- During the past winter, Czechia fulfilled the EU target of saving at least 5% electricity during peak consumption periods, Jan Hamrník, spokesman for the Energy Regulatory Office told the ctk news agency on Monday. The total savings during the peak consumption hours from December till March were 6.5 percent.
- The 25th edition of the Khamoro festival of Romany culture gets underway in Prague on Sunday. The annual event, offering concerts, workshops, film screenings and seminars, will start with a theatre performance at the capital’s Výstaviště. Khamoro, named after the Romany word for sunshine, will run at venues around the city until June 3.
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- The planned introduction of a legal, regulated cannabis market in Czechia may end up in the European Court of Justice, said national drug policy coordinator Jindrich Voboril. However, he said he believed this to be the best option, as prohibition has been proven not to work and only brings costs and risks.
- Less than a third of the population is satisfied with the way democracy is working in Czechia and only 18% of Czechs believe that politicians listen to the opinions of ordinary people, suggests a survey carried out by Ipsos agency. 31% of Czechs are satisfied with the functioning of democracy in the country, while 42% thought democracy wasn’t functioning well.
- Writer, translator and former diplomat, Michael Žantovský has announced that he will leave his post as head of the the Václav Havel Library on June 1. He has led the institution, which looks after the intellectual, literary and political legacy of playwright and former president Václav Havel, since September 2015.
The new collection covers an entire floor of the Trade Fair Palace, with 300 works purely from the collections of the National Gallery and a cross-section of domestic work spanning eight decades.
The new permanent exhibition entitled 1939-2021: The End of the Black and White Era, aims to show visitors how the perception of artistic quality in the Czech Republic has changed over time.
Within the collection, several types of creative expression exist side by side illustrating that art serves primarily as a testimony to the times.
The exhibition begins in 1939, drawing the visitor into the wartime art of Emil Filla, Jan Kotík, Josef Čapek, Karel Kotrba, and the artists of Group 42. The collection continues through the equally dark period of totalitarianism, in which a number of artistic movements flourished despite the suppression of the creative spirit.
“The title, ‘The End of the Black and White Era’ can carry many connotations. It is also a slogan summing up our approach. We try to go beyond simple evaluation criteria based on opposites.
The period after 1939 is still artistically alive and has a direct influence on the present,” says Michal Novotný, Director of the Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art and curator of the new exhibition.
The works on display include surrealist, avant-garde, abstract, and lyrical-abstract works, while representatives of conceptualism, constructivism, and Czech new figuration add depth to the collection.
The curators also allow space for socialist realism within the collection, whose idealistic scenes act as a fist in the eye in contrast to the dark atmosphere of the time.
Represented in the collection are canvases exhibiting an oppressive atmosphere by the Vál sisters, the large-format Cleopatra by Jan Zrzavý, the spiky sculptures by Aleš Veselý and the iconic sculpture “The Great Dialogue” by Karel Nepraš, and the typically constructivist works by Vladislav Mirvald and Radoslav Kratina.
The new exhibition shows that individual artistic endeavors, official and unofficial, abstract and figurative, formal and socially engaged, have always influenced each other’s existence and cannot be separated into black and white.
Art has always been at the intersection of social, economic and political conditions, which Michal Novotný and other curators Eva Skopalová and Adéla Janíčková have highlighted in the collection.
At the end of the gallery, the pieces done by contemporary artists are hung on metal grids – the same ones used to place works in depositories.
The contemporary section contains large artworks, such as the strange five figures in a pink car by Josef Bolf, a painting by Jakub Hošek, whose timeless work combines calligraphy and street art, and a geometric canvas by Vladimír Houdek.
The Prague City Technology Company (THMP) has recently finished constructing the first new set of crossing lights, with a total of fifty-three planned for completion this year.
Fifteen districts in the city will gradually receive these new crossing lights.
According to a press release, the initial installations have been completed in Ústřední and Archimédova Street in Prague 15.
The city’s decision to implement this project stems from the fact that improved illumination of crosswalks allows drivers to spot pedestrians in a timely manner.
Zdeněk Hřib (Piráti), Deputy Mayor of Prague for Transport, stated, that “to navigate safely in traffic, it is crucial to see and, most importantly, be seen. By illuminating crosswalks, we enhance conditions for both pedestrians and drivers, enabling the latter to identify crossings earlier and avoid unnecessary collisions.”
