AuthorMartin Hladík

Photo: Alte Nationalgalerie/Wikimedia Commons, public domain

250 years ago, the first public library in Prague opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s literary history. On January 17, 1775, bookseller Wolfgang Gerle and his brother Ondřej established the first lending library for fiction and newspapers, making literature accessible to the general public.

Wolfgang Gerle transformed part of his apartment on Prague’s Charles Street into a reading room for newspapers and magazines, called the “Learned Club.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International

The Prague metro turned 50 years old last year! To mark the occasion, we explore some of the most iconic stations on the Czech capital’s metro network. In this episode, we go to Háje, the southern terminal station of line C. Our guide Martin Karlík from Prague City Tourism awaits us at the station, promising “a journey through time and space”.

Our tour begins in front of a sculpture situated close by to Háje metro station.

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Author: Fred Byrne

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

Archaeologists in Prague have uncovered one of Europe’s largest mass burial sites from the Seven Years’ War. The discovery, made in the courtyard of the historic Břevnov Monastery, reveals the skeletal remains of over 1,000 soldiers, offering a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of 18th-century warfare.

The excavation, conducted from June to November last year, confirmed that the graves were created in May and June 1757, during the Prussian invasion of the Czech lands.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Jakub Ferenčík, Radio Prague International

The National Gallery Prague is Czechia’s foremost and largest art institution. Its goal is to preserve the nation’s artistic heritage and promote it to both its domestic population and an international audience. With that goal in mind, what does it really mean to be a “national” gallery?

“Your questions, which are obviously one part of this story, are also what concerns us, and these are the kind of everyday questions we ask ourselves.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

A group of hardy climbers set off to the top of Ještěd, the famous mountain outside Liberec, with very limited equipment: shorts, gloves and hats.

In temperatures slightly below freezing, they managed to reach their destination in approximately fifty minutes.

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The Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Ronald DOFING, organized a New Year´s Gala concert with catchy show tunes from Berlin to Broadway “Let’s Misbehave” performed by an international cast at the beautiful Kaiserstein Palace.

The proceeds of the charity concert will go to the Pink Bubble Foundation, which helps young people with cancer (www.pinkbubble.cz).

The talented international cast includes Sascha Ley from Luxemburg, Fabio Lesuisse from Belgium, Patricio Arroyo from Chile, Filip Martinka from the Czech Republic, and Juraj Skoda from Slovakia.

Attached is the program and a few words about the cast.

Watch the video with the welcome speech of The Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Ronald DOFING, and a few moments from that great concert.

The Czech pavilion is among 20 of the best countries at the Expo 2025, which will open in Osaka – Japan in April 2025.

Read the article that was published at blooloop.com – the magazine of Museums & Trust.

Copyrights: blooloop.com and Charlotte Coates

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport handled 16.35 million passengers last year, marking an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. At the beginning of last year, the airport had anticipated 15.5 million passengers for 2024, thus exceeding this forecast by more than 800,000 passengers.

The Prague airport offered flights to 181 destinations last year, an increase of 14 destinations year-on-year. The flights were operated by 76 carriers. Last year’s number of passengers was the third highest in history. The airport plans to handle 18.4 million passengers this year, the highest number in its history.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Read this interesting article related to this topic.

Photo: Universal Pictures

The American horror film Nosferatu, one of the most talked-about movies of the year, has a unique Czech connection. Not only was it mostly filmed in Prague – it also features traditional Czech Christmas ornaments.

Nosferatu, a Gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and a terrifying vampire, was filmed in 2023 primarily at the Barrandov Studios in Prague and other locations in Czechia and released internationally at the end of last year.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: National Museum

Prizes have been handed out in the 30th edition of the prestigious Czech Press Photo competition. More than 250 photographers competed in eight categories, submitting over 4,500 photographs. A selection of the best photos is now on display at the National Museum in Prague.

The main prize at Czech Press Photo went to AP photographer Petr David Josek, who captured an image of an athlete in the hurdles at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

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Photo: Daniel Šabík, DPP

A newly restored historic Mevro tram, a distant relative of the legendary trams in Milan, can now be seen roaming the streets of Prague. The 76-year-old veteran is running along one of Prague’s historic routes, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Mevro is a distant relative of the legendary trams used in Milan.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Military History Institute

On January 16, 1945, the Nazis cracked down on Operation Barium, one of the most successful resistance networks in the Protectorate during World War II.

On the night of 3 to 4 April 1944, three paratroopers from the Barium group were parachuted near Vysoká nad Labem within a resistance operation organized by the Czechoslovak government in exile.

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Photo: Anna Kubišta, Radio Prague International

The National Gallery Prague is hosting an exhibition, “École de Paris: Artists from Bohemia and Interwar Paris,” from 8 November 2024 to 2 March 2025 at the Waldstein Riding School. It highlights artists like Georges Kars, Othon Coubine, and François Zdeněk Eberl, to the Czech audience since they were more known in interwar Paris than in interwar Czechoslovakia. I spoke with National Gallery Prague Director Alicja Knast to learn more.

After World War I, artists responded to a conflict unlike any other in history, grappling with their experiences from the war and the unpredictable nature of the 20th century.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Source: Radio Prague International

Franz Kafka was born in Prague, but where specifically did the world-famous writer grow up? Where did he draw inspiration, or even go on holiday?

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Photo: Památník Lidice

At the end of December, Eva Kubíková-Bullock, who was one of the surviving children of Lidice, died at the age of eighty-seven. She lived in Canada but visited Lidice repeatedly throughout her life. During the Second World War, the Nazis murdered 88 of the 105 children from Lidice. After 1945, 17 of them returned to Lidice. Six are still alive today.

Eva Kubíková-Bullock was born on April 29, 1937, in Prague and died on December 28 in Hamilton, Canada.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Západočeská galerie v Plzni

The West Bohemian Gallery in Pilsen has received a collection of 66 works by the world-renowned Czech writer, poet, and artist Jiří Kolář. The works, acquired directly from Kolář in the late 1990s, have been donated to the gallery by ČEZ. I asked the gallery’s international project coordinator Tomáš Hausner to tell me more about the collection:

“Until now, there were about 16 collages and other works by Jiří Kolář in the collection of the Gallery of West Bohemia in Plzeň.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

The Czech government has moved to liberalize its policy on kratom and other psychoactive drugs. Under a new law that came into force in January, substances considered low-risk will be sold under strict conditions to adults only. However, the premature lifting of the ban on their sale is causing problems.

