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

The 79th edition of the Prague Spring International Music Festival promises a spectacular celebration of Czech music coinciding with the bicentenary of Bedřich Smetana's birth. Running from May 12 to June 3, 2024, the festival will feature five dozen concerts, including performances by esteemed orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and Orchester Philharmonique de Radio France. This week's highlights include horn (May 13) and violin (May 14) competitions and a May 17 concert at the Rudolfinum.

The 10th edition of Open House Prague, from May 13–19, 2024, offers access to over 100 usually inaccessible sites. Notable additions this year include Prague Castle locales such as the Presidential Residence and the New Orangery. English-language tours cater to expats and visitors, showcasing architectural diversity. With over 35 new buildings added across 13 districts, the festival promises an enriching experience for architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Navalis St. John's Day festivities, honoring Czech patron saint St. John of Nepomuk, are a centuries-old tradition celebrated on May 15th at Prague's Charles Bridge. This grand baroque festival showcases music, water performances, and horse decorations, reminiscent of its Baroque-era splendor. Increasingly renowned globally, it rivals events like the Venetian Carnival, drawing pilgrims and tourists worldwide. A program of events can be found at the Navalis website.

Results from the first round of high school exams across Czechia will be announced on May 15. According to the META website for foreigners in the Czech education system, the second round of applications for high schools takes place between May 20 and May 24.

The 20th edition of the Museum Nights Festival, coinciding with the International Day of Museums on May 18, promises an enriching experience across the Czech Republic. The festival kicks off on May 17 in Pardubice with a record 672 institutions and 199 cities participating. Over the following weeks, the festival will offer free entry to various cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and much more. Since its inception in 2005, the festival has grown into a month-long celebration, showcasing the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the nation.