Photo: Jiří Matějů, Czech Radio
Martin Kratochvíl and Milan Svoboda – two legends of the Czech jazz scene – have come together for the first time to create a joint album. Kratochvíl is renowned for his pioneering fusion jazz, while Svoboda is celebrated for his modern big band sound. The result is Oxymoron – and you can hear it now in this edition of Sunday Music Show.
See more here.
Photo: Václav Pancer, ČTK
Czech Railways set a new record for passenger services on Sunday. A Pendolino tilting train reached 200 km/h on the Prague–České Budějovice line, the first time a passenger tain has been allowed to break the long-standing 160 km/h limit.
Train travel enthusiasts bought their tickets for Sunday’s highly-publicized train ride weeks in advance.
See more here.
Illustrative photo: Vetler, Pixabay, Pixabay License
The highly aggressive disease myxomatosis has been confirmed in hares in the Znojmo region of southern Moravia. These are the first confirmed cases in hares in Czechia, though the virus has previously been found in rabbits. Veterinarians warn it poses a serious threat to local hare populations.
Typical symptoms of myxomatosis include swelling of the head, severe inflammation of the limbs or genitals, and reddened brownish eyelids.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Luděk Peřina, ČTK
Giant model aircraft took to the skies over Olomouc. Dozens of model enthusiasts showcased their planes at the Olomouc airport in Neředín during the international Extreme Flight Championships. The models, weighing around twenty kilograms each, performed extreme aerobatic maneuvers that would be difficult to execute with real aircraft.
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Photo: Alexis Rosenzweig, Radio Prague International
The award-winning documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin is the result of a unique collaboration between American director David Borenstein and Russian teacher Pavel Talankin. Filmed secretly in Russia, it portrays how state propaganda shapes the lives of children. In an interview with Radio Prague International’s Alexis Rosenzweig, Borenstein recalls the risks, the Czech role in the production, and the impact the film has had both abroad and within Russia.
When director David Borenstein first began working on Mr.
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Author: Alexis Rosenzweig, Vít Pohanka
Photo: Petr Kotyk, Památník národního písemnictví
The Czech Museum of Literature has announced a remarkable discovery. Literary scholars have uncovered a large part of the original manuscripts of Jaroslav Hašek’s world-famous novel The Good Soldier Švejk and His Fortunes in the World War.
The texts, which Jaroslav Hašek wrote or dictated until his death in 1923, resurfaced during the cataloguing of materials belonging to his longtime publisher, Adolf Synek.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Klára Hlubocká, Česká ornitologická společnost
The number of poisoned wild animals in the Czech Republic has risen sharply this year, with conservationists warning of one of the worst waves of illegal killings in recent memory. According to the Czech Society for Ornithology, 55 poisoned birds have been found since January, already surpassing last year’s total. Over a dozen more were shot, trapped, or had their nests deliberately destroyed.
Among the victims are many birds of prey, including some of the country’s rarest and most protected species, such as white-tailed eagles, red kites, and the critically endangered eastern imperial eagle.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Josef Kopecký, Czech Radio
The Puppet Museum in Chrudim, East Bohemia, has received a remarkable gift: a collection of tin toys created over four decades by Czech stage designer and artist Jan Červenka. The priceless works travelled more than 31,000 kilometres from Sydney, spending 55 days at sea before arriving at their new home.
The collection includes hand-crafted boats, cars, train stations, and castles, all meticulously made from painted tin.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
The Czech Republic is catching up on its obligations to soldiers, police officers and diplomats who served on dangerous foreign missions. An amendment to the War Veterans Act, which took effect on September 3, will give them more benefits and greater moral recognition.
Markéta Burgetová helps care for her brother, a former special forces soldier, who underwent brain surgery in 2023 and is unable to walk.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Zvarych, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic, Ms. Viktoria Zvarych, and Mr. Petr Krogmann, the Chairman of the Presidium of the Ukrainian–Czech Chamber of Commerce, hosted a reception at the beautiful Villa Richter in Prague.
The Honoured speakers were :
Gen. Karel Rehka – the Chief of the General Staff of the Military of the Czech Republic.
Mr. Vaclav Vydra – Actor, representing the project “drones for Ukraine”
Mr. Dodo Dobrik – Endowment fund “A gift for Putin”
Ms. Konashchuk Kateryna – founder of the Farmerhood and Grain Ukraine Foundation
Mr. Ondrej Vetchy – Actor, group “ Drony Nemesis”
Mr. Martin Kroupa – Post Bellum Ukraine
Watch the Video with highlights from the event and the speeches of H.E. Mr. Vasyl Zvarych, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic, Gen. Karel Rehka, the Chief of the General Staff of the Military of the Czech Republic, and the other honored speakers.
On the occasion of the Victory Day, H.E. Mr. Metin Feyzioglu, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Birgul Feyzioglu, and Colonel Emrullah Altay Ayhan, the Military, Naval, and Air Attaché, and Mrs. Ozlem Ayhan hosted a reception at the beautiful Embassy garden.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Metin Feyzioglu, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and Colonel Emrullah Altay Ayhan, the Military, Naval, and Air Attaché.
Happy Victory Day, Türkiye – Zafer Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun, Türkiye
On Monday, August 18, 2025, at Prague Castle, the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, received the credentials of the new ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary:
photo: Tomas Fongus
The Václav Havel Library has announced this year’s finalists for its Human Rights Prize: Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia, Maksym Butkevych from Ukraine, and Ulvi Hasanli from Azerbaijan. The winner will be announced on 29 September during the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe session in Strasbourg.
The three journalists have all faced severe repression. While Amaglobeli was jailed for exposing the violent suppression of anti-government protests, Butkevych joined Ukraine’s forces after Russia’s 2022 invasion, was captured, sentenced to 13 years, and released in a prisoner swap in October 2024.
Hasanli has endured detention, torture, and politically motivated charges; in June he was sentenced to nine years and is now on hunger strike in isolation.
Illustrative photo: StockSnap, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Led by Denmark, several EU countries have proposed monitoring online communication to combat child abuse. The so-called “Chat Control” would allow surveillance of private emails and social media messages. The proposal lacks majority support in the EU and faces strong criticism from some EU member states, including Czechia.