After many years of controversy on the issue, last year the Czech government opted for a new approach to soft drugs –aiming to get them off the black market in favour of strictly regulated sales.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Světla vyprávějí

Visitors to Prague can now experience the fascinating world of space in an impressive light exhibition on the banks of the Vltava River. Space Park Prague in the city’s of Žluté lázně (Yellow Spa) area depicts giant luminous planets, rockets, astronauts and flying saucers.

The third light exhibition at Žluté lázně focuses on the fascinating world of space, guiding visitors through the planets of the solar system, black holes and constellations.

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Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Danny Bate talks to Vít Pohanka, the host of “Prague off the Beaten Track.”

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Český rozhlas

Miroslav Wanek is the leader of Už jsme doma, a Czech alternative band who this year are celebrating 40 years of existence. Už jsme doma have performed in over three dozen countries, most notably in the US, where they have notched up a remarkable 800-plus shows. Wanek, today 62, also has other strings to his bow. He could have entered politics after playing an active role in the Velvet Revolution in his hometown of Teplice, has taught at Prague’s FAMU film school and worked on a highly popular animated series.

You’re from Teplice.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Petr Vilgus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Karel Čapek’s villa, located in Prague’s Vinohrady, is undergoing plans for restoration. The goal is to restore the villa to reflect the atmosphere of the Friday gatherings once held there. The renovation is expected to begin in the spring and the villa is anticipated to open for visitors around the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Prague 10 Deputy Mayor Tomáš Pek met with Czech Radio to showcase the current state of the villa and discuss the future restoration plans:.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Illustrative photo: Brian Yurasits, Unsplash, Unsplash License

Are bioplastics and plant-based materials safer than conventional plastics? Scientists from Mendel University in Brno have been investigating one type of bioplastic, and their findings are alarming. Even plastics marketed as eco-friendly, can negatively affect the soil, causing an overgrowth of microorganisms, which then compete with plants for vital nutrients.

The scientists focused on a specific bioplastic commonly used in cosmetics as a substitute for scrubs.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK

The Skiman race from Polnička to Radostín in Žďárské vrchy is not only a sporting experience on historic wooden skis, but also a fun event in period costumes. Fifty enthusiasts successfully conquered the eight-kilometer course this weekend.

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Researchers at Mendel University’s Faculty of Agronomy in Brno are collaborating with the University of Hradec Králové and the University of Defence to create effective treatments for nerve agent and pesticide poisoning.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Symfonický orchestr hl. m. Prahy FOK

The Prague Symphony Orchestra’s story is closely intertwined with the history of the Czech capital, and this connection is clearly reflected in their repertoire, which we feature on today’s edition of our Sunday Music Show.

Following the success of their 2021 recording of Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968 (Supraphon), the orchestra and its chief conductor have released another album dedicated to Prague.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International

The Prague metro turned 50 years old last year. To mark the occasion, we explore some of the iconic stations on the Czech capital’s metro network. Metro station Petřiny lies only a short walk away from the Břevnov monastery and the battlefield of the Battle of White Mountain in the Thirty Years War.

Jan Nevyhoštěný, a journalist at the online magazine zdopravy.

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Author: Fred Byrne

Photo: archive of Kateřina Ferenčíková

The story of Kateřina Ferenčíková: how Czech identity can stretch across borders and generations.

Kateřina Ferenčíková is a Czech woman from Ostrava whose life has taken her far beyond the borders of Czechia.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Czech Television

January marks 60 years since the launch of Večerníček, a beloved Czech children’s TV programme that airs every evening. Czechoslovak Television broadcast the first episode of the bedtime series on January 2, 1965, and it has since become a treasured part of Czech cultural heritage.

The very first episode of Czechoslovak Television’s bedtime series, called Večerníček, was a nine-minute film by Ludvík Ráža titled The Boy and the Comet.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

The Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E Mr. Bijan Sabet & Ms. Lauren Sabet, hosted at their beautiful residence a farewell reception, to express their heartfelt gratitude for our friendship and partnership.

Here are selected sections of H.E. Mr. Bijan Sabet’s speech at the event.

Pink pigeons form pairs during the nesting period, which guard and defend the nesting territory. When sitting on the eggs, the parents take turns, the male warming the eggs during the day and the female at night. Photo by Tereza Mrhálková, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo commemorates 100 years since the birth of Gerald Durell, a well know writer and natural scientist who advocated for saving of the pink pigeons which Prague zoo successfully raised.

One hundred years have passed since the birth of the prominent naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell. He became famous not only for his efforts to save endangered animal species but also for his books. The Prague Zoo is therefore preparing a reading of his works for visitors in May. The book Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons became famous. It was this species of soft-billed bird that survived thanks to his rescue work, which became a model for many zoo workers around the world. The Prague Zoo was the first Czech zoo to acquire rare pigeons for breeding already in 2000.

Last year, six baby pink pigeons hatched at the Prague Zoo. It was a significant contribution, as it was the only breeding of that year in continental Europe. The Prague Zoo has been an important breeder for a long time, it raised its first cubs in 2001 – just one year after it acquired the rare birds from Mauritius. At the same time, pink pigeons are not easy to pair due to the aggressiveness of the males, and many of them are also unable to raise their young. Therefore, garden doves often become substitute foster parents. The year 2019 also became an important milestone, when the Prague Zoo raised five cubs completely naturally. “Together with the British zoological gardens, we are now a ‘superpower’ of our kind in pink pigeon breeding, says the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek. “There is even talk now that bred pink pigeons would be sent from Europe to Mauritius via Prague. If it did happen, it would certainly be the best repayment of the gratitude we feel towards Gerald Durrell.’

