, feasts, harvest festivals, and family gatherings. Each region has its own melodies and its own stories, from lyrical love ballads to cheerful drinking songs.

Folk music has a unique ability to connect generations.

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Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo: Martina Kutková, Radio Prague International

While much of the world celebrates love on Valentine’s Day in February, in Czechia it is May 1 that truly belongs to lovers. This spring date is marked by kisses under blooming trees, meetings beneath the statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha, and a long tradition of romantic symbolism.

For centuries, May has been perceived as a month of fertility, growth, and social rites that shaped community life.

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Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Archive of Petr Sís / Česká pošta

This month saw the release of the first postage stamp designed by the multi-award-winning illustrator and writer Peter Sís. The Česká pošta stamp marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Vojtěch Náprstek, a Czech patriot and politician who was also a pioneering Czech language journalist in America. Peter Sís says the fact he himself lives in America may explain why he got the commission.

“As a wonderful surprise, they asked if I would consider designing a stamp for Vojta Náprstek.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

On the occasion of King’s Day, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mrs. Mina Noor and Mr. Matthijs van Middelkoop hosted a reception at the beautiful Ambassador’s Residence garden.

President Petr Pavel was the guest of honor.

The place was full of Ministers, members of the Parliament and the Senate, Ambassadors, and other distinguished guests.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mrs. Mina Noor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Czech Republic, and of President Petr Pavel.

Happy Orange King’s Day!

Since the 1920s, April 24th is the day Armenians commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the most tragic element of Armenian history.

On April 24, 1915, hundreds of Armenian Intellectuals: poets, musicians, publicists, editors, lawyers, doctors, and deputies, were arrested in Constantinople under warrants issued by the Turkish authorities. They were all sent into exile and were horrifically slaughtered. The annihilation of the Armenian Intellectuals was part of a systematic, fiendish plan to exterminate the Armenian people in their homeland. It was the first state-planned Genocide of the 20th century.

On April 24, 1965, Soviet Armenians organized rallies to demand the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, thus breaking an era of silence that was created during Soviet rule regarding this issue.

A mourning procession of hundreds of thousands of Armenians, which includes local Armenians as well as Diasporans, begins in a silent march that moves to the Armenian Genocide Memorial every year on April 24.

As each mourner brings flowers to place around the eternal fire, a sea of flowers can be seen encircling the area, creating a solemn visual impact.

In Prague, H.E. Mr. Ashot HOVAKIMIAN, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, together with many other ambassadors and members of the Armenian community, got together to remember and honor the victims.

Annual General Meeting at Impact Hub Praha gathered Nordic business leaders, the Ambassadors of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, the Honorary Consul of Iceland, and key Czech institutional partners around the theme “Economy 2026+: Trends Shaping Competitiveness, Resilience and Growth”.

The Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic held its Annual General Meeting 2026 on 22 April at Impact Hub Praha, bringing together members, partners, and guests from the Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish business community. The meeting elected a new Board for the 2026–2028 term, approved the opening of membership to the Baltic countries, and addressed the outlook for the Czech economy together with Chief Economist Helena Horská of Raiffeisenbank Czech Republic.

The evening was opened by Björn Mattsson, President of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce: “It is great to welcome you all to the 31st AGM of our business chamber, this year in our new “home” here at the Impact Hub. The purpose of the chamber is to serve as a platform for people and businesses, creating arenas for learning, sharing and supporting business opportunities for our members”. Mattsson also welcomed new members who joined in the second half of 2025 and so far in 2026, altogether 12 companies and 2 individual professionals: Asker Healthcare Services · Blika · Good Spirits Only (Bliss) · IVT Tepelná čerpadla · KOLAROVA LEGAL · Mgr. Pavla Kopečková Přikrylová · Olivier Mauritz · Pemamek Oy · Prague Spring · Scancom · Škoda Group (returning) · Talentor · TCO Prague Hybernska (Motel One) · TMF Group.

