CZECH REPUBLIC – The work of the incredible novelist Milan Kundera But the only place where Kundera is also celebrated as a fighter for a democratic system and as one of the most vocal voices calling for the end of Communism is his home country we Czech people know he had been living in France for a long time precisely because of the Communist regime here in Czechoslovakia in the second half of the 20th century But we get very upset hearing the French say that Kundera was French He was always proud to be Czech and this feeling is easily recognizable in almost all of his art Born in an eastern Czech city called Brno in 1929 the expectations were that Kundera’s life would be all about music so Kundera had a sense of music in his blood and might have been actually very successful as a musician but he eventually ended up studying at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague his first poems were strongly pro-communist he joined the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia But he questioned the regime more and more and was expelled in 1950 his first book criticizing the Communist Party was published in 1967 and banned in Czechoslovakia a year later which convinced Kundera to emigrate to France in 1975 he could freely inform the world about the terror caused by communism The most popular novels and essays Milan Kundera wrote include The Book of Laughter and Forgetting Kundera’s Czech citizenship was revoked by the Communists and he became a French citizen just two years later It was seen as a big symbolic act when he was given his Czech citizenship back after 40 years Kundera received many awards and honors during his life and was even a candidate for the Nobel Prize for literature – a great achievement even though he did not win it Czech people are proud of Milan Kundera despite the fact that he found a new home in France and wrote the majority of his novels initially in French his death on July 11 made headlines both in Czechia and France But tributes went beyond these two countries held a moment of silence in memory of this late Renata Pernegrová is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International “This incredibly important, worthwhile organization should be supported by everyone who cares about quality, ethical journalism.” — Nat Hentoff, First Amendment expert, in 2016 Consider making a recurring monthly donation Youth Journalism International / 30 Taylor St All donations in the USA are tax-deductible – This year’s top honors in Youth Journalism.. Pope Francis admonished us to humility and simplicity Renata Pernegrová is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from the Czech Republic Youth Journalism International connects student writers artists and photographers with peers around the globe and promotes and defends a free youth press “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” – Article 19 Youth Journalism International works all over the world. Click here to view a map of our impact You can find Youth Journalism International on Facebook Copyright © 2025 Youth Journalism International | Crafted by Cornershop 10th October 2011Christmas carols sound through the streets stars of Bethlehem shine from town squares mulled wine and incense permeates city streets It’s Christmas time in the Czech Republic Visit the Czech Republic and see the most beautiful Christmas fairy tale with your own eyes Christmas fairs and markets with unique gifts await you in towns and cities as well as at castles and chateaux You can also experience the wonderful scents of Christmas at the markets in the Moravian metropolis of Brno These will take place from 25 November to 23 December on Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square) Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) and Radnická (Town Hall) street “trdelník” (sweet pastry made from rolled dough usually topped with sugar and walnuts) You can expect to see plenty of interesting goods as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts The Christmas tree in Brno will be ceremoniously lighted on Freedom Square in the early evening on 25 November 2011 http://www2.brno.cz/index.php?lan=en The Christmas fair in the picturesque Wallachian village of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm in the foothills of the Beskids will begin on 10             December 2011. Don’t miss the offer of traditionally crafted gifts, rich folklore programme and animated exhibit. http://www.roznov.cz/the-town-of-roznov-p-r The Christmas markets in Český Krumlov in South Bohemia are also certainly worth visiting. Here the markets will be held from 27 November 2011 to 6 January 2012 on Náměstí Svornosti (Square of Concord). A rich cultural programme, Christmas concerts and demonstration of gingerbread decorating also will feature in Český Krumlov. http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/kaktualita.xml The markets in the Southern Bohemian metropolis of České Budějovice also should not be missed At the České Budějovice exhibition grounds you can buy Christmas decorations and gifts or enjoy a cup of grog The programme at the exhibition grounds begins on 2 December and lasts until 4 December Markets will be open between 12 December and 18 December 2011 on Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II (Ottokar II Square) http://www.c-budejovice.cz/en/stranky/welcome-page.aspx Why not discover the charm of Czech Christmas and its traditions at a castle? The Kuks Hospital in Southeast Bohemia has prepared a traditional pre-Christmas fair for you, taking place during 12–13 November 2011 and again on 19–20 November 2011. http://www.hospital-kuks.cz/en/ A picturesque chateau situated on the border