The photo shows a young pink pigeon. Pink pigeons feed their young in the same way as other soft-billed pigeons, the so-called pigeon milk. Photo by Tereza Mrhálková, Prague Zoo

The ancestors of the Prague pink pigeons were brought to Europe by Gerald Durrel, who acquired these endemics for his zoo on the island of Jersey in the 1970s directly from Mauritius. He thus demonstrated his experience and foresight, as their numbers later fell twice in the wild to just ten individuals – the last time in 1991. Durrell’s organization Wildlife Preservation Trust, later the Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary, was responsible for saving them directly in Mauritius. Thanks to this, in 2018 it was able to be reclassified from the original classification among the critically endangered species of the IUCN Red List to the “vulnerable” category. However, the pigeon bound to the evergreen mountain forests has lost 98% of its habitat, its nests destroyed by cats and other invasive species. It is also less resistant to trichomoniasis. In addition, it is currently threatened by very low genetic diversity. It is with this problem that zoos could significantly help, whose genetically valuable pigeons can restore populations in Mauritius. “The situation today is not entirely optimistic and outside the British Isles this species is kept in only 5 zoos in Europe. In 2024, apart from the United Kingdom, it was bred only in the Prague Zoo. But the path to breeding was not easy,” explains bird curator Antonín Vaidl. “Although we have been breeding this species for twenty-five years, it does not succeed as a breeder every year. To our delight, the year 2024 was successful, even though the obtained genetically valuable male did not seem promising at first. Surprisingly, however, immediately after meeting the female, he began courting the female, was peaceful, and managed to raise young. Once again, we were able to contribute to saving the species.”

The naturalist, who lived between 1925 and 1995, will introduce visitors to the Prague Zoo on May 10 and 11, 2025. He will read from his books in the Africa class of the Dja Reserve pavilion.

Photo: Raph_PH, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The 2025 concert season will offer Czech music fans pop-music legends, rock stars and a metal icon. Check out what international performers you can look forward to in the coming year on this week’s Sunday Music Show.

80’s pop lovers are sure to be familiar with hits like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Time After Time or True Colors.

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Author: Danny Bate

Illustrative photo: Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels

Beer is the national drink of Czechia and holds the same status in Belgium. This shared cultural importance is why both countries have been at the forefront of efforts to unite European beer nations and resist efforts to classify beer as a hard alcohol, which would subject it to stricter regulations. Czechia has now also taken the lead as the head of the European Parliament’s Beer Club.

Since 1995, the Beer Club has brought together MEPs from across political groups to support and develop European beer culture.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík, Filip Nerad

Photo: X of the Government of the Czech Republic

In October 2024, Czechia signed a treaty with the Vatican, becoming one of the last countries within the European Union to do so. Such a treaty has been a long time in the making, having been rejected by the Czech parliament back in 2003. The 2024 treaty, signed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in December, but has now met with criticism by members of the Senate, some of whom have recommended a review of it by the Constitutional Court. Dr Daniel Bartoň, an independent lawyer with a focus on religious freedom and human rights, and an assistant professor at the Evangelical Theological Faculty of Charles University, joined me to discuss the treaty and the objections to it.

Let’s start with a general question: we have Vatican City, this landlocked micro-nation entirely immersed within the city of Rome, with no exports or imports to speak of, no trade deals to make or anything like that – why then do countries sign treaties with the Vatican?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Petra Hajská, The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Jakub Hrůša, the acclaimed Czech conductor, has reached an extraordinary career milestone, as he prepares to take over as music director at the Royal Opera in Covent Garden. His current focus, however, is bringing Jenůfa by Leoš Janáček to life on the London stage.

For Hrůša, Jenůfa speaks for itself through its emotional depth and cultural resonance.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Martin Wágner / 400ASA

Over the years, Czech photographer Martin Wágner has taken on a fascinating mission: rescuing discarded photographic negatives and giving them a second life. His efforts have drawn thousands of followers to his Facebook page, Negatives from the Trash. A selection of these images has now been published in a book of the same name.

The book, Negatives from the Trash 1900–1945, features over 200 unique photographs from the early 20th century and was released earlier this month.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Muzeum Českého ráje v Turnově

Archaeologists in northern Bohemia have announced a unique discovery. While conducting a rescue excavation during the construction of an emergency services call centre, they uncovered evidence of a Neanderthal settlement, dating back between 126,000 and 115,000 years BC.

The discovery, made by archaeologists from the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov, provides unique insights into Middle Paleolithic life.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Celebrity v autoškole/Facebook

Driving on Czech roads can be a nerve-racking experience. Speeding, drink-driving, inattention and road rage all contribute to the high number of accidents. And even on a good day, transgressions such as failing to keep a safe distance or break checking can wear down the patience of those sticking to the rules.

Despite the introduction last year of a tougher penalty points system aiming to enforce greater discipline on Czech roads, they still remain a big challenge for infrequent or foreign drivers.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Warhorse Studios

The first installment of the Czech video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance has sold more than six million copies globally. The highly anticipated sequel, which continues the story of Henry of Posázaví, is set to be released on February 4.

In the prequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, players are not portrayed as superheroes defeating enemies individually.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

If you’ve been to Prague in recent years, chances are high that you’ve encountered the work of Pavel Fuksa. The graphic designer is behind a series of official posters welcoming visitors to the city – and encouraging them to be on good behaviour. Fuksa, who is 42, has in the past worked for several of the world’s largest brands, including Nike, Facebook and Lego. What’s more, he is deeply interested in football, so when we met in the downtown area I also spoke with him about which Prague club has had the most visually impressive strip, and when.

We’re speaking right in the centre of Prague, at Můstek, and you were just telling me that you don’t come to the centre of town often.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Masaryk University Brno

A team of scientists from Brno’s Masaryk University has set off to the world’s coldest continent, Antarctica, with a second team to follow on January 11th. Ahead of the second departure, Danny Bate spoke to Pavel Kapler, manager of the Czech Antarctic Research Programme, about the purpose and logistics of their twenty-first expedition.

I think some people will be a little surprised, perhaps delighted to know that Czechia has a presence in Antarctica.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Sean Kilpatrick, ČTK / AP

Czech hockey players have won their third consecutive medal at the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa. In their final match on Sunday night, the Czech team defeated Sweden 3-2 in a shootout for the bronze medal.

The bronze match between Czechia and Sweden was decided by Czech captain Eduard Šalé in what became the longest shootout in World Junior history.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

Built in 1888, the Prague State Opera has undergone several renovations, with the latest being the most extensive. The stage turntable and air-conditioning system were upgraded, artists received modern rehearsal rooms, and new facilities were added, including chairs with subtitling equipment and a new curtain. The reconstruction, which cost CZK 1.3 billion, took nearly three years.

The opening ceremony held five years ago was intended to be a spectacular event with the participation of European politicians.

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Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International

In this episode of our series on the Prague metro, we head to Vyšehrad, on Line C, to visit one of the city’s oldest and most distinctive stations, renowned for its unique layout and design. Anna Švarc, the architect behind the Prague metro, guided us through the station.

For this episode, we let you choose which station you’d like to feature.

