Must See: Prague Astronomical Clock Rare Spectacle

Praguers and visitors alike will have the chance to catch a rare spectacle of the Prague Astronomical Clock, on Wednesday, April 3^rd at 10.00 am local time. This iconic landmark in Prague, celebrated as the world’s oldest clock still in operation will be stopped briefly to honor the Czech Republic’s initiative, Don’t Rush Day (Národní den bez spěchu).

Prague Astronomical Clock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site every hour from 9 am until 11 pm features a procession of apostles drawing crowds during the show. On April 3 at 10:00 a.m., this procession will be altered and replaced by the clock’s Death figure tolling 138 times. This number commemorates those who lost their lives on Czech roads in 2023.

This noble cause aims at enhancing awareness about the dangers of rushing. The Czech and Praguers are encouraged to take time and reflect on slowing down in life. This is expected to serve as a reminder while speeding behind the wheel.

Don’t Rush Day initiative is steered by the Czech Insurance Association. It is a warning gesture to individuals, institutions, businesses, and everyone about the risks linked with haste, especially on the roads. This year, on April 3^rd many deliberate delays across Czech and Prague will be experienced including the momentary stopping of the Astronomical Clock. The moves emphasize the importance of taking time rather than rushing to avoid unnecessary damage.

Jan Matoušek, executive director of the Czech Insurance Association, commented: “We give people a little more time to slow down and realize that not everything is urgent and that it’s often better to be a few minutes late than to not arrive at all”, quoted by Expats.cz.

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Supporters of Don’t Rush Day

Different institutions across Czech will show solidarity with Don’t Rush Day in unique ways. The Czech Football Association will postpone a main event, the MOL Cup semifinal between Opava and Sparta.

Media outlets will see their broadcast schedules adjusted to support the cause. Cultural centers like the National Theatre among others will delay their performances on April 3. Universities and small and large sized businesses will also show support for the campaign.

The goal of this campaign is to encourage a culture of safety and carefulness in the country, especially on the roads. Organizers hope that the symbolism of pausing everyday activities will encourage individuals to reflect on their actions. In turn, it will affect their decisions and see a reduction in careless accidents caused by people in a rush.

Organizers of the initiative call upon every person to take a moment to pause their routine on their terms on April 3. Then take such time to reflect on the potential consequences that come with rushing.