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

The Czech Association of Breweries and Malthouses hosts the Days of Czech Beer nationwide event from Sept. 25-30. Shops, pubs, and breweries will promote draft beer and may temporarily offer alternative beers for sale or tasting. Tours may also feature. This event, honoring St. Wenceslas, promotes draft beer and the traditional Czech pub, a tradition established by the association in 2013.

Corteo, Cirque du Soleil's enchanting arena production, is making its Prague debut at O2 arena from Sept. 25-29. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, this joyful spectacle combines comedy and acrobatics, showcasing a clown's whimsical vision of his own funeral amidst a carnival atmosphere. Featuring a unique central stage design, Corteo has already charmed over 10 million spectators worldwide.

The second round of Senate elections will take place on Sept. 27-28, as voters return to decide the outcome in 22 districts. In the first round, held alongside regional elections, five senators were elected without the need for a runoff, a record number surpassing the previous milestone from 1996. Voter turnout was 32.91 percent, and final results are expected to be announced on Saturday evening. Opposition ANO party looks to gain a significant number of seats following strong showing in the first round.

Czechia will celebrate Czech Statehood Day (also known as St. Wenceslas Day) on Sept. 28, which will see many changes to day-to-day business and culture operations in the country. Shoppers will only have access to small shops for their groceries; stores over 200 square meters in size will need to close. To the chagrin of most employees, the public holiday falls on a Saturday this year.

Czech Statehood Day on Sept. 28 also marks the Open Day of the Ministry of Culture, which opens the doors of the Nostitz Palace to visitors and welcomes both adults and children with a host of special programs. The Ministry of Finance and the Straka Academy are also open. Czech St. Wenceslas Day cultural celebrations will take place nationwide.