The enhancement of crossing lights will be carried out across most districts in the city. They will be installed at various locations, including the entrance to Letenské sady, near ČVUT, Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, and other busy streets with tram traffic, such as Francouzská, Seifertova, and Střešovická Street.
The newly installed luminaires feature flat glass and directional optics to minimize nighttime light pollution.
The LED light sources have an optimal color rendering temperature, which is crucial for enhancing pedestrian safety on the roads.
THMP will also provide service and maintenance for over 1,300 existing crosswalk lights in the capital city.
In Prague, these crossing lights are turned on one hour prior to public lighting and remain on for an hour after it is switched off.
A Czech Republic resident has sparked outrage by displaying outside her home a flag of the Wagner private military company, whose mercenaries are currently engaged in war crimes against Ukraine as part of Russia’s occupying forces, Czech Radio reported on May 27.
Lucie Brychtova, a Czech citizen, proudly exhibited the flag of the war criminals on her private property, even sharing a photo of it on her Facebook page.
The woman’s social media posts clearly demonstrate her support for the “Russian world” ideology and the fictitious entity known as “Novorossiya.”
The police have initiated an investigation into this incident.
David Chaloupka, spokesperson for the Czech police, confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “The police are aware of this case. An investigation is underway. However, premature comments are not appropriate at this time.”
Wagner mercenaries have been actively involved in the conflict in Ukraine since 2014, fighting against the Ukrainian army under Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Established in 2014 by Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close associate of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, the Wagner private military company is reported to receive monthly funding exceeding $100 million from Prigozhin for its operations in Ukraine.
Apart from Ukraine, Wagner PMC mercenaries have reportedly been deployed to other regions, including Syria, Mali, and the Central African Republic.
Recruiters have largely targeted prisoners serving sentences for serious crimes such as murder, grievous bodily harm, robbery, and burglary.
Since the beginning of this year, many Wagner PMC mercenaries have been eliminated in the Battle of Bakhmut.
The recent U.S. assessment of 100,000 Russian losses — including killed and wounded in action, along with deserters and surrendered troops — remains an accurate reflection of the price Moscow has paid in Bakhmut, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing on May 24.
Wagner PMC is under sanctions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union.
In a recent report by Re-thinking the Future, Prague has been recognized as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe, cementing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
This prestigious ranking underscores Prague’s dedication to creating a greener, cleaner, and more livable urban environment for its residents and visitors alike.
Prague’s dedication to sustainable urban development is evident in its strategic planning and policies, which encompass various aspects of sustainability.
Energy efficiency stands as a crucial focus area, with the city implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Through investments in green technologies such as solar panels and efficient heating systems, Prague has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to energy efficiency, Prague has also prioritized effective waste management and recycling programs. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems that encourage citizens to separate and recycle their waste responsibly. By doing so, Prague has not only reduced the amount of waste destined for landfills but has also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among its residents.
Prague’s commitment to sustainable transportation is evident in its efforts to enhance public transportation systems and promote eco-friendly mobility options. The city boasts a well-developed tram network, extensive bus routes, and a connected metro system, all of which contribute to reducing private car usage.
These sustainable transportation initiatives have not only alleviated traffic congestion but have also mitigated air pollution, making Prague a more livable and environmentally friendly city.
One of the defining features of Prague is its abundant green spaces, which play a crucial role in the city’s sustainability efforts. Parks, gardens, and urban forests are carefully maintained, providing residents with ample opportunities to connect with nature.
These green spaces not only enhance the well-being of citizens but also support biodiversity and act as vital habitats for various plant and animal species.
As Prague continues to prioritize sustainability in the years to come, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a model sustainable city, leading the way towards a more sustainable future for all.
The Festival of Embassies is the largest international street food festival in Prague, where each country’s presentations are primarily showcased by their embassies, honorary consulates, or chambers of commerce.
The event will be attended by ambassadors in person, making it a truly unique event in our country in terms of the number of participating countries.
The main organizers are the Prague 6 Municipal District and the Association Farmers’ Markets, who also organize the Markets on Kulaťák.
Each country’s booth will offer original traditional dishes that are characteristic of their respective cultures.
Embassy staff, including the ambassadors themselves, and their families, will be actively involved in the cooking. Some embassies even invite renowned chefs to prepare their cuisines.
