Day of Czechs Abroad

February 4 is the Czech Republic’s Day of Czechs Abroad (Den Čechů v zahraničí).
To mark this day recognizing our community, we’re getting together for an informal evening conversation about current events in the Czech Republic — inspired by the idea that Czechs abroad stand for democracy.

This is an open, non-partisan gathering focused on listening, learning, and sharing perspectives respectfully.

Tea will be provided — feel free to bring a small snack to share.

Everyone welcome — please invite friends!

Christmas Wreath & No-Bake Cookie Afternoon

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of holiday creativity!

We will be making both Advent and Holiday wreaths (to sell at Mikuláš as part of our fundraiser — you can also make a small one to take home) and preparing no-bake cookies like rum balls and ginger balls.

We’ll have most supplies, but extra evergreen branches or decorations are very welcome.

No need to RSVP — just come by if you can!

2:00–5:00/6:00 PM

Czech & Slovak St. Nicholas Celebration

European Union Film Festival – “A máme, čo sme chceli”

We’re delighted to announce that as part of the 40th European Union Film Festival, audiences in Canada will have the chance to see the Slovak-Canadian feature film “A máme, čo sme chceli” (Réveillon) — a tragicomedy that takes us back 30 years to the day when Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries.

✨ Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of one family and one fateful New Year’s Eve in 1992 — the night that changed everything.
🎭 Starring Eva Holubová, Bolek Polívka, Anna Šišková, Ady Hajdu, and Canadian actress Rachel Kramer.

🎥 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGf2htuahIE

European Union Film Festival – “Franz”

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) returns to Ottawa, running November 14–29, 2025, and celebrating 40 years of European cinema.
One of the festival’s highlights is “Franz” — a captivating film exploring the life, family, and inner world of Franz Kafka, one of literature’s most enigmatic figures.

The film is in German & Czech with English subtitles.

👉 Festival schedule: https://euff2025.eventive.org/schedule
🎞 Trailer: YouTube – Franz (TIFF 2025)

Don’t miss this cinematic journey into Kafka’s life and legacy.

Échos de bohême – Symphony of Soul and Earth

Immerse yourself in the timeless music of Smetana, Dvořák, and Kodály, performed by the Gatineau Symphony Orchestra.
An evening filled with emotion, authenticity, and the vibrant spirit of Central Europe – music that speaks to the heart and soul.

Program:

• Smetana – La Moldau (Vltava)

• Kodály – Danses Galantes

• Dvořák – Symphony No. 4, Op. 13

In the rush of modern life, treat yourself to a breath of authenticity and let Central European melodies carry you away.

Just Floating – Live in Ottawa!

Straight from Prague, the band Just Floating is bringing an amazing mix of pop, rock, soul, and blues to Ottawa!
Join us for a night full of great music, energy, and Czech spirit 🎸🎤

📍 Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street, Ottawa
🌐 www.atomicrooster.ca

Come for the music, stay for the vibe — don’t miss it!

Gala Dinner & Dance 2025

Welcome to the Czech and Slovak Association of Canada Gala Evening in Ottawa!
Join us for a night of celebration, culture, and community at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre.

This year’s Gala is part of a special weekend of events commemorating the anniversary of the founding of an independent Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918, and marks the 70th Congress of the Czech & Slovak Association of Canada — a proud milestone in our community’s shared history.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, live music, and great company. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Czech and Slovak community members from Ottawa–Gatineau and across Canada, while celebrating our shared heritage in style.

Dress up and join us for an elegant evening with breathtaking views over the Ottawa River — a night to remember!

📍 Delta Ottawa City Centre – Penthouse Ballroom
⏰ Doors open at 6:30 PM | Dinner at 7:30 PM
👔 Dress Code: Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire (Smart casual welcome!)

🌟 Guests Will Enjoy

🥂 A welcome glass of bubbly with chef-prepared canapés
🍽 An elegant plated sit-down dinner
🎶 Live performances by Czech jazz saxophonist Petr Čančura and singer-violinist Gabor Desmond Hegedus
🏅 The Masaryk Awards Ceremony
💃 Dancing and great company
🍺 Authentic Czech beer available for purchase

🌿 Please inform us of any Dietary Restrictions or Vegan/Vegetarian needs by adding a note during checkout or by emailing cssk.ottawa@gmail.com

It’s a rare opportunity to celebrate in style, enjoy live music and dancing, and reconnect with friends and fellow community members for an evening filled with pride and joy.