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Author: Fred Byrne

Photo: Khalil Baalbaki, Czech Radio

Martin Palouš served as Czech ambassador to Washington, D.C., from 2001 to 2005 and later as the Czech ambassador to the United Nations in New York. After concluding his diplomatic career, he became the Director of Václav Havel Library and then the Director of the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Democracy at Florida International University.

Over the past three decades, Martin Palouš has dedicated significant effort to supporting Cuban dissidents and the island’s opposition movements.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Illustrative Photo: Gerd Altmann, Pixabay, Pixabay License

A recent survey by the Czech Chamber of Commerce reveals that nearly 70% of Czech companies have yet to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. However, over a third plan to integrate AI within the next three years, suggesting that businesses are slowly warming up to the technology.

While Czech companies may appear hesitant compared to some European counterparts, the survey’s findings surprised analysts at the Chamber of Commerce in a positive way.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

The cub is typical for its camouflage coloration. Its fur is decorated with stripes and dots just like adult females. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The first cub of 2025 was born at the Prague Zoo. It was the West African sitatunga antelope. The new addition to the herd was born in the early morning hours and is doing well, according to breeders. The little female became the 442nd cub of this species in the Prague Zoo, which has been breeding West African sitatungs continuously since the 1960s.

The baby sucks mother’s milk without any problems and the experienced mother takes excellent care of it. From birth, this species, formerly known as the mud antelope, has long claws and claws that prevent digging into soft ground. West African sitatungs live near rivers, lakes or wetlands and flee into shallow water in case of danger. Their hooves expand when stepped on and function similarly to snowshoes.

Females are pregnant for 220-250 days and give birth to one young. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Sexual dimorphism is typical for West African sitatungs, females are smaller, rusty and hornless. Males, on the other hand, are brownish gray and boast spiral horns and a long mane.

Visitors to the Prague Zoo can usually find this traditionally bred species in the Water World in the lower part of the premises. However, this is a heat-loving species of antelope, so our herd is more in the hinterland during the cold months. With the arrival of spring, people can look forward not only to this New Year’s cub, but also to three more females that were born in the last three weeks.

Photo: Roman Vondrouš, ČTK

In his New Year’s address to the nation, Czech President Petr Pavel urged Czechs to have confidence in the future and not to be swayed by scaremongering and populism ahead of the 2025 general elections.

The president began his New Year’s address by expressing solidarity with those who feel exhausted by fear of the ongoing war in Ukraine, their own unfulfilled expectations and worries about the rising cost of living.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Even before the elephants arrange the conifers, they have a lot of fun with them. The elephants will receive a tasty enrichment at noon on both days. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo will ring the Christmas trees. More than ten species of animals will receive thematic enrichment during special guided feedings. For example, for elephants, bison or porcupines, unsold conifers will not only be a delicacy, but also great fun. Curious kea nesting parrots will explore the trees and our golden pigs, the African brushbirds from the Dja Reserve, will also play with them.

Bison like to throw Christmas trees into the air. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

In short, not even carnivores will come. Breeders will attract conifers with quails to the bear-like devils, and trees decorated with wicker balls of meat will await the Cape honeyeaters. For the very first time, polar bear twins Gregor and Aleut will receive Christmas trees with apples or squid at the Prague Zoo.

Playful and inquisitive kea nesters will receive Christmas enrichment on Monday at 11:30 in the outdoor aviary of the Rákos pavilion. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Different types of enrichment, i.e. unusual toys or food, encourage animals to play, explore or discover, which is important for their mental and physical activity and well-being.

Photo: ČTK

Václav Havel was elected president exactly 35 years ago, on December 29, 1989, more than a month after the Velvet Revolution began. His election marked the final confirmation of the fall of the totalitarian regime.

In January 1989, Havel was arrested for political reasons, convicted in February, and released on parole in May.

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Last year in Czechia was the hottest in 250 years, since monitoring at Prague’s Klementinum began in 1775, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institure reported.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK

At the start of January, the Three Kings will again be seen in cities, towns and villages across Czechia, raising money for the Catholic charitable organisation Caritas Czech Republic and its many good causes.

Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar – the three Magi or ‘kings’ whose journey to Bethlehem is recounted in the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew – are set to return to Czechia for another year, raising money with their performances of traditional carols.

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Author: Danny Bate

Illustrative photo: Hana Slavická, Radio Prague International

In a country known for its beer tradition, the rise of non-alcoholic beer is turning heads. More Czechs are choosing alcohol-free options, driven by health concerns and changing habits, with breweries responding to the growing demand. Even in pubs, non-alcoholic beer is becoming a staple on tap.

“I decided to stop drinking alcohol two years ago, on August 14th.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

Waves by Jiří Mádl wasn’t only the most successful Czech film at the box office in 2024: the movie, which centres on events at Czechoslovak Radio at the time of the Soviet invasion, is also one of the biggest cinema hits the country has seen in the modern era. Now Waves is also aiming for international glory, having made the shortlist of 15 pictures in contention for the Best International Oscar, with the actual nominations set to be announced in mid-January. Just after the shortlist was announced, I spoke with writer-director Mádl, who first found fame as an actor and had made two previous films before coming out with a gripping story set in one of the most tumultuous moments of Czechia’s modern history.

Waves has been a huge success, with over a million viewers in Czechia and Slovakia.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Khalil Baalbaki, Czech Radio

Prague is expecting a 10% increase in visitors this festive season, anticipating at least 100,000 visitors in the city on December 31 and January 1. This rise in tourism continues a trend seen throughout 2024, with Prague welcoming more visitors overall.

This influx will include both Czech nationals and international travelers, primarily from Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain, the UK, the USA, and several Asian nations.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: TungArt7, Pixabay, Pixabay License

Czech courier and delivery companies have once again experienced unprecedented growth during the Christmas season, breaking almost all historical records.

All major companies in the Czech delivering sector are reporting record figures for this Christmas season, with some days in December seeing three million parcels delivered per day in total.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

Explore the life of Martin Palouš, a dissident and diplomat whose story reflects Czechia’s journey from communism to democracy in this special two-part Czechast episode.

The newest episode of Czechast delves into the remarkable life of Martin Palouš – a key figure in the Czech dissent movement and one of the architects of the country’s democratic transition.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Zdeněk Zajíček, Czech Radio

Bells across Czechia may now get a new lease of life, thanks to a technique developed by scientists at the Czech Technical University in Prague, which uses fast-moving metal particles to repair parts cracked or worn down over time.

