On March 26th, starting at 7 pm, a stunning drone show will illuminate the city’s evening sky.

This free public event, organized by the creators of the new Czech film “Gump – Jsme dvojka” in collaboration with Prague city, marks a step towards sustainable and exciting entertainment for Prague’s residents and visitors.

Prague has already taken a stand against the negative impacts of traditional fireworks displays. In 2020, the city banned pyrotechnics in the city center, parks, and near sensitive areas like hospitals and animal shelters.

“We believe a drone show can be a fantastic alternative to fireworks,” explains Adam Zábranský, Prague’s councillor for property, transparency, and legislation. “It eliminates unnecessary suffering for animals and reduces stress for seniors and children.”

Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor of Prague and advocate for animal welfare, echoes this sentiment. “Fireworks are a major source of stress not just for dogs, but for many wild animals too. Every year, our rescue centers see animals suffering from fireworks-related trauma. Additionally, countless dogs get lost during these displays.”

Pospíšil strongly supports a complete ban on over-the-counter fireworks, citing drone shows as a viable alternative that provides an equally captivating spectacle without harming animals.

This 20-minute drone show, accompanied by music, will paint the night sky with 50-meter-tall images of animals and other symbols, reaching a height of 70 meters above the Vltava River.

The event will be best viewed from Rašín or Smíchov embankments.

The foundation stone for the complete transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square was ceremoniously laid yesterday, February 16th, marking a momentous occasion for the beloved Prague landmark.

“Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is one of Prague’s crown jewels. I’m thrilled that after years of piecemeal changes, it’s finally getting the quality public space it deserves,” said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček.

“The new design reflects the input of local residents who participated in public meetings,” he added. “The square will become greener and more pleasant, with 100 new trees – including sycamores, maples, hornbeams, elms, oaks, lindens – and water-retaining paving to combat climate change.”

Work began in January with fencing and preparations. The revitalization plans include landscaping the church area, enhancing pedestrian walkways, and adding greenery.

The 33-month project will preserve cultural events and the traditional farmers’ market, which will relocate within the square depending on construction phases.

The foundation stone, laid on February 16th, 2024, was sourced from the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle. This gesture honors architect and urban planner Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), appointed by the first president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk for the modification of the castle complex.

Plečnik was a devout believer. One of his most remarkable works is indeed the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.

Additional benefits include expanded play areas for children, modern drinking fountains, and a revitalized fountain with improved technology.

Late last year, the adjacent JzP metro station was reopened after a two-year closure, underlining the city’s desire to upgrade the current area.

The Czech government said Wednesday it plans to build up to four nuclear reactors instead of one as the country tries to become more energy-independent and wean itself off fossil fuels.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the decision to seek more reactors could reduce the price per reactor by up to 25%. The timing and locations are not yet decided.

Three companies including U.S. firm Westinghouse, France’s EDF and Korea’s KHNP originally submitted bids to build one reactor at the Dukovany nuclear power station. It should become operational by 2036.

As part of their bids, the companies had also submitted unbinding offers to build three more nuclear reactors.

In a surprise move, the government announced that Westinghouse’s bid didn’t meet the conditions of the tender, and only EDF and KHNP have been asked to submit new, expanded bids in April.

Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela said an assessment of the bids should be completed by the end of May.

The Czech Republic already relies on six nuclear reactors to generate more than a third of its electricity. Besides four in Dukovany, state-controlled power company CEZ operates two 1,000-megawatt reactors at the Temelin plant.

Unlike its western neighbors Austria and Germany, the Czech Republic is doubling down on nuclear power and renewable energy sources after deciding to phase out coal for energy generation by 2033 to reduce carbon emissions.

Fiala said nuclear energy “is key for ensuring enough electricity at reasonable prices.”

Another two European Union countries in Central Europe, Slovakia and Hungary, have been working to expand nuclear power production.

Another neighbor, Poland, has selected Westinghouse to build its first nuclear power plant as part of an effort to burn less coal and gain greater energy independence.

A Czech Republic man who earned a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Lego sets turned his love into a museum with four locations.

Miloš Křeček, who received his first Lego set as a Christmas present when he was 5 years old, was verified by Guinness World Records as owning 6,005 different Lego sets.

Křeček said his collection became too large to store at his home, leasing him to open the first Museum of Bricks location in Prague.

The museum now has three more branches in Kutná Hora, Poděbrady and Špindlerův Mlýn.

The collector said his favorite set is the Statue of Liberty, which he received on a sightseeing boat tour to the real Statue of Liberty in New York.

“I bought more than 90% of all Lego sets myself,” Křeček told Guinness World Records, “but sometimes I will receive a set for my collection from my customers or acquaintances, which makes me very happy.”

Křeček is often asked how much time he has spent building the sets in his lifetime, but he cannot give a precise answer.

“Unfortunately, this cannot be calculated in any way,” he says. “But on average, one set will take you about two hours and my collection contains over 10,000 models, so we get to 20,000 hours, which is over two years put together.”

 

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“I bought more than 90% of all Lego sets myself,” he clarified, “but sometimes I will receive a set for my collection from my customers or acquaintances, which makes me very happy.”

