November 2024: Everything you need to know this month in Czechia

Movember, the global campaign focused on men’s health, launches on Nov. 1 in the Czech Republic. Supported by the Czech foundation Men Against Cancer, Movember highlights prostate and testicular cancer prevention, as well as mental health awareness. Throughout the month, men grow mustaches to raise funds for medical equipment and support programs.

Beginning Nov. 1, drivers in Czechia are legally required to equip their vehicles with winter tires during periods of severe weather. This year, the cost of winter tires has risen by approximately three percent, with manufacturers adjusting prices to cover higher production expenses, as reported by Czech Radio. Depending on the tire’s quality, prices now range from CZK 1,000 to CZK 3,000 per tire.

Tires must be marked with the symbols “MS,” “M/S” or “MPT”. Alternatively, all-season tires labeled “M+S” can be used, but are not advised for mountain driving.

With colder temperatures and snowfall expected in the mountains this month, ski season gets underway nationwide. According to the ski-conditions-tracking website OnTheSnow.cz, the country’s ski season officially begins on Nov. 1, though most resorts open around the middle to end of November, depending on the weather. Track all resorts’ openings and snow levels here. 

Czech Dušičky, or All Souls' Day, takes place annually on Nov. 2. Combining remembrance and lively tributes to the departed, many commemorative events will take place across the city, including vigils at cemeteries and a parade from Chodov Fortress at 5 p.m. 

The Mexican cultural traditions of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) also continue to run from Halloween into the first week of November.

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 seep in. Analysts say that, whatever the result, Czechia’s economy and foreign security will definitely be affected. The Globe Bookstore and Café in Prague is also hosting an all-night watch party.

On Nov. 10, the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) will be deployed within the Schengen area. The EES is a digital system designed to automate passport stamping and visa checks at the borders of 29 European nations. Its primary goal is to improve security measures and simplify the travel process for millions of travelers.

It will mean anyone travelling to and from most European countries without an EU passport will need to have their biometrics—fingerprints and photograph—captured and then checked on every visit.

St. Martin’s Day is on Nov. 11. It traditionally marks the arrival of winter and is observed with feasts featuring roasted goose and young wine. According to folklore, he arrives on a white horse, symbolizing the first snowfall. The annual St. Martin's Celebrations and Roasted Goose Festival will also take place at Rašínovo nábřeží on Nov. 9.

Ice-skating rinks will open around the capital from the middle of November, with the large ice rink on Letná Park being the first to welcome guests on Nov. 16. Ice rinks are dotted around the capital and will open en masse from the middle to end of November. They usually remain open till the end of February. 

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day and International Student Day take place on Nov. 17—this year marks 35 years since Czechia’s Velvet Revolution. Despite being a public holiday, the law prohibiting sales on selected public holidays is not in effect for the November holiday. Stores can remain open without restriction, and all major grocery chains and shopping malls should be open.

This year, Nov. 17 falls on a Sunday. Unfortunately, in Czechia, public holidays are not given in lieu—therefore, no days off will be given on Monday. The National Museum and other cultural institutions are open to visitors with free admission on Nov. 17. A parade will also take place down Národní třída.

Prague’s popular Christmas markets open from November—the first of this season to welcome visitors will be the market on Náměstí Míru, which opens on Nov. 20. The capital’s most famous Christmas attraction, the Old Town Square market, will start on Nov. 30. The Wenceslas Square market opens on the same day. Most markets close in early January—some will do so on Christmas Eve.

Although an American observance, Thanksgiving in Czechia sees many expats and their Czech families mark the holiday locally on Nov. 28. Crotto Crudo’s festive menu is returning, along with Max’s Steakhouse and established American joints around the city—book well in advance to secure your seats. 

Order canned pumpkin and cranberry sauce via The Candy Store. Farm-fresh whole turkeys or individual parts can be delivered and picked up throughout Prague and Central Bohemia via the Prominent CZ network. Stay tuned for tips on where to order or book your Thanksgiving table.

This year's elongated "summer of grace,” in which people (mostly self-employed workers) who have outstanding debts to public health insurance company VZP, runs until Nov. 30. During this period, borrowers are required to pay any outstanding insurance premiums. Health insurers, particularly VZP, will waive penalties and fees for overdue payments.