The clear ringing sound of a bell at the Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Engineering in Prague demonstrates the effects of a new way to repair old metal objects, without welding on additional material.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

More than 360 people took part in the annual Polar Bear Dip in the Vltava River near Prague’s National Theatre. The temperature of the water was 4.3 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the air was -3.5 degrees. The tradition of winter swimming was established in 1923 by Prague hardy-man Alfréd Nikodém who propagated a healthy lifestyle.

See more here.

Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International

With intertwined Soviet and Czechoslovak flags, inscriptions in Cyrillic, cosmonauts, and a portrait of Pushkin, Prague’s Anděl metro station on line B is a trove of artistic and historical curiosities.

Tomáš Nigrin, Social Sciences Professor at Charles University and a specialist in the history of Czech railways, takes us on a tour of Smíchov’s Anděl metro station, originally built to celebrate the friendship between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union.

See more here.

Illustrative photo: brendageisse, Pixabay, Pixabay License

Czechia has long struggled with one of the lowest shares of female researchers in the EU, and a recent report from the Czech Academy of Science’s Centre for Gender and Science has revealed that the country now ranks last in this regard. I discussed the key findings with the centre’s director, Marcela Linková:

“In the Czech Republic, we have approximately 49,500 employees in research and innovation.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

A unique nativity scene is currently on display in the Prague district of Žižkov. Alongside the traditional Biblical figures, it features notable Žižkov personalities, including Jaroslav Hašek, the celebrated author of Švejk, and Jára Cimrman, a beloved fictional character. Each year, a new figure is added, keeping the display fresh and connected to Žižkov’s history.

The Žižkov nativity scene, showcased at the information centre on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, was conceived by the Prague 3 Town Hall around a decade ago.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International

In this episode of our Prague metro series, we take you on a tour of Můstek metro station accompanied by Prague City Tourism guide Martin Karlík. The journey includes unexpected archaeological discoveries, a former underground passagway, deliberately chosen colours, a murdered duke, and a renamed horse market!

Můstek is one of the most iconic stations on the Prague metro system.

See more here.

Photo: e-Sbírky, National Museum, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED

“Where my home is” – the future Czech national anthem – was first performed at the Estates Theatre in Prague on 21 December 1834, in a play called Fidlovačka. The text by Josef Kajetán Tyl and the melody by František Škroup formed a harmonious whole and the song quickly gained popularity.

When Josef Kajetán Tyl wrote his new comedy Fidlovačka (or No Anger, No Brawl), he had high hopes of success.

See more here.

On the occasion of the National Day of the National Day of the State of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Nasser Ibrahim M. H. ALLENQAWI – Ambassador of the State of Qatar, and his spouse, Mrs. Bedour AlHazzaa hosted a reception at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Prague.

Mr. Jiří Kozák – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored guest.

Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Nasser Ibrahim M. H. ALLENQAWI – the Ambassador of the state of Qatar to the Czech Republic ( translation to English and Czech on the screen ), and of Mr. Jiří Kozák – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

And a short video about the State of Qatar.

يوم وطني سعيد لدولة قطر (yawm wataniun saeid lidawlat Qatar)

Happy National Day, State of Qatar

On the occasion of the coming jubilee year of M. K. Ciurlionis and the year of Czech Music, The Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Rolandas  KAČINSKAS organized a concert at the Czech Museum of Music in Prague.

Watch the speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Rolandas  KAČINSKAS

At the program – Vilnius University Chamber Orchestra, conductor Modestas Jankūnas. Compositions by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis

Leoš Janáček and Antonín Dvořák.

Next year marks an extraordinary anniversary – 150 years since the birth of Lithuanian composer and artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis.

M.K. Ciurlionis is considered the most important Lithuanian artist of all time; his personality combines great talent, strong imagination, passion for knowledge, and, of course, Lithuanian melancholy.

In 2024, the Czech Republic is celebrating the year of Czech Music, so it is symbolic that they will be passing on the baton to the jubilee year of Ciurlionis.

The Vilnius University ( Lithuania) Chamber Orchestra has been bringing together young people studying at the university for 45 years and has performed more than 800 concerts in Lithuania and abroad during its existence. In 2017, it was World Orchestra Festival in Vienna and received a gold prize and a special honorary diploma.

Since 2019, the artistic director and conductor of the orchestra is Modestas Jankunas.

Awards together with those who awarded the awards. From left: head of marketing at Bidfood Czech Republic Jan Kratina, primate breeder Pavel Vodehnal, Remobil project manager Jiří Šmejkal, mammal breeder Pavla Hanzlíková, son of colonel gšt. Milana Laniak Marek Laniak, breeder of sea lions and penguins Helena Rosypalová and director of the Prague Zoo Miroslav Bobek. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo awarded the Richard Award to its supporters and supporters. This happened during the traditional meeting of the sponsors of the Prague Zoo and the adoptive parents of its animals.

Great Richard was received by colonel gšt. Armády CR Milan Laniak, Little Richard the company Remobil and Divoké Richard the firm Bidfood Czech Republic. The program also included the announcement of the results of the Fotím competition at the Prague Zoo, a discussion with the Trojans, a musical performance, and special sea lion training.

“It is a pleasure and an honor for me to meet supporters of our zoo from various fields every year. It is not just a crucial help, as was the case this year, for example, with the first-ever transport of Převalský’s horses to Kazakhstan, but also seemingly small support. Every penny and every good idea counts. We all create the zoo together,” said the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek, in his speech.

The Prague Zoo awarded the Velký Richard prize to the deputy commander of the 24th Air Transport Base Prague-Kbely, colonel gšt. Army of the Czech Republic to Milan Laniak. The award, which was accepted on the spot by his son Marek Laniak, was given to him for his long-term cooperation on the Return of Wild Horses project. This was enhanced this year by the first ever transport of Převalský’s horses by CASA military aircraft to Kazakhstan.

Little Richard was received by the company Remobil for the project of collecting unnecessary mobile phones. African ecosystems, which are inhabited by critically endangered gorillas and nutcrackers, face the extraction of precious metals, which are used, among other things, to make mobile phones. Their recycling thus indirectly contributes to the protection of endangered species. From 2023, the Prague Zoo cooperates with Remobile not only on the collection of phones, but also regularly on educational events in its premises. Project manager Jiří Šmejkal accepted the award.

Divoký Richard was awarded by Bidfood Czech Republic for significant support of the We help them survive project and long-term cooperation with the Prague Zoo. For example, the company supported the reconstruction of the reintroduction center for Převalský horses in Alibi in central Kazakhstan, which was devastated by spring floods. Jan Kratina, head of marketing, received the award for Bidfood.