The festival will also feature a range of beverages, ice creams, sweets, desserts, as well as small souvenirs and original art objects. Moreover, the organizers have prepared a rich program of events until 8 p.m., featuring performances by ensembles from the participating countries.
Admission to the entire area is free. However, due to limited parking spaces, it is recommended to leave your cars at home.
Here is the list of participating countries:
Afghanistan
Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Philippines
Ghana
Georgia
Croatia
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Israel
Japan
South Africa
Yemen
Colombia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kosovo
Republic of Korea
Kuwait
Malaysia
Morocco
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestine
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Serbia
Sudan
Syria
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Tunisia
Vietnam
- The Prague municipal transport company (DPP) and the city council have reached an agreement on the exchange of property for mutual benefit. DPP owns 359 plots of land with a total value of CZK 724.89 million, which it describes as surplus. By transferring them to the city, the company will take over the tram line leading from Braník to Modřany, which is worth over CZK 741.96 million.
- The 25th edition of the Khamoro festival of Romany culture gets underway in Prague on Sunday. The annual event, offering concerts, workshops, film screenings and seminars, will start with a theatre performance at the capital’s Výstaviště. Khamoro, named after the Romany word for sunshine, will run at venues around the city until June 3.
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- Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) emphasized that adopting the euro is not a priority for this electoral term, given the current economic situation. Stabilizing the budget and reducing inflation are vital concerns. While the Czech Republic committed to adopting the euro, no timeline has been set. Chairwoman of TOP 09, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, suggests 2030 as a realistic target year for adoption.
- The General Health Insurance Company (VZP) will no longer request health insurance contributions from individuals awaiting pension processing. This decision follows an agreement between the Ministry of Labor, the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ), and insurance companies.
- Czechia’s Martin Fuksa won gold in the 1,000 metres event at the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Poznan, Poland, on Saturday. The 30-year old Czech finished 16 hundredths of a second ahead of Wiktor Glazunow of Poland.
With summer around the corner, it is time to enjoy picnicking. Here are some Prague parks that are worth visiting.
Spring weather and warmer days full of sunshine are the perfect reason to enjoy a picnic. If you spend most of your time in Prague, don’t despair, the capital city offers many green spaces to sit with friends or a good book and enjoy the sun.
You can have a picnic in Prague almost anywhere. Just bring a picnic blanket, a basket with food and drinks and invite your friends. If you are not going to set up in a designated place with a fireplace or portable grill, you have even more options.
Most parks in Prague are perfect for setting up a blanket.
Letenské sady, Letná, Prague 7
The Letná park is a place where people in Prague love to go for jogging, roller-blade skating, riding bikes or simply having a cup of beer in the local beer garden. The whole park becomes alive with the first spring days, and stays that way until the fall.
The park is a place that makes you realize there’s more life in Prague than just the centre, and may invite you to explore some other districts, including the Letná itself.
Vyšehrad, Prague 2
Even a place as famous as Vyšehrad offers plenty of space to spread out a blanket. Public picnics are often held on the meadow between Myslbek’s statues. Enjoy the ornate church and beautiful views of the river too.
Petřín, Prague 1
Considered one of the most romantic places in Prague, Petřín offers an unforgettable view of Prague Castle and Prague 2 that lies across the river. In spring and summer, its hills are dotted with groups of people lounging blankets.
After you’re finished eating, you can follow on to the Strahov monastery and the Prague Castle. And if that hill seems intimidating or you’re not feel like climbing steep hills in hot weather, there’s a solution: simply buy a ticket for the funicular car and get off at the middle station.
Vítkov, Prague 3
The Prague Environmental Agency writes on its homepage that “the upper promenade path and the slopes of Vítkov provide a pleasant place for walks and relaxation, as well as for a variety of sports. For families with children, the park offers playgrounds, swings, and picnic areas.”
Stromovka
If you want to have a picnic like a local, you must visit the Stromovka, the biggest park near the centre of the town. The Stromovka actually includes designated picnic areas where grilling is allowed, including benches and tables.
Nothing will disturb you there, save for the occasional train running through the park. If you’ll see horses, don’t panic: there’s is an equestrian centre near the park. Follow the horses and then follow on to the Prague ZOO and the Troja chateau.
Kampa Island, Prague 1
Along the Vltava River you can not only relax on the benches, but also have a picnic in the grass. Kampa combines a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, a large number of monuments, and beautiful views of the city.