A contentious proposal from the European Union, often referred to as “Chat Control,” is gaining renewed support, with 19 of the 27 EU member states reportedly in favor.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Illustrative photo: Romana Kostohryzová, Czech Radio
An illegal menagerie, with many big cats, has been operating for years in Kletečná near Humpolec in the Vysočina Region. The authorities have long lacked an alternative home for the animals, but a breakthrough in the problem came after a meeting of government leaders on Wednesday.
At a site in Kletečná, near the town of Humpolec, big cats have been kept illegally for years and in unsuitable conditions.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Michaela Danelová, iROZHLAS.cz
Prague’s historic Nerudova street, the steep cobbled artery leading up to Prague Castle, has become the testing ground for a clampdown on electric scooters. Prague 1 has just introduced the first official ban on e-scooters in the capital, along the entire length of the street, citing repeated accidents and growing frustration among local residents.
The long-standing battle over the fate of e-scooters in the Czech capital remains unresolved after the Prague City Council rejected a motion to ban shared e-scooters in June of this year.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Monika Vlčková, Zoo Ostrava
Ostrava Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 451 species. Around one-third of these species are classified as threatened and seven are already extinct in the wild. The zoo not only helps to protect them in their natural environment, but breeds endangered birds and animals that are returned to the wild.
The early beginnings of Ostrava Zoo date back to the 1950s, but it was decades before the humble project developed into the modern zoological garden that it has become today.
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Author: Libor Kukal, Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Anton Kajmakov, Radio Prague International
For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re shining a spotlight on the musical output of Ostrava. The Silesian city is best known in terms of music for the Colours of Ostrava festival of pop and rock, but it also contributes to the artistic life of Czechia through Ostrava Days.
This celebrated music festival, organised by the Ostrava Centre for New Music and running since 2001, aims to champion “contemporary classical music, whether it be avant-garde, experimental, or otherwise challenging musical efforts”.
See more here.
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
Gorgeous views of Prague, gushing fountains and ornamental flower beds. Greenery and calm amid the hustle and bustle of the big city. Visit the most beautiful gardens and parks in Prague with us!
Read more here.
Photo: Michal Doležal, ČTK
Writer and translator Zdena Salivarová has died at the age of 91. Together with her husband, Josef Škvorecký, she wrote books and published exiled authors through their publishing house, 68 Publishers. In 1990, they were both awarded the Order of the White Lion for their contribution to Czech literature.
Although she became famous as a tireless supporter and publisher of Czech literature, Zdena Salivarová was also a talented singer and actress.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
On Monday 25th, in the presence of the Czech Prime Minister and Ethiopian Minister of Tourism, the globally famous remains of the hominins Lucy and Selam were unveiled at Prague’s National Museum. The finders of the fossils were honoured guests at the ceremony, and Danny Bate from the RPI team was present too.
For sixty days, the Czech National Museum is inviting all Europe to its new ‘People and Their Ancestors’ exhibition, where it sets out the story of our evolution, from the first hominins to the Homo sapiens of today.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: David Taneček, ČTK
The TrutnOFF Open Air Festival attracted thousands of fans to Trutnov at the weekend. The long-running rock and alternative music festival with underground roots, often called the Czech Woodstock, traditionally features a diverse lineup featuring Czech and international bands across various genres, including hardcore, crossover, jazz, and swing. The late Czech president Vaclav Havel was a big fan. The festival opened with an open-air mass for peace in Palestine, Ukraine, and for life and freedom in the world.
See more here.
Photo: Archirun 2025
In its third year now, Archirun combines architecture and urban exploration in the heart of Prague, inviting participants to run or walk through some of the city’s most cherished locations. This year, the route also included several often-overlooked buildings. I spoke with Štěpán Bärtl, director of the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP), to find out how the event has evolved and what runners can look forward to in the future.
Let’s start with the inspiration behind Archirun.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Jakub Čermák, Palacký University Olomouc
Kroměříž Chateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Zlín Region, dazzles the country with its architecture and gardens – and now also with hundreds of amethysts, centuries old and recently discovered by accident by a researcher from Palacký University.
Kroměříž Chateau, the former residence of archbishops of Olomouc, is already a jewel of Moravia, but it has acquired further brilliance through the discovery of a cache of amethysts, violet-coloured stones built into its Baroque artificial caves.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Západočeská galerie v Plzni
Václav Špála was a painter whose bold use of color and deep love for the Czech landscape helped shape the face of modern art in central Europe. Although he remains relatively unknown abroad, he is considered one of the most important Czech artists of the 20th century.
Václav Špála was born on August 24, 1885, in a small village in Bohemia.
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Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio
The end of August will once again turn northern Bohemia into a showcase of Czech glassmaking. In the coming week the town of Liberec will host the fourth edition of Crystal Valley Week, a five-day festival dedicated to glass and glass jewellery, underlining the region’s historic role as the heart of Czech glass and jewellery production.
You won’t find it on the map, but it exists: Crystal Valley, a place where the Czech glassmaking tradition was born and has lived for centuries.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: YouTube
In July 2025, Yankele Gross (later known as Alex), an unknown Czechoslovak Holocaust survivor and Korean War veteran, died in the United States. He suffered through a death march and the camps of Auschwitz and Buchenwald.
Yankele Gross was born on September 18th 1928, in Palanok, a suburb of Mukachevo in Transcarpathia, at that time part of Czechoslovakia.
See more here.
The contrasting chestnut fur with white stripes and spots helps mountain bongos hide in the dense undergrowth. The picture shows the newly born female cub Rayli. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
The first male mountain bongo was born at Prague Zoo on August 6th, and then on August 18th; both can now be seen in the enclosure next to the hippopotamus pavilion. These are very rare additions, as the mountain bongo is considered the most beautiful, but also the rarest antelope: in the wild, only around thirty to forty individuals survive in the forests of the Aberdare National Park in central Kenya.
“The breeding of mountain bongos under human care is absolutely essential for their preservation in the wild,” explains Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek. “Individuals raised in zoos have laid the foundation for a population in central Kenya that is gradually getting used to life in the wild. And in the future, it is expected to be further strengthened from European breeding. I am extremely pleased that Prague Zoo is also supporting this project thanks to the activity of its breeders.”
The cubs are born the same color as their parents. They still have to wait for their long spiral horns. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
The funds earned by Prague Zoo breeders through the organization of experience programs go, for example, to purchase camera traps, which are used to monitor individuals released into large enclosures, or to plant forests in places where the return of mountain bongos is expected in the future.