The release of Převalský’s horses in the Golden Steppe in central Kazakhstan at the beginning of June this year. It was for the support of the Return of Wild Horses project that the Prague Zoo awarded the Big Richard and the Wild Richard awards today. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

Along with the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek, the Richard prizes were also presented by breeders of those animals that are the most popular among adoptive parents and sponsors – e.g. the Humboldt penguin, the osprey or the lowland gorilla. After all, visitors will find a graphic showing the popularity of animals according to this scale pasted on the Information Center at the main entrance. It is the so-called wordcloud, i.e. the larger the type of animal shown, the more popular that animal is among patrons.

The entire event was accompanied by energetic live music performed by the City Police Dixie Band. More than two thousand people arrived at the Prague Zoo today, who did not miss a special commented performance and training of South African sea lions.

The Little Richard award went to Remobil, whose initiative contributes to the protection of endangered animal species in African rainforests. Pictured is a critically endangered eastern gorilla in the Congolese Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where Prague Zoo has been involved in the We help them survive project for many years. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

The new charity calendar for 2025 with illustrated portraits of Olga and Václav Havel is ready.

The Committee of Good Will – Olga Havel Foundation published a unique calendar with illustrated portraits of Olga and Václav Havel.

Proceeds from the calendar sale will be used to purchase medical aids for people with disabilities.

The calendar was illustrated by young artist Adéla Marie Jirků, who was inspired by the photographs of prominent photographers Bohdan Holomíček and Ondřej Němec.

The official launch of the calendar took place in October at the Václav Havel Library.

Monika Granja, director of the Foundation, photographer Ondřej Němec and Anna Freimanová, editor of the Václav Havel Library, a close friend of Olga, acted as godparents.

On 8 October 2024, President Petr Pavel received the calendar at Prague Castle from the representatives of the Olga Havel Foundation.

You can order the calendar online.

The Price of the calendar is 700 CZK as a donation to Good Will – Olga Havel Foundation

Photos © Anna Šolcová

Moja was born on December 13, 2004 to female Kijiva and male Richard. It was the first offspring for both of them and at the same time Moja was the first gorilla born in Czech or Slovak zoos. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

The famous female gorilla Moja celebrated her 20th birthday a little early tomorrow in Spain. Representatives of the Prague Zoo together with representatives of the Cabárceno Zoo presented her with a special gift – a puzzle filled with treats. The story of the first-born Czech gorilla will also be told by a photo exhibition, the opening will take place in Prague’s Dja Reserve on Saturday from 11 a.m.

“Moja has long since become a legend,” says the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek. “She is the first gorilla born in the Prague Zoo, who gained immense popularity among the public and became the protagonist of the extremely successful ‘slightly different reality show’ Odhalení. Even though she has lived in Cabárcen for many years, people have not forgotten her. We are therefore very happy that Moja’s story continues in our zoo through her daughter Duni and from this year also her granddaughter Mobi. And for me personally, it is very important that Moja i.e. through Gorilla Tales, which have been distributed in tens of thousands of copies to children in Central Africa, it helps protect gorillas living in the wild.”

Moja with the puzzle brought to Spain by the Prague Zoo team. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

Moja received complex enrichment with rotating wooden plates from the Prague Zoo team. They hid fruits and nuts spread over several levels.

“In November 2011, we took a seven-year-old adolescent girl here to Spain. We now follow an adult gorilla who has raised his daughter Duni and passed on many of his truly exceptional qualities and skills to her. Only because of this, Duni is now skilled and savvy in raising Moja’s granddaughter Mobi in Prague,” says Martin Vojáček, chief primate keeper of the Prague Zoo.

Rotating wooden boards hid dried fruits and nuts. Moja coped with the enrichment without any problems and easily reached the treats. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

The words of her current keeper in Cabárcen testify to Moji’s extraordinary character and, above all, her intelligence: “She is a very bright and perceptive gorilla, she is certainly the smartest of the group. I usually say that she is smarter than me because she is able to find tools in things that she uses to get what she wants, regardless of the other gorillas,” says Lucía Gandarillas Chicote, who takes care of the lowland gorillas in a natural park near Santander and other primates.

Moja lives in the exhibit and extensive paddock there, along with females Chelewa and Gwet, Chelewa’s six-year-old son Kibwe and male silverback Nicky. She is also accompanied by a group of Brazz cats. Currently, Moja does not have permission to conceive again from the coordinator of the European Breeding Program (EEP), because she is already genetically significantly represented in European breeding.

A group of congratulators at the lowland gorilla exhibit in the Cabárceno Zoo together with a photobook about Duni’s life in Prague, which representatives of the Prague Zoo handed over to their Spanish colleagues. From left: Inés Mier Maza, CEO of CANTUR, which also includes the zoo in Cabárceno, Míchel Valdés Ruiz, director of the aforementioned zoo Parque de La Naturaleza de Cabárceno, Miroslav Bobek, director of the Prague Zoo in the middle, then chief zoologist there Beatriz Gallego Aldama and chief Prague Zoo primate keeper Martin Vojáček. Photo by David Broda, Prague Zoo

Photo: Viktor Daněk, Czech Radio

More than two dozen Czech Centres on four continents represent a shop window for Czech culture around the world. But what more can the country do to boost its international image? And how does the network decide where to open, or close, branches? I discussed those questions, and way more, with the director of the Czech Centres, Jitka Pánek Jurková, who took up the post a year ago this month, at the organisation’s headquarters on Prague’s Wenceslas Square.

What led you to the field you work in today?.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK

Wooden, mechanical nativity scenes, mostly from private collectors, are on display at Rosice Castle in the Brno region until the end of December. This year, for the first time, an outdoor nativity scene is installed in the courtyard.

See more here.

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Let us take you on a culinary tour of Czech Christmas, by introducing the world of ‘cukroví’ – traditional sweet treats that families in Czechia bake every year, and are for many Czechs the very best taste of Christmas.

See more here.

Originally from Hong Kong, a series of events brought Chun Kong Mak to Brno, via Germany. He shares the story of his life, the reasons why he enjoys life in Czechia, and his achievements in ice swimming.

See more here.

Photo: RM Sotheby’s

A unique racing car from the early 1900s, built by Laurin & Klement—the company that later became Škoda—is set to be auctioned off in Miami next year. The Type S2 Sportswagen, with its groundbreaking design, has been preserved in its original, unrestored condition, making it a rare find for collectors.