between Central Bohemia and the Pilsen Region welcomes visitors to its tours even during Advent Visit the Hořovice chateau any weekend in December to see its chambers and discover all its romantic nooks and crannies Guided tours will be held almost every weekend in December (3–4 December http://perseus.gc-system.cz/mesto-horovice.eu/ Straddling the banks of the Radbuza River in West Bohemia lies the town of Horšovský Týn. A true Old Bohemian Christmas fair and demonstration of a unique live nativity scene will be held here on 18 December. The programme commences at 9:00 AM on the main square and continues into the next day. http://www.horsovskytyn.cz/ Near the North Bohemian town of Turnov stands the Hrubý Rohozec chateau. The chateau will again be holding Christmas tours of its chambers this year. Here you can enjoy a truly noble Christmas atmosphere, experience how chateau owners celebrated Christmas in the old days, and see historical gifts. http://www.hruby-rohozec.eu/en/ Traditions and customs are an inherent part of Christmas and a great many are observed in the Czech Republic The sweetest of these traditions is baking Christmas pastries Linzer cookies and vanilla crescents have all been baked in Czech households since long ago Many more Christmas customs are maintained in the Czech Republic a strict fast is observed until the evening Impatient children are promised to see a golden piglet if they hold the fast Everyone gathers for family supper when the first star appears in the sky Czech Christmas supper characteristically includes a fish soup Several carp scales are traditionally placed under the plates to bring everyone sufficient wealth for the coming year One extra plate is prepared on the table for a chance guest Many households maintain the tradition that no one may leave their place at Christmas supper because whoever may do so will die within a year A popular and mysterious custom is apple cutting According to the pattern of the seeds after cutting we will learn of the health we will enjoy in the coming year who leaves them under the Christmas tree in the evening on 24 December Welcome the new year in the Czech Republic the end of the year means an appraisal of the past it is certainly worth celebrating it in grand style But there are many more ways to celebrate the coming of the new year Spending winter at a spa also has its unforgettable charm. Savour the winter atmosphere at Luhačovice as you enjoy the last days of the year. The spa procedures will contribute to your relaxation and rejuvenation. Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011 in the pleasant company of spa guests and step into 2012 with renewed energy. http://lazneluhacovice.cz/en/ A truly unique package is available for you at the Priessnitz Jeseník Spa: pleasant accommodation located close to the mountains and the traditional helpful and attentive care of the local personnel you will undergo a comprehensive purification of body and soul in the final days of the year http://www.priessnitz.cz/de/ Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism Editor’s note: As the one-year anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine approached 18-year-old Ukrainian Sophia Pavlovna Vovnenko agreed to an interview with Youth Journalism International about the war’s impact on her life she felt more comfortable writing her answers in Ukrainian Those responses were converted to Czech using an online translator program and then YJI’s Renata Pernegrová translated them into English CZECH REPUBLIC – Sophia Pavlovna Vovnenko is an 18-year-old Ukrainian high school student who left her country soon after the Feb she fled to the Czech Republic to escape the war Today she lives in the small Czech town of Hořovice Vovnenko is also a writer – she published her first book January 15 2022 and successfully defended it in the Ukrainian Literary Creativity Department and on a regional level Her most favorite place is the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv – she adores its atmosphere and people.  The war turned my world upside down and changed me when I congratulated my ex on his birthday how my classmates took my phone away from me to congratulate him and tell him what a fool he was How on February 19 and 20 I defended my work at a competition I knew then about the war in eastern Ukraine It’s really hard to defend your work finish the debts that had accumulated due to the preparation I also wanted to celebrate the defense with my teacher.  I saw that there were a lot of messages in the class chat I saw the phrase: “War has broken out.”  My first thought was that it had been going on since 2014 and then I saw videos from all over Ukraine showing how my country was being bombed The Russians are trying to destroy us again I went to my mom’s room and said the most terrible thing I’ve ever said: “A full-scale war has begun.” She was shocked I didn’t do anything that I used to do every free minute listened to what my classmates – who had been following the events since the beginning talked to those who had studied the history of Ukraine well and discussed what might happen as a class who has been here in the Czech Republic for five years The most painful and scary thing is when you hear from your friends when you ask: “How are you?”  you hear the answer: “I’m fine “As soon as I left the house to leave the occupation tanks drove into our neighborhood again and destroyed the building opposite,” or similar when people ask you to pray that they will be okay When I hear Czechs say that it’s good that all this is somewhere far away I remember the same thoughts I had about the war in the East and think about how I wish the same thing would not happen to them (I went to the club of young sailors and river workers in my city) those who help terrorists and those who push others to do so so I can’t hate good people who are against it in every way The homeland for whose independence millions of Ukrainians have died defending their rights and the rights of Ukraine what makes me smile and what I would not mind dying for I have many friends from different parts of Ukraine.  