What Went Down in April?
For the fourth month of the year, the Czech language derived its name from the vibrant green leaves of the flourishing oak trees. If you’re looking for ways to beat boredom, check out the April proverbs and a collection of fascinating facts. For instance, did you know that on April 27, 4977 B.C., Johannes Kepler calculated the universe’s origin? No need to memorize that, though; let’s explore the upcoming April anniversaries!
1 April 1887 – Electric Street Lighting in Jindřichův Hradec
The first day of April is known as April Fool’s Day. People have amused themselves by playing light-hearted tricks on each other since the Middle Ages. Yet, on the very same day in 1887, Jindřichův Hradec became the first town in the Czech Republic to implement electric street lighting. Later, on April 1, 1899, Olomouc saw the introduction of the first electric tramway, and on April 1, 1913, Dr. Rudolf Jedlička inaugurated the Jedlička Institute, which was the first institute in the Czech Republic for individuals with physical disabilities. And that wasn’t just a joke!
April 2, 1981 – Opening of the Prague Congress Centre
The Prague Congress Centre was officially opened on April 2, 1981. Initially called the Palace of Culture, the destination has played a key role in making Prague the eighth most popular conference destination worldwide in 2017, and it ranked among the TOP 5 best locations globally in 2022.
4 April 1875 – Premiere of the Symphonic Poem Vltava
Vltava is the second composition in the series of symphonic poems My Country and stands as one of the crowning achievements of composer Bedřich Smetana and Czech classical music. This remarkable piece is made up of six movements that Smetana composed between 1874 and 1879. The Vltava was created between November 20 and December 8, 1874, and had its premiere on April 4, 1875. The work, My Country, is performed every year on May 12, the day marking the anniversary of Smetana’s passing, as the opening concert of the Prague Spring Festival.
5 April 1937 – Opening of Prague-Ruzyně Airport
In 1937, contemporary media hailed the newly opened airport in Prague Ruzyne as the largest and most modern airport in the country. Can you imagine what those journalists would say today if they saw the current Václav Havel Airport? Back in 1937, fewer than fourteen thousand passengers were served on 24 routes, while in 2024, the airport is expected to accommodate sixteen million passengers and witness 134,609 aircraft take-offs and landings.
6 April 2015 – Extension of the Prague Metro
In April 2015, the Route of Prague’s metro line A underwent an expansion at its western end, adding four new stations: Bořislavka, Nádraží Veleslavín, Petřiny, and Motol Hospital.
7 April 1348 – Founding of Charles University and Education Day
On April 7, 1348, King Charles IV issued the founding charter for Charles University. The king was quite busy that year, as he also established the New Town of Prague and laid the foundation for Karlštejn Castle. However, this university was a groundbreaking establishment in Central Europe! It was the first institution for higher education located north of the Alps and east of Paris, becoming a foundational element of Czech education and reinforcing the cultural bonds of our country with Europe. Step into the realm of universities and celebrate Education Day!
8 April 1999 – Premiere of the Film Comedy Pelíšky
In April 1999, the film Pelíšky, directed by Jan Hřebejk, had its premiere. This film quickly became the most successful movie of the year. A blend of laughter and tears, it received three Czech Lions and remains one of the most beloved Christmas films.
10 April 1968 – “Closely Watched Trains” Wins an Academy Award
The film by director Jiří Menzel, titled Closely Watched Trains (1966), was honored with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 40th Annual Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards for 1967.
12 April 1972 – Declaration of the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area
This unique and diverse landscape, located between Prague and Beroun, features nearly 700 caves, along with the longest cave system in all of Bohemia, making it an important fossil site with precious thermophilic flora and fauna. In April 1972, the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area was officially proclaimed, encompassing an area of 130 square kilometers.
April 13, 1950 – Action K, the Darkest Day in Czech Church History
On April 13-14, 1950, during Action K, members of the National Security Corps, State Security, and People’s Militia raided and occupied a total of 75 monasteries belonging to male religious orders across the Czech Republic and 62 in Slovakia. Two weeks later, between April 27-28, similar actions targeted women’s convents.
14 April 1946 – Start of Sightseeing Cruises on the Brno Dam
On April 14, 1946, the Brno Dam began its excursions with the first passenger cruise ship named Brno. The following day saw the launch of the ship Morava. The Brno served until 1967 before moving to Vranov Dam, where it operated for over twenty years, ultimately being decommissioned in 1978.
15 April 1818 – Founding of the National Museum
The National Museum was established in Prague in 1818. Discover its rich history, gradual growth, its founders, and the attractions that have shaped its journey through Czech history.
17 April 1966 – First Prague-Prčice March
In April 1966, the Czech Republic’s most famous organized tourist trek, the Prague-Prčice March, took place for the very first time. Initially, the route stretched 65 kilometers from Prague. Nowadays, the event offers over twenty different paths, including options for children, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
18 April 1966 – The Shop on the Causeway Wins an Academy Award
The film directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, Shop on the Corniche (1965), received an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 38th Annual Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards for 1965.
18 April 1906 – Nobel Prize Awarded to Bertha von Suttner
The first person born in Bohemia to earn a Nobel Prize was Bertha von Suttner. In 1905, she also made history by becoming the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She received this honor on April 18, 1906, in Christiania, which is now known as Oslo.
19 April 1945 – Burning of the Settlement of Ploština
Less than a month before World War II concluded, the German SS police commando, along with the special anti-partisan unit, attacked the settlement of Ploština. They murdered dozens of men, women, and children. This somber event inspired Ladislav Mňaček’s book, Death Called Engelchen, and is currently memorialized by the Ploština Memorial.
20 April 1854 – The First Czech Railway Carriage
The first Czech railway carriage was produced at Ringhoffer’s workshop in Prague. This significant factory, the largest wagon manufacturer in the Austrian monarchy, built not only trams but also luxury trains for multiple European royal families. By the time World War II began, the Ringhoffer factory had successfully exported 145,000 carriages of various kinds.
23 April 1836 – Máj by Karel Hynek Mácha Published
Máj, a poetic work in Czech by Karel Hynek Mácha, was published in 600 copies in Prague. It was his only book released while he was alive, and is now regarded as the pinnacle of Czech literary Romanticism.
April 27, 1849 – Prague’s Fifth Municipal District Added
The merger that occurred on February 12, 1784, formed Prague’s Royal Capital by combining four separate royal towns (Old Town, New Town, Mala Strana, Hradčany). On April 27, 1849, the fifth municipal district, known as the Jewish Town – Josefov, was incorporated into the city.
28 April 1900 – The First Czech Locomotive Built in Libeň, Prague
On April 28, 1900, the staff at the Czech-Moravian Steam Engine Factory delivered the first steam locomotive manufactured in Czech territory. The locomotives of the 310 series were affectionately dubbed Hello, Matylda or Kafemlejnek, and they became quite popular on the Czech railway network. They remained in service until 1968, and you can admire them today in a railway museum located in Lužná near Rakovník or see the Kafemlejnek steam locomotive in the film “Páni kluci,” where it plays a significant role.
April 30, 1916 – Daylight Saving Time Introduced in Czech Lands
Every year, Europe adjusts its clocks twice: once in spring for daylight saving time and once in autumn to revert to standard time. Daylight saving time is commonly practiced across most of Europe and many parts of North America but is uncommon elsewhere.