The Laurin & Klement Type S2 Sportswagen, set to go under the hammer in February at an RM Sotheby’s event, was commissioned by Baron Leo Haan of Graz, Austria, a well-known racer of the era.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Pavel Štecha – heirs, Institute of Contemporary History, Czech Academy of Sciences

In the late 1950s, the communist authorities came up with a plan to demolish Prague’s district of Žižkov, replacing it with modern, prefabricated housing. Their plans moved slowly, and it was only in the 1970s that they commissioned photographer Pavel Štecha to document the poor conditions in the district. However, his photographs had an unintended effect: rather than justifying destruction, they helped rally preservation efforts. The compelling story is now explored in a new online exhibition by the Institute for Contemporary History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, titled Předvečer Asanace (The Eve of the Clearance). I spoke with its curator, historian Petr Roubal:

When did the plans for the demolition of Žižkov first emerge? Because it wasn’t the Communists who originally came up with the idea, right?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: APF Czech Radio

On the 12th of December 1952, a senior academic died in Prague. This lifelong scholar was Bedřich Hrozný, a Czech man born in the Bohemian town of Lysá nad Labem, and he remains famous today for his work on ancient languages. Most notably, it was thanks to him that the first translations of the lost language of the Hittites were not into English or French, but Czech. To understand the genius and the legacy of Hrozný, Danny Bate spoke to Krishnan Ram-Prasad, a scholar of Hittite and other languages of antiquity at the University of Oxford.

I think it’s best to start at the beginning with Bedřich Hrozný, so let’s talk a little bit about his early life.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

The Senate has passed an amendment to the gun law that will oblige arms dealers and shooting range owners to report suspicious clients to the police. The measure is a forerunner of a massive overhaul of the gun law that will come into force in 2026, approved in reaction to the tragic shooting at the Prague Faculty of Arts almost exactly a year ago.

The act of a lone gunman who went on a rampage at the Prague Faculty of Arts on Dec 21 of last year, killing 14 people and injuring 25, left the country reeling and set in motion a massive overhaul of the gun law that was approved earlier this year.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

On Thursday, Czech Radio Vltava will premiere the documentary Postscriptum of Bedřich Smetana. Created by Tomáš Dufka, head of the radio archive, the project examines pivotal political and social events, such as the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, through the lens of Smetana’s music, which left a powerful legacy after the composer’s death. The documentary uses dozens of newly discovered materials from the Czech Radio archive, among other sources.

Bedřich Smetana’s music held significant political influence for the Czech nation, often serving as a source of unity during pivotal historical moments.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Vlasta Gajdošíková, ČRo

Conservationists discovered extensive Baroque paintings on the walls and vaults of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Dolní Věstonice. They describe it as a fundamental contribution to the history of early Baroque art in Moravia. Its discovery was shortlisted in this year’s competition of the National Heritage Institute Patrimonium Pro Futuro.

The discovery of the early Baroque paintings in Moravia is exceptional not only for its size but also for offering insight into the artistry of the era.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík, Vlasta Gajdošíková

Photo: Michal Šafařík, Czech Radio

Scientists from Mendel University in Brno have cultivated highly efficient algae capable of removing residues of fertilizers and pharmaceuticals—including paracetamol and antibiotics—from water. These algae are grown in specialised bioreactors, and laboratory experiments are yielding promising results.

One of the researchers examining the potential use of algae in wastewater treatment is Jan Veselský from the Faculty of Agronomy at Mendel University.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

A unique exhibition called Crystal Garden is currently underway at the Prague Botanical garden in Trója. The special showcase features glass flowers and animals crafted by renowned Czech glassmaker Jiří Pačinek and his team. Visitors can admire the stunning glass structures until February 2, 2025.

Some light installations include interactive features, and visitors can also enjoy scheduled audio-visual shows.

See more here.

Photo: Michal Kamaryt, ČTK

Ewa Farna, Marek Ztracený, the band Kabát, and rapper Calin have repeated their wins in the 2024 Český slavík music poll. Farna, who also received the Absolute Slavík award, praised her band and joked about performing at Prague’s Eden stadium. Ztracený claimed his fourth win as Best Male Singer and dedicated the award to his father. Kabát and Calin won their respective categories but did not attend the event. Emerging artist Sofian Medjmedj was named Discovery of the Year. Marta Kubišová was inducted into the Český slavík Hall of Fame. The gala featured performances by top Czech artists and marked the poll’s 62nd year.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jitka Cibulová Vokatá, Czech Radio

Three out of for Czechs have at least some experience with mushroom picking. You would find similar if not higher proportion of mushroom pickers in other Central and East European countries. In Britain or Scandinavia the picture is completely different.

The idea for this episode came to me a few months ago when I spoke with Karina Giffard, a Czech woman who found a new home in Britain.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Barletta

The Czech animated film Život k sežrání (Living Large), a co-production with Slovakia and France, is set to compete at this year’s European Film Awards, which will be presented on Saturday. Directed by Kristina Dufková, it tells the story of 12-year-old Ben, who struggles with obesity while navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Ben Pipetka is a music-loving and chef-in-the-making 12-year-old, who is about to face the biggest challenge of his life.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Magdalena Hrozínková

Photo: Jana Stuláková, iROZHLAS.cz

Sports organizations in the Czech Republic are learning to measure their carbon footprints—a crucial first step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding their own future. The Czech Olympic Committee has introduced a carbon calculator specifically designed for sports organizations, which will be available for use in the Czech Republic starting in January. Vít Pohanka asked Naďa Černá from the Committee to explain how the calculator works:

“It’s an online platform with embedded emission factors.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Ivan Ivánek, Wildlife Photographer of the Year/ National History Museum London

Czech photographer Ivan Ivánek has made it to the final stage of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, with his photograph of langurs taken in Vietnam. His image is one of 25 selected for the People’s Choice Award, where the winner is decided by public vote.

The competition received a record 59,228 entries from photographers across 117 countries.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Archive of DPP

The project to build a metro in the Czech capital dates back to the 1970s, but the first plans for an underground in the Czech capital date back to a much earlier time at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

We meet our guide Martin Karlík, from the Prague City Tourism, at Muzeum, a station located at the junction of metro lines A and line C, to find out more about the initial plans for a metro in Prague.

See more here.