Riegrovy sady, Prague 2
The grassy areas in Riegrovy Sady provide beautiful views of the Prague Castle. Enjoy a beer or snack in the beer garden as well. You don’t have to bring beers along, with a wildly popular beer garden just a few steps away. The park also doubles as the gateway to the Vinohrady district, which offers lots of great food and architecture.
Řepy Forest Park, Prague 17
Between Prague’s Řepy and Motol districts is an active forest park with lots of greenery and meadows suitable for picnics with children. There’s also a playground to enjoy while at the park.
Hostivařský lesopark, Prague 15 – on Hájecká louka
Hostivařský lesopark with meadows, woods and a dam is used for relaxation and an escape from the sun. It can be found in Hostivař and forms a large part of the Hostivař-Záběhlice Nature Park.
Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady), Prague 2
Havlíčkovy sady is located on the border of Vinohrady and Vršovice and is nicknamed Grébovka (Gröbovka) after its founder Moritz Gröbe. You can lay out a picnic blanket in the upper part and in the lower part under the vineyards.
Amongst the historical architecture and cobblestone streets, cannabis and absinthe shops dot every corner in Prague.
Although a business in Prague 1 district has to go through two rounds of selection procedures, the number of cannabis shops with the distinctive green cross sign are growing.
The City Council tries to favor entrepreneurs who can successfully promote their services and products, but the locals complain. Tenants are therefore obliged to comply with the City Council’s manual for the appearance and signage of establishments, set in 2020.
Others are dealt with by the state authorities, preservationists, or the trade licensing office.
Cannabis shops decorated with signs beckoning customers to try their products have come to dominate the historic center of Prague in recent years. But, only technical cannabis is allowed to be sold which can confuse tourists unfamiliar with Czech law.
According to Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. on addictive substances, technical cannabis is defined as a registered variety in which the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not exceed 1% of the dry weight of the plant.
However, since even technical hemp contains a small amount of THC, vendors must not encourage their customers to consume it otherwise sellers could be accused of spreading addiction. For this reason, cannabis products are often labeled as collectibles in Prague shops.
But not everywhere.
Some vendors are unafraid of the law and proudly state on their shop signs that you can buy the best THC joints there. But that could backfire on the brave entrepreneur.
According to Act No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances, it is prohibited to cultivate species and varieties of the
cannabis plant (genus Cannabis) that may contain more than 0.3% of substances from the THC group. The actual sale of addictive substances is prohibited.
Complaints about inappropriate establishments in the historic center occasionally land on the desk of Prague City Hall.
“Within our own premises, we deal with them individually within the framework of the concluded contractual relations – our tenants are obliged to comply with the City Council’s manual for the appearance and labeling of establishments from 2020,” says Karel Grabein Procházka, Prague city councilor for business support.
Businesses in properties owned by private owners are dealt with individually by one of the state administration bodies, cultural conservationists, or the trade licensing office.
Entrepreneurs looking to open businesses in Prague 1 have a lengthy process ahead of them.
The Prague 1 City Hall offers free commercial space in two ways:
– by posting a notice on the official notice board and on its real estate portal.
– through a two-round tender procedure in cases where the business plan itself needs to be regulated
“In the first round, we eliminate offers from business plans that we fundamentally do not want in the space, offers from entrepreneurs who do not have good references and offers from entrepreneurs that we evaluate as risky,” says Grabein Procházka. “Once the wheat is separated from the chaff, the highest bidder will win.”
The Prague City Council also follows the recommendations of its advisory body, the Trade and Services Commission. The city’s leadership gives preference to businesses and their activities that the Commission recommends as appropriate to add to the mix of amenities.
On Sunday, 28 May, the traditional Children’s Day will take place at Karlínské náměstí.
Families and kids can look forward to a bouncy castle, trampolines, fairy tales, food and drink.
This year’s edition will be in the spirit of various experiments. Children will become pupils of the Mad Institute of Science and participate in explaining various physical and chemical experiments.
Those who master all the stations will receive a diploma and a scientific degree.
However, children can also play sports, watch theatrical stories or performances by Irish dance troupes.
The volunteer firefighters from Prague 8 will also take part in the event.
The event is free of charge.
Find all the info here
On the morning of May 27, 1942, around 10:30, two men, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, waited in the sharp bend of a road near the Bulovka hospital in Prague 8.