Most of them are in my city (Kamianske but most say they are ready to do anything to win It doesn’t matter that almost every day they have something flying around the main thing is that they are free of Russians It’s where I grew up and where I would like to live and die but most of those I have met are happy to see us those who support us and those who look at us with admiration realizing that many of us are defending not only our homes but also those who are defending Europe from this horror called the Russian world I know that we will be called children of war because I didn’t see it with my own eyes The Czech language is a bit like Ukrainian and Russian For all the 11 months I’ve been here I’ve been speaking quite well –at least that’s what Czechs and Ukrainians who have been here for a long time told me I can even pronounce the “ř” sound It’s not that it’s difficult at school even a little bit of non-classical chemistry although my teacher is fond of classical names so she always asks me what it is called in classical chemistry I was even allowed not to study German or French so during these hours I read in Czech to understand the language better and learn the words And when the massive attack began on October 10 across Ukraine when I couldn’t think of anything but what was really happening everyone supported me and said that everything would be fine.  My classmates openly talk about Russia’s wrong actions and actively express their opinions although they say that not everything is always clear but they still listen to me and express their opinions we are surprised at something … I am really glad to be in such a place with such people the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Russia the complete withdrawal of troops from the territory of Ukraine the liberation and de-occupation of all regions the trial of all the main criminals in The Hague I’m talking about all Putin’s doubles referendums throughout Russia on secession and fifth (but not likely): most countries that have experience with certain lands (but not the former U.S.S.R.) should help the Russians do what other countries once did with the Germans after World War II to which I swore an oath about five years ago that I would do everything to preserve it So I earn money and send it to the Armed Forces I wanted you all to take action instead of just worrying and thinking about helping Ukraine tortured and the more your citizens who are fighting as volunteers there in Ukraine will die The more you turn a blind eye to all of this because even if you do not give us weapons Even if we have to go to the enemy with our bare hands each of us will not be afraid to die defending our honor commemorated the self-sacrifice of student Jan Zajíc who immolated himself on Wenceslas Square 55 years ago Zajíc's act protested the normalization following the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia emphasizing the enduring importance of his love for freedom and nation Zajíc's symbolic act aimed to awaken society's conscience His poignant farewell letter urged against the erosion of national freedom echoing his enduring legacy of courage and defiance Food prices in the Czech Republic continued a trend of year-on-year decline in February, according to the latest data from the Czech Statistical Office some food items were significantly cheaper with a more modest decrease month-on-month The price of ten eggs decreased by 26 percent compared to last February some products including light bottled beer and potatoes saw an increase in both year-on-year and month-on-month prices the overall trend suggests a decrease in food prices in the Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region as the bodies of a woman and two small children were discovered in an apartment on Saturday Emergency services and police rushed to the scene after a relative raised concerns with authorities suspecting the woman's partner Details regarding the motive and timeline of the murders are yet to be disclosed On the second anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine thousands gathered across the Czech Republic to express solidarity with the embattled nation speakers including Czech President Petr Pavel called for increased global support for Ukraine's defense efforts Pavel emphasized that backing Ukraine equates to safeguarding one's own security and thwarting Vladimir Putin's expansionist ambitions and a benefit concert to aid Ukraine's defense efforts Similar events took place in other cities across the country demonstrating widespread solidarity with Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict People in Need has collected CZK 2.4 billion for Ukraine since the war began Head Šimon Pánek announced this at a Prague concert on Saturday part of the Day for Ukraine program marking the invasion's second anniversary The charity has assisted 1.78 million Ukrainians including 200,000 refugees in the Czech Republic focusing on western Ukraine's 1.5 million displaced people NGO Post Bellum and the Gift for Putin campaign have also provided significant aid for Ukraine Proceeds from Saturday's concert raised funds for military medical kits Defence Minister Jana Černochová encouraged support through F-35 aircraft motif T-shirt sales raising CZK 750,000 