Ahoj, Monday! 5 tips for surviving the week ahead in Czechia

Good morning, and welcome to the week of Nov. 2-8. Here’s your friendly guide to making the most of Czechia this week, whether braving the cold, making plans for St. Martin's or watching the U.S. election from Czechia. We’ve also got tips for unwinding with new streaming options featuring newly released Czech films.

A national election but a global event, the 47th president of the U.S. will be decided after American voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Czech media sources will have live updates and streaming as the results come in. Analysts say that, whatever the result, Czechia’s economy and foreign security will definitely be affected. For night owls, Democrats Abroad will host an virtual election night pajama party.

Žluté lázně in Prague presents a new exhibition Zvonkova cesta vesmírem ("Zvonek's Journey through the Universe"), a new light park open from November to January. Located by the Vltava River, this illuminated park features thousands of lights forming planets, stars, spaceships, and astronauts, creating an enchanting experience for all ages.

Coincidentally, this week is Space Week in Czechia. The largest space activities festival in Czechia returns for its seventh year, offering a week of events, presentations, and discussions with Czech and international guests.

Book your spot for the annual St. Martin's goose feast early; while most events begin later in the week, many restaurants are already taking reservations and filling up fast. Červený jelen's traditional St. Martin's menu, complete with a whole goose and dishes like pate and soup will be available from Nov. 8-11, while supplies last. Whole geese must be pre-ordered by calling 735 123 647.

Lokál restaurants will celebrate St. Martin’s Day with a traditional Czech roast goose feast from Nov. 9-11 featuring golden-brown goose portion served with red cabbage and apple, alongside bread or potato dumplings or lokše (potato flatbreads). 

Now streaming on Netflix, director Jiří Havelka’s tragicomic film, The Gardener's Year (Zahradníkův rok), inspired by a Karel Čapek tome of the same name, follows a gardener’s struggle against a wealthy neighbor’s injustice, showcasing resilience and dignity with standout performances from Oldřich Kaiser and Dáša Vokatá.

Also on Netflix, Waltzing Matylda (Tancuj Matyldo) sees Karel, an orderly introvert played by Karel Roden, take on care for his spirited mother Matylda, who has Alzheimer's. Both films are based on true stories. New to Max, She Came at Night (Přišla v noci) a Czech horror-comedy about a couple's life disrupted by a toxic mother-in-law.

The Prague Crossroads Festival 2024 runs from Nov. 6 to 20 at the National Theatre's New Stage, showcasing cutting-edge international theater. Highlights include This Is Not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan) by Rimini Protokoll, Milo Rau’s Medea’s Children, based on a tragic true story, and Extra Life by Gisèle Vienne, featuring Adèle Haenel. This will be the last year the New Stage serves as the festival's main venue, making it a must-see edition.