Remarks followed from Kateřina Zvěřinová of the Impact Hub Praha, and Petr Heczko, Director of the Department of Data Management and Analytics at CzechInvest.

Kateřina Zvěřinová of Impact Hub Praha said: „At Impact Hub, we believe that business grows through connection, collaboration and shared purpose. Hosting the Nordic Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic’s Annual Meeting was a great opportunity to support the kind of cross-border dialogue that can lead to meaningful change.“

Petr Heczko presented the audience with data and activities of the agency: „Since its establishment in 1992, the Czech Investment and Business Development Agency CzechInvest has facilitated investment projects from the Nordic countries amounting to over EUR 1.2 billion. As a result, Nordic companies assisted by CzechInvest rank among the top ten investors by total investment value. These figures clearly confirm the importance of Nordic investments for the Czech Republic.“

Opening to the Baltic States

Members approved a proposal to invite companies from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to join the Chamber as Associates, widening the platform from a five-country Nordic setting to a Nordic–Baltic business community in Czechia. This step responds to interest from the Baltic countries themselves and mirrors the way the Nordic Council coordinates its member states.

As H.E. Ms. Jana Vanaveski, Ambassador of Estonia to the Czech Republic commented: „Nordic and Baltic countries together form a unique, tightly integrated community of 33 million people with a shared democratic value space that strongly promotes innovation and digitalization. The Nordic-Baltic 8 collectively is the 10th largest economy in the world and the 5th in Europe. I welcome the decision to join forces and work together on promoting our common business interests here in the Czech Republic and hope for active participation of Estonian companies.“

Keynote: Economy 2026+ — competitiveness, resilience, and growth

Helena Horská, Chief Economist of Raiffeisenbank Czech Republic, delivered the keynote “Economy 2026+: Trends Shaping Competitiveness, Resilience and Growth”. Her address set the context for Nordic investors in Czechia: „As the likelihood of a prolonged Iran conflict rises, we are shifting to a more cautious economic outlook. What could have been a temporary shock is increasingly becoming a structural risk: the longer the conflict lasts, the more it weighs on growth, keeps energy prices elevated, and reopens the door to stagflation—especially in Europe. For the Czech economy, this means slower growth below 2 % and continued structural shifts to a less energy-intensive economy, with limited room for monetary policy to offset a supply-driven shock. In this environment, duration—not the initial shock—becomes the decisive factor shaping the macro path.  But initially low inflation (10y min) and recently overheating labour market increase the resilience of the Czech economy.“

New Board

Members of the Chamber elected its new Board for 2026-2028 term, which now includes (in alphabetical order):

Fredrik Cederroth, Atlas Copco Group, Vice President Holding

Jan Christoph Harder, Škoda Group, President Region West, North and RoW

Birger Husted, Husted EMA Partners, Managing Partner

Jakub Lelek, the LEGO Group, Senior Government & Public Affairs Manager

Björn Mattsson, Skanska Residential Development, Business Unit President

Krasimira Stoyanova, Saab Technologies, Executive

Jan Šámal, KONE, Managing Director

The Chamber’s operations and strategic projects continue under the leadership of our Executive Director, Lenka Simerská, together with YIT Czechia — our general partner for 2026 and Impact Hub Česká republika — our new seat and base in Prague.

The role of Honorary Chair of the Chamber was handed to H.E. Ms. Snøfrid Byrløkken Emterud, Ambassador of Norway, as it traditionally belongs to the longest‑serving ambassador of the Nordic countries. “I am truly honored to fill the position as honorary chairperson of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic. The Chamber not only plays a key role in assisting Nordic companies in the Czech market, but it also actively promotes Nordic values such as gender equality, transparency and equal opportunities,” Ambassador Snøfrid B. Emterud says. “I am also very pleased that the Chamber has decided to invite members from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In these troubled times, Nordic-Baltic cooperation is more vital than ever.”