Prague Zoo has been breeding the rarest forest antelopes since 1988, and the newly born males are the 58th and 59th additions. Their mothers are Dafne and Rayli, Mau’s father.
“None of the females gave birth for the first time, but we still watched the births on cameras to be sure. Both took place without complications. Immediately after giving birth, the females began to dry their young by carefully licking them and guiding them to the udder. The young successfully stood up within an hour and drank colostrum,” describes Lucie Křížová, a long-time breeder of mountain bongos.
The older female cub Dafne curiously explores the enclosure. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
Those interested can learn more about mountain bongos through unique experience programs. The program Jumping among the Antelopes will also take participants to the breeding grounds. The shorter program Feeding the Bongos runs daily from May to September.
Mountain bongo cubs are usually born weighing around twenty kilograms. Dafne’s cub even weighed four kilograms more. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
The polar bears Gregor and Aleut usually enjoy the ice treat the most. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
On Wednesday at Prague Zoo, polar bears, bison, and takinis will receive cooling enrichment. Several tons of ice served the animals not only to cool down but also as a fun way to diversify their day. Enrichment stimulates their natural behavior and physical and mental activity. Prague Zoo also offered refreshment to visitors at the Radegast statue.
New Zealand endemics – kea nesters, who are famous for their curiosity and intelligence, will also play with ice cubes tomorrow. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
On Wednesday, August 20, tons of ice cubes again filled the entire Prague Zoo area and delighted not only the animals, but also visitors. As early as nine o’clock, the high-altitude nesting parrots kea, polar bears Gregor and Aleut, and capybaras enjoyed the icy treat.
Ice will also be given to Indian tamarins, inhabitants of harsh mountain conditions from northern Tibet to central and southern China. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
This year, Prague Zoo has also given other species of animals new ice cubes. On hot days, they can now be used by, for example, moose, reindeer, elephants, and orangutans. People can also try a pleasant cooling off in the numerous ice cream cones. In addition, sweet refreshment is also prepared for them – ice cream can be purchased at more than ten places in the Prague Zoo area. The Gaston or Oceán restaurants also offer popsicles and crushed ice.
Map of the Prague Zoo area with marked locations. Source: Prague Zoo
Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International
On August 21st 1968, people woke to find that the hopeful era of the Prague Spring had ended, as tanks from Warsaw-Pact countries rolled into the Czechoslovak capital. At a solemn ceremony outside the Czech Radio building, political leaders, including President Pavel, laid wreaths in commemoration.
The period of reform and optimism known as the Prague Spring began in January 1968, with the election of reformist Alexander Dubček as First Secretary of the Communist Party.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: NeverMore 68
NeverMore 68 is a festival that commemorates the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968. Now in its fourth year, this year’s edition focuses on “The Foreign Perspective,” particularly how British international media, government officials, and civil society responded to the invasion. The exhibitions feature newly declassified documents, rare media coverage, and testimonies from abroad. I spoke with Barbora Šubrtová, the founder and main organizer of the event, about what else visitors can expect this year.
Tell me about this year’s NeverMore 68 event: the theme and what it’s about.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
The Czech government should not recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of parts of Ukraine, the Senate’s foreign affairs committee said on Wednesday.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Illustrative photo: Filip Jandourek, Czech Radio
The Ministry of Health is launching a pilot program this autumn that will enable people to receive flu vaccinations in selected pharmacies. The project is meant to test whether greater accessibility would increase public interest in vaccinations and whether the system could operate successfully nationwide.
The number of people in this country who get a flu shot is significantly lower than the EU average.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Štěpánka Kadlečková, Czech Radio
A series of presentations and workshops in traditional Slavic art in the USA are set to be led by two ladies from Hovorany, South Moravia. They are travelling as ambassadors of the Moravian Beauty foundation, which promotes folk traditions across the world.
Expats and art lovers in the United States are soon to get a personal visit from the traditional art of Moravia and Slovakia.
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Author: Danny Bate, Vlasta Gajdošíková
Photo: Czech Ministry of Defence
Interest in voluntary military service among Czechs is waning. Since its launch in summer 2023, sign-ups for the Ministry of Defense’s “list of volunteers” have dropped from nearly 230 in the first year to just 100 last year. Volunteers share health info and pledge to prioritize military exercises if security worsens.
An opportunity for people who are interested in defending Czechia but do not want to become professional soldiers and do not currently have time for training or joining the active reserves.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Lucie Fürstová, Czech Radio
Liberec Zoo, established in 1904, is the oldest zoological garden in Czechia. Spanning 14 hectares, it houses over 170 animal species and plays a vital role in research, breeding, and conservation both locally and internationally. The zoo is especially known for its long-standing work with birds of prey. With the most experienced raptor team among Czech zoos, Liberec has become a key player in international efforts to protect endangered species.
Ruth Fraňková spoke with zoologist and bird specialist Jan Hanel about the zoo’s mission, the challenges of breeding large raptors, and the conservation successes that continue to drive their work.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Source: Action Network
The rapper Ye, who formerly went by the name Kanye West, may perform in Prague in the near future. However, a petition has been launched to protest against the potential performance, and Mayor of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda is likewise opposed to the idea of Prague hosting such an event.
In mid-July, the hip-hop festival Rubicon, planned to be held in the outskirts of Bratislava, was cancelled, shortly before it was due to begin.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Illustrative photo: Shutterstock
Up to a quarter of children in Czechia are overweight or obese. As a result, pediatricians have begun regularly monitoring children with obesity. Their goal is to help these children and their families manage excess weight before it develops into more serious health issues.
Adam struggled with weight loss throughout his teenage years until, at 18, thanks to his strong will and support from the children’s health resort in Křetín, he finally began to lose weight.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: National Museum
On Friday 15th, the precious fossils of Lucy and Selam, 3.2 and 3.3 million years old respectively, landed at Prague Airport under strict security measures. They will be on display at the National Museum in Prague for two months, their first trip from Ethiopia to Europe.
Some of us wait a long time before visiting Prague for the first time, but 3 million years is surely an unbeatable record.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Josef Šorfa, Czech Radio
In the upcoming year, the Western-Bohemian city of Cheb will carry the prestigious title of European City of Sport. This was announced in an open letter from the non-profit organization ACES Europe (European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation), addressed to the town’s mayor, Jan Vrba (ANO).
