Eight-Metre Mascot René Enters Czech Book of Records, Created by Pupils from Pelhřimov
On Friday, 16 May 2025, Pelhřimov transformed into a hub of talent, creativity, and togetherness. Masaryk Square hosted a festive Czech-Japanese cultural EXPO Day, with the main attraction being the giant mascot René – a Czech record-holder created by 1,121 pupils from all primary schools in Pelhřimov.
The artwork took the form of a green mascot named René, the symbol of Czechia’s participation in the EXPO 2025 World EXPO in Osaka, Japan. It was made up of 971 linden leaves, each bearing a message from a child about who they wish to become and what good they wish for people around the world. In doing so, the children highlighted the values of friendship, creativity, and the future.
The entire day’s programme was created and carried out by the pupils themselves – they hosted, sang, danced, played musical instruments, and took care of sound and production. The theme of Czechia’s participation at the World EXPO is Talent and Creativity for Life, and the children had a chance to show what they are capable of. Their energy filled the city centre with a positive atmosphere.
“The entire project – from planning to execution – was built on the work of the pupils. They had the opportunity to gain truly valuable experience. They were given space to express themselves, use their imagination, and make their voices heard. I’m proud of every single one of them who got involved – it took not only creative effort but also a great deal of courage,” says Petra Čiháková, coordinator of the creative education programme in schools as part of Czechia’s participation in EXPO 2025.
The nearly eight-metre-tall mascot René was entered into the Czech Book of Records and became a living symbol of the creativity of the younger generation – a generation that sent a clear message to the world. The linden leaves of the collective artwork most often featured wishes for a cleaner and quieter place to live, more trees, new playgrounds, a world without war, and a safe, happy place for everyone. René carries the children’s message – their dreams, hopes, and challenges to adults.
“It’s almost unbelievable what young people in our city have managed to create. The artwork reflects the goodness in the hearts of our children and will represent their view of the world all the way in distant Japan. Once it returns, it will be preserved so that it can continue to inspire and bring joy to future generations,” said Karel Kratochvíl, Deputy Mayor of Pelhřimov, during the ceremonial event.
The Czech-Japanese Cultural Day in Pelhřimov was part of an educational creative learning project that connects primary, secondary, and vocational schools across Czechia. It offers interactive learning materials and creative activities inspired by Czechia’s participation in EXPO 2025. The aim is to foster the creativity of the younger generation and introduce them to the concept of world expositions. The programme is being developed during the 2024/2025 school year under the leadership of Petra Čiháková, founder of Knihy trochu jinak initiative, and is part of the activities of the Office of the Commissioner General, aiming to promote world expositions, international friendship, and their importance to children.
