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| Czech
Republic Social Profile |
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Food
& Drink
Food is based on Austro-Hungarian dishes; (Wiener)
Schnitzel and pork are very popular. Some
of the specialities are bramborak, a delicacy
of a potato pancake filled with garlic and herbs, and Prague
ham. Meat dishes are mostly served with knedliky,
a type of dough dumpling, and zeli (sauerkraut).
Fresh vegetables are often missing in lower-class restaurants.
There is a large selection of restaurants, beer taverns and
wine cellars.
Popular beverages include beers (lager, dark ales, pilsner),
red, white and sparkling wines from Moravia and Bohemia, fruit
juices and liqueurs. Particular specialities include becherovka
(a herb brandy) and two Moravian favourites, slivovice
(plum brandy) and merunkovice (apricot brandy).
There are no strict licensing hours.
Legal
Drinking age: 18 years
Nightlife
Opera and theatre are of a good standard all over Eastern
Europe. Much of the nightlife takes place in bars, nightclubs
and casinos, which are found in major cities.
Shopping
Souvenirs include Bohemian crystal and glass,
pottery, porcelain, wooden
folk carvings, hand-embroidered
clothing, and food items.
There are a number of shops specialising in glass and crystal,
while various associations of regional artists and craftsmen
run their own retail outlets.
Special purchases to look for include pottery
(particularly from Kolovec and Straznice); china
ornaments and geyserstone
carvings from Karlovy Vary; delicate needle
and lace embroidery from many Moravian towns; and blood-red
garnets and semi-precious stones from Bohemia.
Shopping
hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to18:00hours, Saturdays
08:00 to 12:00.
Special
Events
The Czech Republic is one of the most musical in Central Europe.
Throughout the year there are numerous occasions to enjoy
music in concert halls, theatres, stately homes and churches.
Regular music festivals and concert also take place. Most
towns have their folk festivals, with dancing, local costumes
and food. These tend to be during the summer months leading
up to the harvest festivals in September. |
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| Feb
1-28 |
The Ball Season in Prague |
| Apr 7-12 |
Prague Festival |
| Apr 30
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Witches Night, Prague |
| May |
Book World 2005 |
| May 12-Jun 3 |
Prague Spring International Music
Festival |
| May 23 |
Prague Marathon |
| Jun 4-Aug 14 |
Prague Folklore Festival |
| Jul 4-12 |
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival |
| Aug 6-28 |
Ceský Krumlov International
Music Festival |
| Sep 11-Oct 1 |
Prague Autumn Festival |
| Oct 5-10 |
Designblok, Prague |
| Nov 26-29 |
International Festival of Advent and
Christmas Music |
| Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve Celebrations, nationwide. |
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Social
Conventions
Dress can be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners
and at quality hotel and restaurants.
Tipping
The customary tip is between 5 and 10 per cent. |
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