Nordic values — put into practice with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

To translate Nordic values into a shared, hands-on experience, members took part in a facilitated LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session led by Pavla Žížalová, Coach and Facilitator at the LEGO Group. The format invited participants to model, in the language of bricks, what transparency, trust, sustainability, equality and long-term thinking look like in daily business. Pavla Žížalová explained the method: “LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is not about building models — it’s about making thinking visible. When people can see and explain their ideas, it creates shared understanding much faster and turns abstract values into concrete actions. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® gives everyone a voice through their hands, making even complex topics easier to explore, challenge, and turn into real behavior and action.”

Culture and Business Connection

The evening closed with a cocktail and networking reception, accompanied by live music on the venue’s newly installed Petrof piano, donated to Impact Hub Praha by PETROF Pianosand cared for by the Chamber’s new member, Pražské jaro / Prague Spring introducing Slovak pianist Pavol Praženica who belongs among the most prominent talents of his generation. He is the winner of the 2023 Smetana International Piano Competition, collaborates with leading orchestras at home and abroad, and last year performed at the Prague Spring International Music Festival.

2026 Prague Spring programme brings a strong Nordic focus, highlighted by the festival debut of the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra on 21 May and by Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic and Truls Mørk on 23 May.

Nordic business matters in the Czech Republic

Founded in 1995, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce has grown into a trusted business community of over 130 member companies from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — a group that is expected to broaden further with the accession of Baltic associates approved at the AGM.

Nordic and Nordic-linked companies are long-standing employers and investors in the Czech economy.

About the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic

The Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic was founded in 1995 and today represents over 130 Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish companies. Rooted in shared Nordic values — transparency, responsibility, equality, sustainability, innovation and long-term thinking — the Chamber connects, supports and empowers businesses through knowledge, collaboration and trusted network. With the AGM 2026 decision, the Chamber extends its scope to welcome Baltic associates and offers reduced membership rates to individuals up to 26 years old to support young professionals. YIT is General Partner of the Chamber for 2026, and Impact Hub Praha is the Partner of the AGM 2026.

NORDIC ARTISTS AT PRAGUE SPRING 2026

A chapan cub was born in the Prague Zoo on Monday, April 13. The picture shows it at exactly one week of age. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo welcomed a baby Central American Mexican capuchin. The little primate is doing well, sucking its mother’s milk and not letting go of its mother’s belly. It can be seen on the Monkey Islands in the zoo’s lower section. The Mexican subspecies is threatened with extinction, making these capuchins among the rarest mammals kept at the Prague Zoo. They can only be found in three institutions in Europe. In 21 years of breeding here, eight breedings have been successful. This year’s addition is the first promising cub since 2022.

“The little chapan looks viable, is receptive, and shows interest in its surroundings. It also observes the behavior of its mother, on whose breast milk it is now 100% dependent. The female is very protective and does not let anyone near the cub yet,” says Jan Mengr, curator of primates at Prague Zoo, adding that the sex of the cub is still unknown.

When a female with a cub on her belly skillfully climbs high or jumps between branches, many a visitor to Prague Zoo is left breathless. However, the cub’s grasping reflex seems to be fine and therefore there is no danger to it. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Chapans are referred to in Spanish or English as “spider monkeys”, thanks to their agility and prehensile tail, which can resemble a supernumerary limb from afar. They are found in more than ten species in forests from southern Mexico to Brazil. The Central American Mexican chapan is found in Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. They are most threatened by human-caused habitat loss. Current estimates suggest that their population could be reduced by up to half by 2060.

The gradual disappearance of the chapanas from the wild is also due to their hunting for the illegal trade. In southern Mexico, for example, roadside vendors can be found selling caged chapanas for sale as “pets.” The animals’ slow reproduction rate also contributes to the problem. Females give birth to only one cub every two to four years.