To make this celebration accessible to everyone, the Czech and Slovak Association of Canada is subsidizing ticket prices (the actual cost per guest is approximately $130).
Tickets are available for $85, and those wishing to further support our community may choose a Supporter Ticket ($125).

Your generosity helps ensure our community can continue to celebrate, connect, and share our cultural heritage together for years to come.

Please register for the Gala here with EventBookings and complete your ticket purchase via Interac e-Transfer to cssk.csac@gmail.com including your name in the message. Your ticket(s) will be issued once payment is received. Questions? Contact cssk.ottawa@gmail.com or +1 613 291-0295

Live Musical Performances by:

Petr Cancura

JUNO nominated saxophonist, mandolinist, composer, and producer.

Born in the Czech Republic to a family of musicians, Cancura is a graduate of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Music program. After earning a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston, he lived in Brooklyn, New York for 10 years, cultivating many professional relationships and establishing himself as a leader in the field of creative music. 

Now based in Ottawa, Cancura is the current program director of the Ottawa Jazz Festival. From 2015-2017, he was the musical director of the National Arts Center’s Crossroads Series, reimagining the songs of current Canadian songwriters for an all-star jazz cast.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75OUDI0BPXCL8BUb1D8ul2

and

Gabor Desmond Hegedus

Actor/Singer/Musician

Gab Desmond (a.k.a. Gábor D. Hegedűs) is a performer based in Chelsea, Québec, and a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City.

At just 21, he made his Broadway debut in Three Sisters with Roundabout Theatre. He then toured internationally with FAME… and later with Notre-Dame de Paris.

Other highlights include a lead vocalist role in Tokyo DisneySea’s Encore! … and performing in Alan Menken’s musical The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz at Montreal’s Segal Centre.

Ottawa audiences may know him from GCTC’s Ordinary Days, which earned him a Prix Rideau Award nomination… as Herr Schultz in Cabaret… and most recently as both the Narrator and the Mysterious Man in Into the Woods with Ovation Productions.

Fresh from a tour in Tunisia with Gatineau’s Nouvelle Cadence, Gab continues to share his passion for music and theatre both locally and internationally… while developing new creative projects close to home

Look forward to a magical evening with Gab and his violin. He’ll have you singing and dancing, and you’ll be begging for more. Guaranteed fun!

Czech Weekend in Ottawa

Dear ČSSK/CSAC Members and Friends,

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Czech Weekend in Ottawa, celebrating the anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia with a rich program of cultural and community events.

🇨🇿 Friday, October 24 – Gala Dinner

Join us for an elegant evening featuring live music by Czech saxophonist Petr Čačura and Gabor Desmond Hegedus, with possible guest performers, and the presentation of our Masaryk Awards.
A festive and inspiring way to begin the weekend!

📍 Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
🎟️ Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

🇨🇿 Saturday, October 25 – ČSSK/CSAC National AGM & Concert

The ČSSK Annual General Meeting will take place during the day, featuring engaging discussions in the afternoon.

📍 Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre

In the evening, enjoy a classical concert hosted by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa, in honour of the Czech National Day, commemorating the founding of an independent Czechoslovakia.
The concert will feature the ZUMI Piano Duo from Edmonton.

🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church

🇨🇿 Sunday, October 26 – 5th Annual Sokol Run

A lively and family-friendly tradition to conclude the weekend!
Join the 5th Annual Sokol Run of the Republic at Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach.

🏃‍♀️ Register here: https://www.behrepubliky.cz/propozice/ottawa

We look forward to celebrating this special weekend together with you — in the spirit of community, culture, and Czech pride.

Warm regards,
ČSSK/CSAC Executive Committee

Sokol Run of the Republic

Lace up your sneakers and get ready to celebrate the founding of Czechoslovakia at the 5th Annual Sokol Run of the Republic, organized by Sokol Ottawa!

Run, walk, or cheer — your choice! After the race, join us for refreshments and a friendly community gathering, featuring goulash prepared by the chef of the Slovak Embassy. 🍲

🧁 Have a sweet tooth? Bring a dessert for the potluck table!
🚗 Transportation & carpooling available for out-of-town guests and students.

👉 Register here: https://www.behrepubliky.cz/propozice/ottawa

Come for the run, stay for the goulash… and maybe even snag a prize!