At the end of July, an ACES Europe evaluation committee, led by the organization’s President Gian Francesco Lupatelli, visited Cheb.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: che, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
In this edition of our Sunday Music show, we explore decades of Čechomor, formerly the ‘Czechomoravian Music Society’, a group of ex-rock musicians who revitalized traditional Czech music with fresh energy.
Čechomor is a Czech band originating from Svitavy, known for performing traditional folk songs with a rock twist.
See more here.
Photo: archive of Czech Radio
In this summertime episode of Czechast, the podcast in English about all things Czech, I set aside our usual interviews. Instead, I read my own English translation of a short story written and published in the 1930s by Karel Čapek, arguably the most famous Czech writer. Playful yet thought-provoking, it shows that lamenting the “decline of times” is hardly a new phenomenon.
This episode of Czechast, the podcast in English about all things Czech, is a little different.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: The Museum of South East Moravia in Zlín
An exhibition, titled Then and Now, commemorates the travels of the iconic Czech traveller duo Hanzelka and Zikmund, known for their travels in the 1940s and 1950s. Czech Radio spoke to its curator Magdalena Preiningerová to find out more.
The exhibition of comparative photographs from the travels of Hanzelka and Zikmund and the Z101 Expedition shows what the world looked like Then and Now.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio
In the winding streets of Prague’s Lesser Town visitors may notice dozens of historic buildings adorned by house signs – lions, golden goblets, violins, suns and many more. Many of these signs are older than the house numbers themselves and once served in their place.
Before Empress Maria Theresa introduced house numbering in the 18th century, the house signs in the Lesser Town below Prague Castle served a practical purpose: they helped people – and the postal service, which was already operating in the 16th century – to find the right address.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: CzechTourism
According to the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism, just short of 30,000 Chinese tourists travelled to Czechia in the first quarter of 2025 – a year-to-year increase of roughly 39%. The surge is largely attributed to the successful TV reality show ‘Divas Hit the Road’, whose latest series is filmed entirely in Czechia.
Filming of ‘Divas Hit the Road: Bond of Hearts’ – the 7th series of the program – took place primarily in central Prague, featuring sights like the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, or Prague Castle.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Aerofilms
On Monday 11th, it was announced that the Czech Film and Television Academy has selected a documentary, director Klára Tasovská’s ‘I’m Not Everything I Want to Be’, as the Czech entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The choice of a documentary is a first for the Czech academy.
The Czech Film and Television Academy have announced their candidate for the USA’s 98th Academy Awards (the Oscars), to be held in March 2026, specifically for the category of Best International Feature Film.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Letní Letná
Up on Letná Hill, overlooking the Vltava, the spectacular programme of this year’s Letní Letná international festival of new circus and theatre was inaugurated on August 13th. It runs until the end of the month. The festival attracts acts from across the world and thousands of visitors each year, who come to Letná Park for whole days full of fun, as the festival’s executive director, Ivana Pěkná Vrbíková, explained to Danny Bate.
For people who are not familiar with the Letní Letná Festival, could you introduce it for us? What would you say is the spirit of this festival?.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Iva Roháčková, iROZHLAS.cz
The most promising generation yet. Such is the conclusion of the Czech Athletics Federation following the European Athletics U20 Championships in Tampere, where Czech athletes won a record-breaking number of medals. Following a dry spell, this unprecedented junior success signals a brighter future for Czech athletics.
The Junior European Athletics Championship in Tampere, Finland, finished on Sunday, and the post-tournament conclusions have been very favourable to the Czech delegation, which amassed its all-time best of nine medals.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we visit Divoká Šárka—one of Prague’s wildest landscapes, filled with rocky cliffs, meadows, and forests. Just a short tram ride from the city centre, this nature reserve blends ancient history, dramatic scenery, and local legends. From swimming in spring-fed pools to hiking past medieval hillforts, it’s a perfect escape into nature without leaving Prague.
Divoká Šárka lies in Prague’s Liboc district, covering more than 250 hectares of gorges, meadows, and woodlands.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Boglarka Bodnar, EPA / Profimedia
Two days after his outing at Sziget Festival in Hungary, world music star Post Malone took the stage at Prague’s Letňany on Tuesday. The lively showman famously dabbles in a variety of genres, from hip-hop and pop, to rock and country. The latter was top of the order, dominating both the stage design and a good part of the 25-record set list.
The American singer arrived to the third European stop of his ‘Big Ass’ stadium tour one day in advance, and was spotted around the centre of Prague by fans.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Česká Yoyo Asociace z.s.
After 11 years, the World Yo-Yo Contest returned to Czechia. At the Cubex Centre in Prague, close to 300 competitors contended in 8 categories for the most elusive titles in yo-yo. The annual event provided a blistering show, but little in the way of surprising results.
The sport of competitive yo-yo has enjoyed a growing worldwide popularity, no less so in Czechia.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Zoopark Chomutov
Chomutov Zoo is one of the youngest Czech zoos, but it can boast being the largest by area, stretching over 112 hectares. The zoo has over 1,000 animals of 161 breeds, 14 of them endangered species. Many of the animals can be viewed moving around freely in open spaces.
Chomutov Zoo, located on the outskirts of Chomutov, north of Prague, was officially established in 1975, but as many other zoos established in the regions, the foundations for it were laid much earlier, around 1932, when it started out as an entertainment park with animals.
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Author: Anton Kaimakov
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
In this Prague off the Beaten Track episode, we start at Prague’s busiest railway hub—Hlavní nádraží—but head somewhere unexpected. Just beyond the platforms lies the Žižkov Highline, a short walkway born from a temporary art project that’s now a functional shortcut between districts.
The journey begins in perhaps the most “on the beaten track” spot in Prague—its main railway station, Hlavní nádraží.
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Photo: Jiří Čondl, , Czech Radio
Authorities in Šumava National Park have launched an intensive search for several wolves believed to have escaped from their large natural enclosure at the Srní Visitor Centre. The centre has been temporarily closed and the residents of nearby villages have been warned to exercise caution until the crisis is resolved.