crowns in aid of Ukrainian soldiers Police found three deceased individuals in an apartment in Hořovice on Saturday afternoon, reports Novinky.cz including firefighters and ambulance crews Authorities are treating the incident as a homicide "We are investigating violent criminal activity in Beroun; we will provide more detailed information later," police spokesperson Michaela Richterová stated Preliminary reports suggest two of the victims may be minors including ambassadors from the Netherlands supported the Noise for Ukraine concert near the Russian Embassy in Prague Organized by the United Islands of Prague and Metronome Prague festival teams the event marked the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine Dutch Ambassador Daan Huisinga denounced the Russian attack as illegal highlighting its aggression over the past decade Performances by artists like Nikolaj Jakimov and What's In The Box underscored solidarity with Ukraine The event coincided with other Day for Ukraine activities aiming to condemn Russian aggression and honor Ukrainian soldiers' sacrifice amid the ongoing conflict Over a thousand Depeche Mode fans, including attendees from Slovakia, Germany, and Poland, gathered on Prague's Charles Bridge for a group photo session on Saturday afternoon briefly blocked the bridge's passage during the shoot Organizer Filip Macháček expressed satisfaction with the turnout and weather Attendees were delighted by a surprise appearance from Peter Gordeno The event harkened back to similar gatherings in Ostrava in the 1990s and The prospect of reinstating compulsory military service in Czechia faces significant hurdles according to Zdeněk Petráš from the Czech University of Defence render immediate implementation unfeasible Chief of Staff Karel Rehka acknowledges the need to address staffing deficiencies and an aging military suggesting alternatives to bolster reserves amid shrinking numbers since 2005 Petráš advocates for prioritizing an active reserve system and enhancing public readiness for national defense Czechia's National Health Institute reports that Covid-19 constitutes only about 3 percent of current respiratory infections in the Czech Republic with influenza posing a more prevalent threat affecting hundreds of thousands with long-term consequences The Czech Health Ministry is devising new protocols to address what is known as post-Covid syndrome While the number of monthly Covid cases dropped to 3,000 recently worries escalate over severe influenza cases Your morning coffee deserves a great companion. 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News from Czechia, curated insights, and inspiring stories in English. 2019Get email notification for articles from Ofer Aderet FollowOct 25 when Spain announced that it would recognize the right to citizenship of the descendants of Jews expelled from the country in the Middle Ages a list of Spanish Jewish last names spread on social media Those whose family names appeared on the list could well have the privilege of being eligible for a Spanish passport This webpage uses Cookies and JavaScript in order to work properly We strongly recommend to enable those technologies in yur browser In case of wrongly displayed content you can request necessary information at e-mail address wwwadmin@mzv.cz Ambassador Marie Chatardová took part at annual commemorative service organized by Westminster Synagogue Scrolls Committee was held to remember the lives lost from the towns of Hořovice These people were brutally murdered because of their Jewish origin Ariana Neumann delivered a speech about her recent book ´´When Time Stopped.´´ It discusses the secrets of her father´s past: his extraordinary escape from Nazi-occupied Prague years spent hiding in plain sight in war-torn Berlin the annihilation of dozens of family members in the Holocaust A short concert celebrating Czech Music was held after the talk Many students from within the community shared their reflections Ambassador Chatardová also met with Rabbi Thomas Salamon Czechia to Send New Ambassador to Lebanon "Czech Support to Ukraine Will Continue," Minister Lipavský Assured Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha World Press Freedom Day 2025 New Ambassadors to Jordan and Ukraine You can read this article in 2 minutesGregor Gowans heavy snowstorm in the Czech Republic today resulted in a serious motorway accident involving dozens of cars and HGVs there are no reports of any fatalities or serious injuries The accident occurred on the D5 motorway between Pilsen and Prague The road understandably had to be closed; the clean up operation is expected to last into this evening according to reports in the Czech Republic The regional rescue service said that at least six people had been injured in the accident two of whom with moderate injuries were transported to a hospital in Prague by helicopter We took three slightly injured to the Hořovice hospital for surgery and we transported two people with moderate injuries to Prague because the road is now closed,” said Petra Homolová a spokeswoman for the Central Bohemian Rescue Service Firefighters at the scene of the accident reportedly declared a second level of alarm: “The scene was divided into three sections We called an evacuation bus for the accident which provides thermal comfort to uninjured participants in the accident,” said the firefighters of the Central Bohemian Region on Twitter The motorway is now open in the direction of Pilsen; it is thought that the Prague-bound side will reopen at 8pm tonight local time Pölös Zsófia Journalist Trans.info | 6.05.2025 Fragrance on the Fly: Why Pocket Perfumes Are Perfect for Airplane TravelSponsored Article 6.05.2025