Czech news in brief for February 3: Saturday's top headlines

The 57th edition of the Jizerská 50 cross-country race, scheduled to take place next week, has been canceled due to warm weather and a lack of snow, as announced by the organizers on Facebook. This marks the first time in ten years that the lack of snow has led to the cancellation of the Jizerská 50.

The event, part of the Ski Classics series, was scheduled to take place in the Jizera Mountains. The decision to cancel was made after measuring the snow depth on the tracks, and despite considering alternatives, the organizers deemed it impossible to hold the race. Participants will receive a partial refund of the entry fee due to insurance coverage.

The open-air museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, located in the Zlín region, was alive with vibrant Masopust masks from Wallachia as the traditional celebration marked the approaching end of winter today. Thousands flocked to the area to witness the Masopust festivities and explore the rural traditions of the region.

Volunteer firefighters and members of folk groups showcased the evolution of Czech Masopust celebrations, highlighting its historical significance as a time of joy, festivities, and neighborhood gatherings. Visitors enjoyed traditional butcher products, participated in competitions, and experienced the rich cultural heritage of Wallachia.

Czech ornithologists and nature enthusiasts gathered at the Libocké wetlands in Kynšperk nad Ohří to celebrate World Wetlands Day this afternoon. Organized by the Czech Ornithological Society, the event included a bird-watching walk, showcasing the diverse waterfowl thriving in the wetlands.

Created a decade ago by mine water seepage from nearby quarries, the Libock wetland offers a unique habitat for nesting birds like the speckled warbler and the wagtail. Despite partly frozen waters, participants observed white-headed gulls, common herons, and great cormorants.

The Czech Republic is expected to be hit by increasing wind speeds starting Sunday, peaking during the night and morning hours of Monday. Meteorologists project gusts reaching approximately 70 kilometers per hour, escalating to 90 kilometers per hour on the Bohemia-Moravia border and up to 110 kilometers per hour in mountainous regions, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.

A high-level warning for very strong winds is in effect from midnight Sunday to noon Monday for Pardubice, Vysočina, South Moravia, and Olomouc. The Institute also warns of heavier precipitation, especially in the Krkonoše and Orlické mountains, with a potential impact on river levels.

Several children in the Czech Republic's Karlovy Vary region have recently been hospitalized after consuming jelly candies containing HHC. Authorities are investigating this case, revealing it's not an isolated incident. In the past three months, Plzeň University Hospital has treated eleven juveniles for HHC overdoses, leading to symptoms like convulsions and stomach issues.

HHC, a cannabinoid derived from hemp, isn't banned in the country. Hospitals in southwestern Bohemia have reported a surge in similar cases, with patients exhibiting aggressiveness, disorientation, and other effects. The National Anti-Drug Coordinator has called for product recalls, emphasizing the urgency of regulating the market.

A 22-year-old Czech tourist sustained injuries following an incident near Bad Gastein in the Austrian Alps. Climbing the Federweissfall icefall with a 41-year-old companion on Friday morning, both secured by a rope, the young man slipped and fell approximately 12 meters.

While the police did not specify the extent of his injuries, his companion lowered him to a secure location and administered initial aid. Subsequently, rescue teams airlifted the injured tourist to Schwarzach hospital for further medical attention. Authorities have not provided additional details about the incident at this time.

The electronic application system for secondary schools in the Czech Republic has finally opened after facing delays. Cermat, the state organization responsible halted the initial launch due to attachment upload issues and security verification problems. Students and parents now have until Feb. 20 to submit applications.

Minister of Education Mikuláš Bek may consider extending the deadline. Despite criticisms and concerns over potential system overload, Cermat director Miroslav Krejčí assures that security tests were successful. The new system aims to streamline admission processes, eliminating paperwork. Around 106,000 ninth-grade students and numerous other applicants are expected to apply this year.

Prague municipality has received 32 comments on the proposed decree introducing entry charges for Malá Strana and the Smetana embankment. The comments, including those from city districts, municipal unions, the Ministry of the Interior, and food import companies, are under consideration.

Notably, Prague 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 oppose the decree, targeting tolls for non-resident entry to specified areas. Of the received comments, 21 came from town halls, with concerns mainly focused on traffic issues. After processing the suggestions, the city council will decide on the proposal, aiming to implement an automatic entry restriction to improve tram traffic.

Prague police are prosecuting three individuals for allegedly plotting a murder-for-hire and engaging in illegal arms activities. The suspects, facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted, collaborated in planning the targeted killing of a business figure. The case involves an employee of the Supreme Audit Office, reportedly seeking her husband's murder through an intermediary.

The accused intended to pay 1.5 million crowns for the crime, with the plot evolving since last summer. Two individuals are currently in custody, as per statements from the police organized crime squad spokesman Jaroslav Ibehej, according to the NCOZ website and Czech Radio.

Kroměříž’s Flower Garden, a UNESCO monument, launches its annual camellia exhibition on Saturday, showcasing fragrant blooms tied to the Art Nouveau era. Dozens of camellias, including scented anemone varieties, grace the historic site. Starting two weeks early due to a warm season, the exhibition also features azaleas, orchids, and citrus trees bearing fruit.

The event runs until February 25, offering guided tours, family programs, and plant and souvenir purchases. The Flower Garden, with a camellia tradition dating to the 19th century, remains a cultural and horticultural landmark.

The Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno is delving into an Arabic libretto for a new opera premiering in Riyadh on April 25. Vitezslav Slahar, deputy head of the esteemed choir, shared the invitation to collaborate on this production, which was previously performed for dignitaries like the Pope and Thai King.

The opera, featuring music by Australian composer Lee Bradshaw and directed by Switzerland's Daniele Finzi Pasca, explores an old Arabic legend portraying a woman gifted with predicting enemy arrivals. According to Saudi writer Salih Zamanan, the tale reflects contemporary Arab struggles but emphasizes hope for a brighter future. Spanish conductor Pablo Gonzalez leads the Dresdner Symphony.