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

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

On that occasion took place the awarding ceremony of the National Order “Star of Romania” in the rank of Grand Cross to H.E Mr. Miloš Vystrčil.

The Decree on awarding of the National Order “Star of Romania”, based on the provision of the Constitution of Romania, as a sign of high appreciation for the exceptional merits in the development of political and diplomatic relations with Romania, the promotion of democratic, European and Transatlantic values in foreign policy and in deepening of the bilateral dialogue between our country and the Czech Republic, The President of Romania decrees:

National Odrer “Star of Romania” in the rank of Grand Cross is awarded to Mister Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic.

Signed by the President of Romania, Klaus-Werner Johannis in Bucharest, on the 13^th of September 2024.

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

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

La Mulci Ani Romania

On the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand and the birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and the Father’s Day, The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr. Suwat  Kaewsook and Mrs. Patcharin Naewsook host a reception at the beautiful Klementinum Mirror Chapel in Prague.

H.E Mr. Václav Klaus Former President of the Czech Republic, his spouse, Mrs. Livia Klausová, and Mr. Jiří Kozák – First Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, were the honored guests.

Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Suwat  Kaewsook – the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Jiří Kozák – First Deputy minister of Foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, and of H.E Mr. Václav Klaus Former President of the Czech Republic.

Happy National Day Kingdom of Thailand

สุขสันต์วันชาติราชอาณาจักรไทย

(S̄uk̄hs̄ạnt̒ wạn chāti rāch xāṇācạkr thịy )

On the occasion of the 112^th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Ilir TEPELENA – the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Marsela Tepelena, hosted a reception at the beautiful Rudolfino in Prague.

Mr. Jan  Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Ilir TEPELENA – the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Jan  Marian – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Happy Independence Day, Albania

The Event that took place on 5.12.2024 at the beautiful Korean Embassy had 2 parts:

In the first part, H.E. Mr. Youngki HONG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, hosts a Press Briefing.

Watch the video for the Press Briefing with a very nice surprise at the end.

The second part was the traditional Winter Concert with Ukrainian Youth,

The concert starts with a Christmas Song performed by H.E. Mr. Youngki HONG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus OKOLO, H.E. Mr. Víctor Aquiles ABUJATUM SEPÚLVEDA and his spouse, Ms. Anne Huisinga-Paret – the spouse of the Netherlands Ambassador and head of the DSA and Ms. Helle Kelstrup – the spouse of the Denmark Ambassador. Ms. Hyojin Kim – The spouse of the Korean Ambassador accompanied them on the piano.

Watch the speech of H.E. Mr. Youngki HONG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Martin Dvořák Minister for European Affairs, H.E. Mr. Vasyl ZVARYCH, Ambassador of Ukraine, Mr. Jan Fisher, Previous PM of the Czech Republic, and Ms. Yulia Oleinik – Head of UNICEF in the Czech Republic.

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

Watch Highlights from the culture performance.

On the occasion of 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Czech Republic, H.E Mr. Emil KRSTESKI – the Ambassador of North Macedonia, hosted an official reception at Kaiserstein Palace in Prague.

Mr. Jan  Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic was the honored speaker.

Watch the video with part of the speech of H.E Mr. Emil KRSTESKI – the Ambassador of North Macedonia and of Mr. Jan  Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.

Georgian Ambassador to Czechia Tea Maisuradze announced her resignation on X, citing her belief in Georgia’s future within the European Union.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Read the interview with H.E. Tea Maisuradze “Living and Working Among Friends”: https://www.czechleaders.com/interviews/h-e-tea-maisuradze

Photo: Office of the President of the Republic

Petr Pavel is currently exploring the southern hemisphere, as the Czech president continues his two-week visit to Australia and New Zealand. Together with First Lady Eva Pavlová, the president is working through a full programme of meetings focused on trade, diplomacy and defence, as well as some more relaxed cultural experiences.

After almost thirty years, a Czech president touched down in Australia on November 24th, to begin a two-week programme of appointments in Australia and New Zealand.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

As Christmas draws near, the familiar melodies of traditional holiday songs start to fill the air. So, for this week’s Sunday Music Show, we are also taking the occasion to play you some classic Czech pieces that have become an inseparable part of the season in Czechia.

The most popular pieces include – among many others – “Midnight Mass” (Půlnoční) by Václav Neckář and Umakart, “Promises Must Be Kept at Christmas” (Sliby se maj plnit o Vánocích) by Janek Ledecký, and “It’s the Holidays” (Jsou svátky) by Karel Gott.

See more here.

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

The Negrelli Viaduct, the iconic railway bridge that carries trains across the Vltava between Holešovice/Bubeneč and Karlín, now has a social and cultural space nestled within one of its arches.

Created by adding a glass front to one of the viaduct’s giant arches, the new space can found at the intersection of the Sokolovská and Prvního pluku streets in the Karlín district of Prague.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Illustrative photo: cottonbro, Pexels, CC0 1.0 DEED

The proportion of young Czechs planning to have children in the next three years has significantly declined, with the sharpest drop among those in difficult economic situations. These findings are part of the ongoing ‘Contemporary Czech Family’ research project, a collaboration between Masaryk University in Brno and Charles University in Prague. I discussed these new outcomes and their implications with Martin Kreidl, head of the research team.

Can you share with us the key findings of your research what were the most surprising trends that you have identified?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

From December to March, the Prague Museum of Decorative Arts (UPM) is playing host to the world-famous photography of Josef Koudelka. Presented in an exhibition entitled ‘Ruins’, the photographs are the product of over two decades of visits to historical sites by the Czech-French photographer.

Open from Wednesday 4th of December, several halls of Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts are dedicated for the next four months to the black-and-white images created by Josef Koudelka.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Source: ANNA MARESOVA designers

Czech designer Anna Marešová has presented two designs for the new cable car to the Ještěd Mountain in north Bohemia. One design is inspired by the original cable car, which was damaged in a 2021 accident, while the other offers a more modern concept. Liberec councillors are set to make a final decision on the design next week.

Both designs feature a silver, illuminated cabin with a small see-through section in the floor, through which a cone of light will pass as the cabin reaches the top.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Milan Kopecký, Czech Radio

Carp, a traditional centerpiece of Czech Christmas dinners, has sparked debate over its sale as a live product. This year, Prague launched a campaign urging more humane treatment of carp from pond to table, though it stops short of calling for a ban on live sales.

When it comes to eating fish, Czechs are not exactly known for their enthusiasm.

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Author: Vít Pohanka