“The previous Prague cubs, an almost six-year-old female and a three-year-old male, are still in the group. The male, in particular, is showing himself to be an inquisitive adolescent and often plays with his older sister. In addition to the parental pair – the dominant male, who has a dark face, and the experienced mother, who has a light face with dark eyes, there is another unrelated, blue-eyed female in the group,” advises primate keeper Nikola Kučerová, on how to find your way around the six-member troop of capuchins at Prague Zoo. Capuchins are diurnal monkeys and are active throughout the entire opening hours of the Prague Zoo. In April and May, it welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These primates spend most of their time in an outdoor enclosure on one of the Monkey Islands, specifically among gharials and tapirs. They are given leafy greens and primate pellets three times a day. The food ration is then diversified with dried fruit and various types of nuts – hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, and pecans.

Focusing on the dominant female’s belly – that’s the key to spotting a baby Mexican capuchin. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo is the most successful European breeder of Central American Mexican chapans. Their breeding here began in 2005, and the first cub was born in 2007. Since then, the group of chapans has been growing regularly every three to four years.

Video: Close-up footage from Prague Zoo keeper Nikola Kučerová’s mobile phone

Una exposición en el Museo Regional de Most rescata una colección de objetos reunidos entre los siglos XVII y XIX por misioneros checos en América Latina y otras regiones del mundo, y reconstruye la historia del primer Museo Misionero de Bohosudov, clausurado por los nazis y olvidado durante décadas.

Los misioneros checos desarrollaron una intensa actividad en América Latina, especialmente entre los siglos XVII y XVIII. Una colección de objetos reunidos por ellos en distintos continentes vuelve ahora a presentarse al público en una exposición del Museo Regional de Most, en el noroeste de Bohemia.

Lee el resto aquí.

Autores: Ivana Vonderková, Jan Beneš, Recursos:Český rozhlas, ČTK

Photo: Petr David Josek, ČTK / AP

Prague’s Dancing House is marking 30 years since its opening with a new exhibition exploring its design and construction. The building, which once divided opinion, has since become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and a major draw for visitors.

Completed in 1996, the Dancing House stands out on Prague’s riverfront with its distinctive, curving form.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Markéta Vejvodová, Czech Radio

The fate of Štiřín Chateau, a Baroque estate near Prague, which hosted presidents and cabinet ministers, remains uncertain. The Czech state has failed to find a buyer for it, despite repeated attempts to sell the property and a dramatic reduction in its asking price.

Štiřín Chateau, located about 25 kilometres southeast of Prague, dates back to the mid-18th century and is surrounded by an English-style park.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Facebook of the Yard band

The Prague-based United Islands festival returns to the Czech capital with over 100 artists from 20 countries, blending new talent with established names. Alongside concerts, this year’s edition expands its non-music program with multiple debates and a film screening.

Over its 22 years, the Prague festival United Islands has established itself as a staple event showcasing new names from both the local and international music scene.

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Author: Romana Grajcarová

Photo: Action Press/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

The Czech skiing and snowboarding legend Ester Ledecká has announced she is looking for a new coach. The three-time Olympic champion says she still has one big dream to fulfil.

Ester Ledecká, dubbed the “Czech snow queen”, made sports history in 2018 when she won gold in the alpine skiing Super-G and the snowboard parallel giant slalom at the PyeongChang games.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK

The usually quiet railway station at Nemotice in South Moravia attracted around 60 train enthusiasts from at home and abroad eager to witness the fleeting return of steam operations on the local railway this weekend. Some came from as far as the United States, Japan, France and Spain.

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Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Czechia performs strongly in the Prosperity Index, a composite ranking combining economic output, inequality and selected social indicators. But according to sociologist Daniel Prokop from PAQ Research, the index is limited in scope and heavily shaped by how indicators are chosen. A closer look, he says, reveals a more complex picture of the country’s real standing.

International rankings that place Czechia among Europe’s top performers often attract attention — especially when the country appears ahead of wealthier Western nations.

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Author: Vít Pohanka