Prague
Kafka tram on the 100th anniversary of the author’s death
In Prague, this redesigned tram commemorates the German-speaking writer Franz Kafka. photo
© Michael Heitmann/dpa
During his lifetime he was only known in a small circle. Franz Kafka is now celebrated all over the world. And especially in his hometown.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death at the beginning of June Prague a redesigned tram to the German-speaking writer. Kafka was a world-class author, said Czech Culture Minister Martin Baxa at the presentation of the vehicle in Prague. Dozens of events are planned this year as part of the Kafka 2024 project, including exhibitions, concerts, readings and lectures. His ministry is supporting this with the equivalent of more than 150,000 euros.
Kafka died on June 3, 1924 from long-term tuberculosis in a sanatorium near Vienna. He spent most of his life in Prague. A stylized portrait of his head can be seen on the tram. Viewers can also read well-known quotes from the writer who both loved and hated his hometown, such as: “Prague won’t let go. (…) This little mother has claws!”
What was surprising when the tram was introduced was that the text excerpts were only available in Czech and English translations. This criticism is justified, admitted Prague’s deputy mayor for culture, Jiri Pospisil. He promised that Kafka quotes would soon be added in German. The cross-border project “Kafka 2024” was initiated by the Adalbert Stifter Association in Munich. The city library in Prague is also involved. “Kafka is a phenomenon that interests the whole world,” said its director Tomas Rehak.