Wolves returned to the Šumava mountains after more than 140 years at the start of the millennium.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Vladislava Wildová, Czech Radio
Ratibořice Château stands in Babiččino údolí (Grandmother’s Valley), north of Česká Skalice in the Hradec Králové Region. This national cultural monument has welcomed visitors ranging from Austrian Chancellor Metternich to Russian Tsar Alexander I. Its history and extensive natural landscape attract visitors from all over Europe and beyond.
The Ratibořice Chateau is famous as the residence of Princess Vilemína Zaháňská, a wealthy heiress with great influence and a non-conformist woman, who many in Czechia know from Božena Němcová’s book Babička (Grandmother).
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK
Five seasoned carvers took on the task of creating new sculptures for the fairy-tale alley during last weekend’s symposium in Bystřice pod Pernštejnem. Visitors were able to watch the new statues come to life right before their eyes. These new creations will join the existing sculptures of the Grim Reaper, Noonwraith, Water Goblin, and Miner—figures that have adorned the village surroundings since last year.
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Source: Fisher Center
Bedrich Smetana’s third opera Dalibor explores themes of national pride, freedom, and resistance against oppression. Although he was hugely proud of the work, it failed to win recognition during his lifetime.
Bedřich Smetana’s opera Dalibor, completed in 1868, is a brooding, Romantic tale of knightly honor, love, and rebellion set in the 15th century.
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Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
In this summer edition of Czechast, host Vít Pohanka visits the South Bohemian village of Holašovice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a storybook come to life. He speaks with Julia Kňažková, a local guide and heritage expert, about the village’s ancient roots, charming architecture, and sometimes overwhelming popularity with tourists. This episode explores how the community balances preservation with everyday life — and how its future may depend on the next generation.
Known for its beautifully preserved Baroque rural architecture, Holašovice has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Kristýna Barchini, Czech Radio
The legendary statue of Samson is leaving the South Bohemian capital of České Budějovice for the first time ever. Since 1990, the original has been stored inside the city’s town hall, a couple meters away from its original location. Now it is travelling to Prague Castle, where it will become part of the exhibition ‘Vltava: famed and flowing’.
For almost three centuries, the water-spouting statue of Biblical strongman Samson wrestling a lion stood atop the fountain on the central square of Přemysl Otakar II in České Budějovice.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
On the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, H.E. Ms. Rina PRIHTYASMIARSI SOEMARNO, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, hosted a reception at her beautiful residence.
The honored speaker was Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
A cultural show from each ASEAN country followed the ceremony.
Don’t miss the Karaoke videos at the end.
Happy Birthday, ASEAN countries.
The 15th edition of Prague Pride, an annual festival celebrating the LGBTQ community, took place in Prague on Saturday, 2nd August 2025.
The theme for this year is ‘Where My Home Is’
Tens of thousands of people, including several Ministers, Czech politicians, members of Prague’s diplomatic community, and big commercial companies and organizations, took part in the parade, which ran from the lower part of Wenceslas Square via the Republic Square, Dlouha st., Old Town Square, and Parizka st., to Letná Park.
The diplomatic community had a great representation from almost all embassies.
The celebrations continued at Letná park, with live music and other events, until 10 pm.
Watch the video and the pictures from this colorful event.
Due to their extraordinary size, strength, intelligence and willingness to cooperate with people, elephants have been irreplaceable helpers in Asia for millennia. Today, they are threatened mainly by the loss of their natural habitat. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
A symbol of strength, wisdom, and majesty – on Saturday, Prague Zoo will celebrate World Elephant Day. Our Indian elephants will receive playful enrichment in the morning, and at 2 p.m., visitors can look forward to a special elephant bathing. There will also be guided meetings or an original art workshop – making paper from elephant dung. On Sunday, Prague Zoo, together with the Czech National Bank, will celebrate World Lion Day.
Saturday in the Valley of the Elephants of Prague Zoo will bring not only a rich program celebrating some of the largest animals on the planet, but also the atmosphere of Asian culture. During the popular guided elephant bathing, visitors will learn why bathing is important for octopuses or which of our Indian elephants is the greatest lover of water. Elephants will also be able to be observed during guided meetings.
Not only young visitors can learn interesting facts about the life of elephants, their influence on culture, the history of breeding and protection thanks to information and game stations. Indian elephants are currently threatened mainly by loss of habitat and fragmentation of the area, which causes the isolation of populations. The population in Asia is rising sharply and rural areas are gradually turning into cities.
Gulab, Shanti or Lakuna. Interested parties can playfully get to know Indian elephants at Prague Zoo. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Sunday will belong to another inhabitant of India at Prague Zoo – the Indian lion. Prague Zoo will celebrate World Lion Day in cooperation with the Visitor Center of the Czech National Bank. In addition to a commented meeting directly with our lion couple, a varied program is also prepared for visitors at the Archa Theater. It will include creative workshops, quizzes for prizes and lectures that will reveal the unexpected connection between the world of finance and the world of animals. The lion portrait can be found on the Czech five-thousand-czech banknote, for example, but it also reigns, for example, on the Congolese banknote. Rwandan banknotes feature a gorilla, while Indonesian banknotes feature an orangutan. Another iconic animal from Prague Zoo – the Przewalski’s horse – also holds its place in numismatic history. A commemorative silver coin in his honor was issued in 1987.
Celebration of World Elephant Day
at 10:30 a.m. commented handover of an enrichment element to female elephants
at 11:30 a.m. commented handover of an enrichment element to a male elephant
at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. commented meetings with female elephants
at 2:00 p.m. commented bathing of elephants
at 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. tours of the breeding grounds – by prior arrangement
at 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. information and game station (Valley of Elephants)
o get to know our elephants
o elephants in culture
o art workshop for children
at 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. making paper from elephant dung (Paper mill in the lower part of the area – at the beginning of the Geotrail)
The lion, the king of animals, appears not only on Czech coins and banknotes, but together with the Light Bearer, it is also the patron saint of the Czech National Bank. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
World Lion Day in cooperation with the Czech National Bank
Illustrative phoro: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
On October 3rd and 4th, Czechs will head to the polls in a parliamentary election. For the first time ever, Czech citizens based abroad will have the possibility to make use of the postal vote. However, the deadline to sign up is less than three weeks away and the number of registered voters comes way short of expectations.
When the Czech parliament passed the bill enabling the postal vote in August last year, reactions were mixed, and expectations were high.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: U.S. Army Air Force / U.S. Department of Defense
This could have been just another story of an ordinary family of Czech expatriates in the United States. However, a series of circumstances led Czech-American Joseph Stiborik to leave an indelible mark on history as a crew member of the Enola Gay aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima 80 years ago, on August 6, 1945.