According to Miloš, the most difficult Lego for him to assemble was the Star Wars™ 75313 AT-AT™ model.

“It was quite a challenge to assemble, with a total of 6,785 pieces. [But] the set that took me the longest to assemble was the new Lego Icons set 10307 The Eiffel Tower, with 10,001 pieces, which is also the tallest building of its kind with a height of 150 cm.”

 

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As the collection keeps growing, more Museum of Bricks branches will be opening in other cities of the Czech Republic, proving that “breathtaking works of art can be created from a children’s kit.

Currently, the Museums store a total of over 6,751 different original sets, which grow by another 300 models every year – deriving either from Miloš’s private collection or by other contributors.

Candy and confectionery containing psychoactive substances have recently emerged on the Czech market, escaping any legal regulations.

This has led to their unregulated sale in various forms, without quality testing, and without restrictions, including to minors. Jindřich Vobořil, the national coordinator for drug policy, has highlighted the potential risks associated with these products.

Vobořil draws attention to products containing the new semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC, which mirrors the effects of THC, the primary natural psychoactive substance in cannabis. He urges vendors to remove these products from the market before the New Psychomodulants Act is enacted.

“The consumption of these products, often featuring high concentrations of cannabinoids, poses risks due to potential strong and unexpected intoxication. This can be attributed to the slow absorption of the active substances, their prolonged action, or the difficulty in controlling the course of intoxication after ingestion,” warned Vobořil.

He further emphasized that the risk escalates when these products are combined with alcohol, drugs, or other substances with psychoactive effects, particularly in children.

Vobořil deems it highly unethical to present these products in an enticing form for children and as food.

“I urge manufacturers and sellers of HHC-containing products to reconsider their practices and withdraw such items from circulation. I implore the same action regarding other potential cannabinoid products already prepared, as indicated by available market information,” cautioned Vobořil.

The regulation of the market for new psychoactive substances, or psychomodulants, is addressed in a parliamentary proposal currently in the Chamber of Deputies for its second reading.

According to Vobořil, the proposal includes a stringent safety assessment of substances on the market, quality control of offered products, a complete ban on selling these substances to minors, a prohibition on presenting them in food form, a ban on advertising, and an obligation to provide accurate information to consumers.

Hundreds of police officers will be on the capital’s streets during the New Year’s Eve celebrations to monitor safety and compliance with the ban on setting off pyrotechnics.

The ban applies in the center of the metropolis and also in parks, near hospitals, homes for the elderly or in the vicinity of the zoo. Violations are subject to fines.

Traditionally many people see the New Year on the streets of the Czech capital. According to Prague City Tourism 90,000 foreign visitors are celebrating New Year’s Eve in Prague this year. Several traffic restrictions are in force in the city centre in connection with the celebrations.

“Policemen from the law enforcement, traffic, and foreign police services, colleagues from the criminal police and investigation services, special and regional law enforcement units, and officers from the Municipal Police Hl. The City of Prague will supervise compliance with the decree in the areas and actively deal with its violations,” Kropáčová promised.

In the event of detecting an offense related to the use of pyrotechnics in restricted areas, individuals, legal entities, or business operators may face fines of up to 100,000 crowns in administrative proceedings.

Alternatively, the police have the authority to levy on-the-spot fines of up to 10,000 crowns through an expedited procedure.

“We wish to notify citizens that the prohibition on the use of ‘lucky lanterns’ remains in effect across the entire capital. The river department’s police officers stand prepared to offer assistance on both the surface and beneath the Vltava, collaborating with the City of Prague’s Municipal Police and water rescuers,” stated spokesperson Kropáčová.

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN) urges restraint on New Year’s Eve fireworks following the recent mass shooting at a Prague university.

In a letter to mayors, Rakušan emphasizes the need to avoid escalating trauma in the wake of these incidents.

Mr. Rakušan also called on members of the public limit their use of pyrotechnics this year, extending the plea through social media on the X network.

Olomouc town hall aligns with this sentiment, canceling its New Year’s Eve fireworks display due to the tragic event and the city’s hydrological situation.

In a parallel appeal, experts, including Adam Suchý, a clinical psychologist and representative of the Czech Republic in the Global Psychology Alliance, petition Prime Minister Petr Fiala to curtail pyrotechnics at the national level this year.

Suchý underscores the psychological impact, particularly on survivors and the bereaved, as these explosive sounds may trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

Obejděme se letos na Silvestra bez ohňostrojů a zábavní pyrotechniky. Požádal jsem o to dnes dopisem všechny starosty a starostky, ale obracím se s osobní prosbou i na vás.

Před pár dny jsme zažili dva násilné činy spojené se střelbou. To nejmenší, co můžeme udělat pro ty, koho…

— Vít Rakušan (@Vit_Rakusan) December 27, 2023

It remains to be seen how many municipalities will heed the plea since ultimately the decision on the fireworks displays has been left with the local authorities.

Fourteen people were killed when a student went on a shooting rampage at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts on December 21. He had earlier shot dead a man and his baby daughter in a woodland near Prague.