Bicycles parked nearby for an escape and one wearing a long coat to conceal his machine gun. These men were waiting to ambush one of the key men of the Third Reich, the butcher of Prague, Reinhard Heydrich.
Operation Anthropoid
Planned by British special operations and supported by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, the preparation for Heydrich’s assassination called Operation Anthropoid involved officers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš as the major players. They were airlifted from Great Britain to Czechoslovakia along with seven other Czech soldiers in December of 1941. After scratching plans to kill Heydrich on a train and in his car in a forest, the plan was to attack him at a sharp turn in the Libeň district of Prague on his way from his home in Panenské Březany.
The assassination attempt
Gabčík and Kubiš were positioned at the tram stop near Bulovka Hospital where there was a bend in the road while their colleague Josef Valčík signaled with a mirror the arrival of Heydrich’s open-roofed Mercedes Benz. Gabčík jumped in front of the vehicle, but his Sten gun jammed.
Heydrich had his car stopped and tried to shoot Gabčík when Kubiš hurled a grenade. Although the bomb only hit the rear wheel of the car, Heydrich suffered a broken rib, ruptured diaphragm and splinters in his spleen, and Kubiš was injured as well.
The explosion shattered the windows of a tram as shards of glass maimed passengers. Though severely injured, Heydrich tried to chase Gabčík but soon collapsed.
The driver Klein raced after Kubiš, but his gun jammed, and the resistance fighter got away. Following Heydrich’s orders, Klein then set after Gabčík, who hid in a butcher’s shop. The owner, a Nazi sympathizer, revealed his hideout to Klein, who collided with Gabčík in the shop. The assassin injured the driver in the leg and scurried away to safety.
The 38-year old Heydrich was taken to nearby Bulovka hospital where he died June 4 at 4:30 am.
The manhunt
A group of the paratroopers numbering beside Jan Kubiš and Josef Gabčík another 5 members needed to find a suitable hiding place for the attack. It was provided to them in collaboration with the home non-communist resistance movement by Jan Sonnevend and the Orthodox priest ThDr. Vladimír Petřek in the crypt underneath the Church of Sts.
Cyrillus and Method in Reslova street. Despite extensive German search for nearly one month the hiding place of the paratroopers remained undiscovered, it was not given away by the Czechoslovakian citizens.
On June 18th, 1942 the hiding place went detected. After a long, uneven fight the staff sergeant Jan Kubiš, lieutenant Adolf Opálka, sergeant abs. Josef Bublík in the church and further staff sergeant Jozef Gabčík, staff sergeant Josef Valčík, staff sergeant Jaroslav Švarc, staff sergeant Jan Hrubý in the crypt, finished their lives by themselves or they fell in the fight.
They had not surrendered to the enemies. The Orthodox bishop Gorazd, Reverend Petřek, Čikl and brother Sonnevend, another 9 executed Orthodox believers from the church and 265 collaborators of the resistance movement were executed for complicity and help to the paratroopers.
The story of the mission to assassinate Heydrich has been told on film several times. In 2016 the film Anthropoid by writer-director Sean Ellis starred Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, along with Czech actors. It was shot on Prague locations.
On June 3 and 4, thousands of people will descend on more than 1,700 churches and chapels throughout the Czech Republic during the Night of Churches (Noc kostelů).
In Prague alone, it will be possible to visit 155 churches, temples and chapels.
The theme of this year’s event is baptism and the organisers want to reflect not only its ritual but also the places, objects, texts or traditions associated with the ritual.
This event is another opportunity to invite the widest possible audience into churches to become acquainted with Christianity through music, art, and experience in an evening and nighttime atmosphere.
Among the newly opened sites will be the Church of St. Peter and Paul which is located in the protected zone of the Želivka dam or the newly built Church of Christ the Saviour in Prague’s district of Barrandov.
Guided tours, concerts, and theater performances will facilitate the occasion. Some portions of churches normally closed to the public will be open, for example, the organ loft, the sacristy, towers, crypts, and monastic gardens.
The accompanying program features except for night-time sermons, prayers, meditations, organ concerts also visual performances, tasting of Communion wines, creative competitions for children and adults, and more.
The program has been prepared by ten parishes and churches of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, Catholic community Chemin Neuf and Orthodox Church.
The Night of Open Churches was launched in the Czech Republic in 2009.
The full program of this year’s Night of Open Churches is available at nockostelu.cz