The origins of Joseph Stiborik’s family were only conclusively proven a couple of years ago – initially, he was believed to be a descendant of immigrants from Žďár nad Sázavou.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: archive of Michaela Küchler
In this episode of Czechast, we talk to Michaela Küchler, Secretary General of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. She shares her family’s deep Czech roots and her work preserving the memory of the Roma and Sinti genocide. We discuss the story of the Lety camp and why remembrance matters now more than ever.
The International Day of Remembrance for the Roma and Sinti Holocaust is marked every year on 2 August.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: TV Barrandov
In August 1955, Karel Zeman’s groundbreaking film Journey to the Beginning of Time premiered in Czechoslovakia. Blending live action, animation, and model work, it captivated audiences and sold to more than 70 countries — a remarkable feat for a film from a communist country during the Cold War. Seventy years later, it remains a celebrated milestone of world cinema.
Seventy years ago, Czechoslovak audiences first saw Karel Zeman’s Cesta do pravěku, known internationally as Journey to the Beginning of Time.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: 2K Games
The Mafia franchise is one of the most commercially successful Czech-made game series ever. ‘Mafia: The Old Country’ will be its fourth instalment, with a storyline going back to the roots of the Sicilian Mafia – a prequel to the first release 23 years ago. The brand new game is launching on August 8.
Czech video game developer 2K Czech, creators of the Mafia franchise, have finalized its soon-to-be newest release: ‘Mafia: The Old Country’.
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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Kinga Cichewicz, Unsplash
How can food improve our internal sleep cycle? Whether the bad effects of an irregular sleep schedule can be mitigated by diet and exercise is currently under investigation by a team at the Czech Academy of Sciences.
After five days of commuting and working, it’s all too tempting to sleep in at the weekend.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate, Eva Kézrová
Photo: Pavel Novák, Czech Radio
Bohuslav Martinů, one of the great 20th-century composers, will be the focus of the 35th Bard Music Festival, which gets underway at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, on Friday. Subtitled Martinů and His World, it’s the first time this renowned festival has been dedicated to the Czech composer’s life and music. The program will showcase Martinů’s wide-ranging work, from chamber pieces and orchestral scores to two operas, including a world premiere. I spoke with Aleš Březina, director of the Bohuslav Martinů Institute and co-curator of the festival, about the vision behind the event.
This is the first time the prestigious American Bard Music Festival will be dedicated to the work and life of Bohuslav Martinů.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Ondřej Šebestík, Czech Radio
When Czech Railways announced plans to scrap the legendary “Knödel Express” running between Berlin and Prague, the news made international headlines and fans lamented its departure as the “end of an era”. Those addicted to its old-world charm can now take some comfort. Due to modernization delays, the cult dining cars will continue to offer the familiar service for some time longer.
For fans of rail travel, the scenic four-hour long journey between Prague and Berlin was one of the most enjoyable train rides in Europe.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Julien Delfosse, Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Czech racing driver Roman Staněk is on a hot streak in the Formula 2 championship, one step below the elusive Formula 1. The 21-year-old secured his maiden feature race win and first pole position in two consecutive weeks, propelling him into 8th in the overall standings.
On the weekend, Roman Staněk qualified in first place for the feature race around the Hungaroring, in the outskirts of Budapest.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Simona Kubičková, Zoo Jihlava
Jihlava Zoo, officially recognized as a zoological garden since 1982, is nestled in the picturesque valley of the Jihlávka River, not far from the city center. The grounds feature wooded slopes, rocky outcrops, meadows, and water features, creating a rich and varied environment for its 260 animal species, including many endangered ones. The zoo specializes in felines, primates, and reptiles.
The zoo’s early history goes back to 1957 when Oldřich Vávra, a member of the Jihlava city council responsible for culture, came up with the idea of founding a small animal park for children to enjoy.
See more here.
Photo: Kira Tripulska, Divadlo MA
The 6th annual theatre festival ‘Summer Grébovka’ kicked off on Monday with the highly anticipated production of ‘To be Marlene Dietrich’. The story of the legendary German actress and singer is the work of Theatre MA, who are staging plays at Grébovka until August 29th.
In a career, spanning nearly seven decades from the Berlin Golden Twenties to the apex of Classical Hollywood cinema, Marlene Dietrich was not only a trailblazer on the movie screen, but also a respected humanitarian figure during World War II.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Elena Horálková, Czech Radio
Bára Dočkalová is a Prague-based author, teacher and researcher, whose literary output captivates young Czech readers and this year won her a prestigious Magnesia Litera award. She spoke to Danny Bate about receiving the award and the ideas behind her victorious book Kost, as well as sharing her perspectives on teaching English in Czechia and how drama and music can make the language a lot more fun.
Bára, you are a person with many strings to your bow.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK
A vibrant parade featuring over two hundred dancers, musicians, and capoeira fighters lit up the first weekend of August in Brno, delighting thousands of onlookers. The streets pulsed with the infectious beats of samba drums, the shimmer of sequins, and the swirling colors of carnival costumes as Brazil Fest 2025 brought a touch of Rio to the heart of Moravia.
See more here.
Photo: Správa železnic
Under reconstruction from 2023, Praha–Bubny station is now welcoming trains and travellers. A spacious and light modern edifice replaces the old station from the 1920s, a key part of the planned improved railway connections to Václav Havel Airport and Kladno.
Holešovice, the busy district of Prague north of the city centre, has gained a shiny new railway station.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Blanka Křížová, Masaryk University Brno
Gregor Mendel’s original microscope, used in his ground-breaking pea plant experiments, is now on display at London’s Science Museum as part of the Future of Food exhibition. Lent abroad for the first time ever by the Mendel Museum in Brno, the rare instrument highlights the roots of genetics in the context of today’s food and sustainability challenges. Ruth Fraňková discussed the exhibition with its curator Rupert Cole:
What is the Future of Food exhibition about and why did you choose to include Mendel’s original microscope in it?.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Ústav fyziky atmosféry AV ČR
Exactly 30 years ago, the newly independent Czech Republic launched its first satellite, Magion 4, into space. It lifted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, joining the historic line of Czechoslovak satellites.