The student who killed 14 people in a shooting rampage at Prague’s Faculty of Arts left a letter saying he had also killed a father and his two-month-old daughter in woodland at Klánovice near the capital, the news outlet Deník N reported on Wednesday, saying that the police had found the document last week.

The main star of next year’s Colours of Ostrava, the country’s largest and most popular music festival, will be American singer Lenny Kravitz, the festival organizers revealed on Friday.

His performance in Dolní Vítkovice will feature songs from his new album Blue Electric Light, which is scheduled for release in March 2024. Other star guests include Sam Smith and rock legend Queens of the Stone Age.

The festival will take place from 17 to 20 July 2024.

Lenny Kravitz has been nominated for and won a long list of awards, most notably the Grammy for Male Rock Vocal Performance, which he won four times in a row between 1999 and 2002, setting a record that has never been broken before.

His very first funk-rock album, 1989’s Let Love Rule, on which he recorded most of the instruments himself, brought him considerable success, especially in Europe.

After the release of this debut, Lenny began receiving offers to open for such stars as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and David Bowie.

Starting with his second, and immediately double-platinum album Mama Said, Lenny Kravitz embarked on a devilish career of stardom from which he has not emerged since.

Hit after hit, of which there were so many that when he capped off the ninth decade with the Greatest Hits compilation album, it sold over eleven million copies and the selection became one of the most successful albums of the era. In Ostrava, Lenny Kravitz will present his brand new album Blue Electric Light, which will be released in spring 2024.

Lenny Kravitz will perform on Friday 19 July 2024 at Česká spořitelna stage. Tickets are on sale here.

The Prague Transport Company (DPP) will acquire up to 200 unidirectional articulated trams, specifically the Škoda ForCity Plus, for a total of 16.6 billion CZK.

Initially, DPP will place a firm order for 40 trams, with the first batch of 20 expected to arrive in the capital by 2025.

Daniel Šabík, the head of DPP’s press department stated that the agreement with the supplier would be formalized after a 15-day objection period for bidders has concluded.

The company will announce the exact appearance of the trams after the objection above period has passed.

DPP evaluated the vehicles on various parameters, including the presence of electromagnetic brakes, eco-friendly coolant in the air conditioning, a wheel diameter of no less than 640 millimeters, and the vehicle’s capacity and weight.

The transport company received two final bids in the tendering process. In addition to the tender winner, Stadler also applied with a vehicle codenamed Stadler Tango NG Prague, raising a proposal for approximately CZK 17.77 billion.

Currently, DPP has around 800 trams, with approximately half of the vehicles being low-floor. With nearly 11,000 employees, DPP is the largest city company responsible for operating public transport.

The trams serve 35 lines. In the past, DPP purchased 15T For City trams from Škoda Transportation.

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On Monday, 30 October, Michal Vronský, the head of the Prague-3 urban area, published photos of the current state of the Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station.

It is closed to passengers from 14 January 2023 due to extensive reconstruction.

“Opening the station to the public is a matter of the next few days,” Vronský said in a statement. DPP later said that the station will start serving passengers again on Thursday, 2 November.

An elevator that will make the station barrier-free will go into service in May 2024.

The station has not had an extensive renovation since it went into service on December 19, 1980, as part of an extension starting at Náměstí Míru and ending at Želivského.

The overall cost of the entire renovation of the station was previously estimated at CZK 1.29 billion.

A seasonal amusement park for children, named Pumpkin World (Dýňový svět), is scheduled to open in the Czech village of Nová Ves u Leštiny on Saturday, September 30th.

The exhibition, organized by a local farm for the 12th time, will continue until November.

Both children and adults will have the opportunity to delight in a pyramid comprised of thousands of pumpkins, a maze, an obstacle course, and a workshop where everyone can learn how to carve the famous Jack-o’-lantern and other sculptures from this colorful vegetable.

In addition to the traditional orange pumpkins, dozens of other varieties in different shapes and colors will be on display.

Operating hours for Pumpkin World are as follows:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On weekends and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission cost: 100 CZK.

The park is located at Statek u Pipků, Nová Ves u Leštiny 5, Golčův Jeníkov, 582 82. Prior reservation is required before your visit, which you can make through this link.

For more information about this unique attraction, you can visit its official website.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will announce temporary checks on Germany’s borders with Poland and the Czech Republic in an attempt to curb an influx of asylum seekers.

Faeser plans to announce “temporary controls at selected border crossings” on Wednesday, according to the official. The checks, the official added, will begin “within the next days.”

German leaders have come under increasing pressure to crack down on asylum seekers entering the country, many of whom are now crossing over the borders of Poland and the Czech Republic.

Some 204,000 people requested asylum in Germany within the first eight months of 2023, 77 percent more than the same period last year.

Fiala: Czechia prepared to protect EU borders but rejects redistribution of refugees

Czechia is prepared to help protect the EU’s external borders, but rejects the mandatory redistribution of refugees between EU countries, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after a half-hour meeting with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to Prague on Tuesday.

He dubbed mandatory redistribution “inhumane and dysfunctional”, adding that reducing the number of economic refugees by protecting the borders is a better solution than trying to deal with the subsequent problems that arise from mass migration.