Ahoj, Monday! 6 tips for surviving the week ahead in Czechia

This week marks the year of snake, the beginnings of spring break around the country and the countdown to Masopust.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 27.01.2025 08:21:00 (updated on 27.01.2025) Reading time: 2 minutes

🕍 Visit Prague's youngest synagogue

Today, Jan. 27, 2025, is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945; the date has become symbolic of the liberation of all other Nazi concentration camps entered by Allied forces in the final months of World War II. Internationally the anniversary is commemorated as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In honor of the date, a special concert will be held at Prague’s newly renovated Spanish Synagogue on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The NeoKlasik Orchestra will perform works by composers persecuted during World War II, including Pavel Haas and Viktor Ullmann. The event, organized by the Jewish Museum in Prague, aims to commemorate Holocaust victims and promote awareness of crimes against humanity. Admission is free.

The Spanish Synagogue, built in 1868 in Prague's Jewish Town, stands on the site of the Old School, a 12th-century prayer house. Named for its stunning Moorish-style interior inspired by the Alhambra, it was designed by Josef Niklas and Jan Bělský, with decoration completed in 1882-83.

🐍 Celebrate the year of the snake

Ring in the Lunar New Year, celebrated this year from Jan. 29. The year 2025 marks the year of the snake. Prague restaurant Teplá Kačka honors the occasion this week (Jan. 28-Feb. 8) with its annual feast of traditional dishes symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and harmony. Tuck into dim sum dumplings, Peking short ribs, and duck xiao long bao. The 15-day festival marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

🏡 Pay your property taxes

New property owners in 2024 and those who changed their real estate must file a property tax return by Jan. 31, 2025. Sellers of properties must notify tax authorities to avoid incorrect charges. If no changes occurred, no new filing is needed. Tax returns can be submitted online using a pre-filled form. The tax office offers extended hours and personal consultations to assist taxpayers.

🏋️‍♀️Help kids get healthy

In the Czech Republic, half of 13-year-olds have a normal weight, with 15 percent obese. The Ministry of Health's newly launched Buď Fit 24 campaign targets overweight children aged 6-11, involving 1,000 kids in a year-long mobile app program. Pediatricians will monitor their progress, including physical exams. Parents can join via their GP. If successful, health insurance could fund the initiative. The program aims to combat rising childhood obesity, worsened by Covid-related inactivity.

🍎 Visit the farmer's markets this weekend

Farmers markets in Prague are set to return with the Náplavka and Kubánské náměstí markets reopening on Feb. 1. Náplavka, celebrating 16 years, will feature nearly 100 stalls offering local produce and seasonal goods. Kubánské náměstí, known for its community vibe, will kick off with a sausage roast. Additional markets, including Trhy na Kulaťáku and Jiřího z Poděbrad, will reopen in March. Special events will also be held throughout the season.

🌸 Brace for spring break

Czech schools will observe spring break (jarní prázdniny) from early February to mid-March. Students are off in rotating one-week intervals based on their school’s location, not their home address. The Ministry of Education sets the dates annually in advance. Many schools will also have a day off this Friday, following the distribution of report cards on Thursday. See the ministry's site to check your school's upcoming spring break.

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