The Magion 4 satellite was launched on August 3, 1995, as part of the international INTERBALL scientific mission.
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Photo: Aerofilms
For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re celebrating the life and music of Karel Fiala, the charismatic Czech singer and actor, who was born on August 3rd 1925. His legacy is forever tied to one of the most popular films in Czech cinema: the unconventional Western ‘Lemonade Joe or The Horse Opera’ (Limonádový Joe aneb Koňská opera).
The film Lemonade Joe, from 1964, is a parody of Western movies that blends grotesque humour, moral satire, and numerous catchy tunes.
See more here.
Photo: Michal Polášek, Czech Radio
The Cyril and Methodius Chapel at Radhošť unexpectedly united the Beskydy Society with an American family. The people who take care of the chapel received an email from New York with photographs of a miniature of the chapel and a remarkable story.
In the 1950s, a yard sale in Brooklyn, New York, took place at an old church where they were cleaning out the basement, and a small model of a chapel was found.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
On the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of Enthronement of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI, H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the residence’s beautiful garden.
Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.
Mr. Vaclav Klaus, the former President of the Czech Republic, and his spouse, Livia, were the honor guests.
Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.
Long live the King! عاش الملك!
On July 31, 2025, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments and the Summit of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva. The main topics discussed included global parliamentary cooperation and the role of women in military conflicts. In her speech, the Speaker particularly emphasized the strengthening of democratic institutions and also appealed for the protection of the most vulnerable in Putin’s aggressive war against Ukraine. The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in Geneva called for international assistance to victims of Russian aggression against Ukraine
Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the UN, is usually held once every five years and represents the most important meeting of parliamentary leaders from around the world. The central theme of this year was global inter-parliamentary cooperation.
“We cannot call our world truly just while millions of people continue to live in oppression. Strengthening the role of parliaments, protecting free and democratic elections and ensuring the independence of the judiciary are the cornerstones of stability. Only if citizens trust their institutions will they choose dialogue over violence, hope over despair and cooperation over conflict,” said the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, in her speech.
The World Conference was preceded by the 15th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments. In their speeches, they focused primarily on the issue of the safety of women and girls in contemporary armed conflicts and wars.
“One of the most horrific impacts of Putin’s barbaric war is the twenty thousand Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly taken from their homes by Russian forces. As women in top parliamentary positions, we have a moral responsibility to speak out and act. Our country will continue to support Ukraine, including addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable,” emphasized the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
Sumatran tiger Achilles during one of the first trips to the outdoor enclosure of the Pavilion of Predators and Reptiles. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo introduced a new male Sumatran tiger. Nine-year-old Achilles arrived from the English Howletts Wild Animal Park to join four-year-old female Surya, with whom he could father cubs in Prague. The London native is a charismatic beast – he likes to observe his surroundings from elevated platforms, he backs up into the water when bathing so as not to get his front paws wet, and according to his former keepers, he likes the scent of Chanel Coco perfume best of all. Above all, however, he is Prague’s hope for the reproduction of the critically endangered tiger subspecies.
“Achilles is a beautiful and promising male Sumatran tiger; exactly the kind of person we were looking for our Surya within the European breeding program. He is still getting used to his new home, but from now, he can be seen in the Predators and Reptiles Pavilion. Surya will soon be in heat, and that is when our new pair of tigers could meet for the first time,” says Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek.
Achilles “hunts” his gift in the form of food enrichment – a willow wicker deer filled with meat. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Achilles was born on June 27, 2016 in London as the younger brother of the tigress Cinta, who is also known to visitors to Prague Zoo. Since 2018, he has lived in Howletts Wild Animal Park, from where he arrived in Prague this June. He then underwent mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Today, he was welcomed with a willow wicker doe stuffed with meat.
“This is a calm male who has lived with females in the past, but has never produced offspring. The problem was allegedly in both cases in the health of the female. He should be able to breed with Surya, who has also not had a cub yet. It is high time for her to do so,” says mammal curator Pavel Brandl.
Achilles is still getting used to his new environment. His adaptation is taking place slowly, but peacefully. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
There are only 128 purebred Sumatran tigers registered within the European Association of Zoological Gardens (EAZA). Only twelve cubs have been born in the last year, so the hopes placed in Achilles are highly justified.
In addition to the aforementioned qualities, Achilles is very inquisitive and gentle, but he will not deny the beast if it has to share food. He prefers to enjoy beef or venison and is particularly fond of heart, liver and kidneys. On the other hand, he does not like goat meat and absolutely hates poultry. It enjoys tearing meat hanging from a rope, the aforementioned perfume enrichment, and in the summer it likes to sunbathe while cooling itself with bloody popsicles.
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest living tiger, usually growing to a weight of 90 to 120 kg. It is the last surviving representative of the “island tigers” from Indonesia, which used to live on Sumatra, Java, and Bali. While tigers on Java and Bali were exterminated in the last century, the only tigers on Sumatra have survived to the present day. Estimates of their number are difficult, averaging between 400 and 600 individuals. Their population is still declining at a rate of about 10% per decade.
The Sumatran tiger Achilles likes to explore the vegetation in the enclosure and also loves the raised wooden bunks, from which he has a good view of the surroundings. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The greatest threat to Sumatran tigers is the conversion of their natural habitat to oil palm or acacia plantations and hunting, which involves both direct poaching of the tigers themselves for their skin or bones, and the reduction of their prey. These are ungulates – sambar deer, wild boars, muntjacs and other species of animals including macaques and porcupines. Sumatran tigers are also victims of conflicts with farmers.
Prague Zoo has been breeding tigers almost since its beginning. A year after its opening, in 1932, a hybrid of an Ussuri and Bengal tiger, a male Bengali, and a female Indian tiger Mitau, arrived from the Hagenbeck Circus. The first Sumatran tigers inhabited the Prague Zoo in 1958, and the first cub was born here in 1971.
The nine-year-old Sumatran tiger Achilles is a great hope for the Prague breeding of this rare subspecies. It is difficult to predict, but if all goes well, the four-year-old Surya could become pregnant this year. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
Prague Pride is a week-long festival that is soon to begin on July 28th. In addition to the pride parade through the city on Saturday 2nd, the festival offers a rich programme of cultural and social events, from film screenings to picnics in the park. Danny Bate spoke to Lenka Hronová, parade production lead and head of production for Prague Pride, about the programme.
