Ahoj, Monday! 5 things you need to know this week in Czechia

Take note if you're visiting Prague Castle from this week. The Giant's Gate, the main entrance to the Castle from Hradčanské náměstí, is closed from July 8 for renovations until the end of August. The traditional guard change ceremony will be replaced by daily musical performances by the Castle Guard Music in the third courtyard from 12 to 12:15 p.m. Access to the castle grounds is still available via the side gate in the first courtyard.

While the deadline to file a tax return yourself passed on May 1, if a registered financial advisor, accountant, or company is filing a tax return on your behalf (for the 2023 financial year), the deadline to complete this was July 1. Due to a hacking attack last week, however, the online portal was temporarily down, and the deadline to file a return has been extended through July 9.

The eight-day nationwide festival Bohemia JazzFest brings free live jazz performances to notable parts of various major Czech cities this week. The festival kicks off Prague on July 9 at the Royal Gardens before moving to Pilsen (July 10), Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle (July 12), Prachatice (July 13) and Brno (July 15-16).

Black Eyed Peas, known for dance hall hits like I Gotta Feeling and Boom Boom Pow, will return to Prague for the first time in 14 years on Wednesday as they play an outdoor concert at Žluté lázně on July 10. The current lineup consists of Will.i.am, Alp.de.ap and Taboo, as Fergie left the band in 2018. Support at the Prague concert will be provided by DJ Roxtar and DJ Fefe. Tickets are still available through GoOut.

Good news for fans of French wine, cheese, and more as the French Market returns to Prague's Kampa Island from July 11-14 after a two-year absence. The market will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can enjoy French cuisine, music, and a variety of cultural experiences. The 25th edition of the event, which last took place in 2022, offers an opportunity to explore French culture in a scenic location in central Prague.