How many years has the Prague Pride Festival now been happening?.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
For Lenka Králová, a transgender woman, podcaster, and activist, Prague Pride is the most important event of the year. She says the annual parade and week‑long festival show that “there is nothing to be afraid of” when it comes to LGBT+ visibility. In an interview with RPI, she shares why she believes Pride still matters and what visitors can expect this year.
For many in Czechia’s LGBTQ+ community, Prague Pride has become a key moment of visibility, celebration, and solidarity.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Khalil Baalbaki, Czech Radio
At the presidential summer residence in Lány, an envelope thought to contain the last words of first Czechoslovak President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk will be opened on September 19th. Current President Petr Pavel will attend the ceremony, revealing the contents of the never-before-seen letter.
The envelope with the “President liberator’s” message, has been in the hands of the Czech National Archive since 2005.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Jana Volková, Czech Radio
The 110th World Esperanto Congress is taking place from July 26th to August 2nd in the Moravian capital of Brno. This celebration of the international auxiliary language offers a diverse programme of activities for over a thousand attendees. To learn about the congress and the historical connections between Esperanto and the Czech lands, Danny Bate spoke to Marek Blahuš, a computer scientist at Masaryk University, polyglot and devoted Esperantist.
How large is the Esperanto-speaking community in Czechia?.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Prague Castle Administration
The Theresian Institution of Noble Ladies takes up approximately one-fifth of Prague Castle’s panorama. Its roof and façade are now set to undergo reconstruction, as part of a 180 million crown plan – the largest investment at the Prague Castle in the last two decades. The works should be completed by 2026.
According to the Prague Castle Administration, the Institute is now entering the second stage of renovations, which will bring the most apparent visual changes.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: archive of Palacký University
The flickering lights of fireflies used to be a familiar part of summer nights in the countryside. Yet these elusive insects are disappearing, along with many others. To raise awareness about fireflies and the challenges they face, the Czech Entomological Society named them Insect of the Year 2025. I spoke with entomologist Tomáš Dvořák from the Czech University of Life Sciences about what makes fireflies so special.
First of all, why did the Czech Entomological Society choose the firefly as the Insect of the Year for 2025?.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
The zoo in the Moravian city of Olomouc is located just outside the city on Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill). One of its priorities is the preservation of endangered species like the Rothschild giraffes. But visitors can also take a safari train ride into the enclosures of kangaroos or wolves. Members of our team visited the site to find out more.
The black-and-white ruffed lemurs are one of several lemur species kept at Zoo Olomouc.
See more here.
Author: Till Janzer
Photo: ČTK / imago stock&people / Hindustan Times
President Petr Pavel on July 27th paid a personal visit to the Dalai Lama, who is celebrating his 90th birthday. The Chinese embassy has expressed its disapproval of the meeting.
On Sunday 27th, on his journey home after a busy presidential trip to Japan, Petr Pavel stopped off in India, where he met with the Dalai Lama.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK
The oldest known group photograph in Czechia, and possibly the world, is housed at Velké Březno Chateau near Ústí nad Labem. Taken in 1839, the daguerreotype features the aristocratic family of Count Karel Chotek along with relatives and friends. The historic image was recently added to UNESCO’s national Memory of the World register.
Karel Chotek was a high-ranking nobleman who served as the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the most influential positions in the country at the time.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Petr Sznapka, ČTK
Central Europe, including Czechia, is experiencing unusually cold and rainy weather this summer, thanks to a high pressure area that has settled over northern Scandinavia.
July temperatures in the country are even lower than currently reported from Norway or even Greenland.
See more here.
Source: ‘Zakázaný Bůh: Likvidace’ / Czech Television
In the summer of 1950, the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia launched Operation Ř, a targeted campaign aimed at the liquidation of female religious orders. Nuns were forcibly evicted from convents, separated by age, and transported to factories and remote locations, where they were forced to work under horrific conditions.
Seventy-five years ago, in July 1950, the Czechoslovak regime launched Operation Ř.
See more here.
Photo: Mirekwanek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
One of Czechia’s most respected alternative bands, Už jsme doma, are celebrating their 40th anniversary this July. The avant-garde punk group, which rose to prominence after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, marks the event with a special concert this Tuesday at Prague’s Lucerna Music Bar. To mark the occasion, we’ll be playing some of the biggest hits from their long and rich career.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: StockSnap, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Moving away from traditional forms of propaganda aimed at eulogizing its political regime, China is now hiring influencers to bolster its image abroad. The Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), which conducted the investigation, found that in Central Europe, Czechia is the country most targeted by China on social media, with two known state-paid bloggers.
The targeted media strategy of the Chinese government in Central Europe, including Czechia, dates back to 2013 when state-funded news outlet CRI launched its Czech-language service, first out of the V4 countries.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo illustrative: Lars S. Madsen, Alamy / Profimedia
Conservationists have spotted golden jackals in the protected landscape of Pálava in southern Moravia, capturing them on a camera trap. These wild canids have already been recorded in other parts of Czechia, and experts say their numbers are likely to grow.
Jackals are medium-sized, long-legged animals with long muzzles, bushy tails, and erect, pointed ears.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
Writer-director Dužan Duong made a big splash at this month’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with his debut Summer School, 2001. Dubbed the “first Czech-Viet” movie, it recreates aspects of the 34-year-old’s own childhood, much of which was spent around an outdoor market near the border with Germany. When we met recently the conversation took in the making of Duong’s breakout film, his own background and Czechia’s large and thriving Vietnamese community.
You moved here to Czechia at the age of four.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: archive of Czech Ministry of Culture
The ashes of Czech author Milan Kundera and his wife Věra will be buried in the “Circle of Honour” at Brno’s Central Cemetery. On Wednesday, the city council revealed the levitating tombstone design, which should be ready by the end of July 2026.
The appearance of the grave was the subject of an international design competition.
See more here.
Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas
Photo: Isabella Fattore, Radio Prague International
Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Prague, there lies a quaint village called Horažďovice, and just a short drive away, there lies an even quainter farm, where its inhabitants grow much more than crops. On the spot of land that once housed the local flour mill, where centuries of villagers used to gather to process their grain, something else is now thriving – art.
This place is called ArtMill, center for regenerative arts, where a community of artists, farmers, and activists work together with the local ecosystem.
See more here.
