Moose aren't allowed on the sidewalk. Because of this, Poland issued a ban on Winnie the Pooh around playgrounds and schools, finding the A.A. Milne character a bit too risqu for the likes of impressionable children. Learning the language is one thing, but learning about the culture is completely different. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. This one is an interesting one, and it probably will make you laugh. A number of books and websites purport to list dumb laws. But PALEEZE can we get on with it? Countries like Malta and Lebanon have strange laws against women. But how could we survive without our gorditas or our negritos or our blanquitos or our pelotones or our narizn? Colombians love nothing better than dipping a special, melting cheese into a steaming hot mug of hot chocolate. In the country that supplies a large proportion of the worlds coffee, there is a surprising lack of Starbucks. Tsk, tsk. 3. Article 10 states that all Moroccan laws apply to foreigners in Morocco, although generally this law is not applied so strictly to foreigners, especially if neither is from an Islamic nation. Sitting in a bus and watching other people can be really interesting. When packing for a trip to Greece, make sure you have the right shoes. When driving along the highway in the Garden State, you are legally required to provide an audible warning that you are about to pass a car on the left. Whereas in the U.S. or Europe, it seems almost only kids wear braces. Perhaps there were too many reported cases of intoxicated bee keepers allowing their bees to escape? Colombians are really friendly and welcoming people. Living in a foreign country is always interesting. The state passed legislation prohibiting bear fighting in 2000. It is said the cleanup from the birds cost each citizen 275 per year, so now, the tables are turned. Aliviado? Unless the bar or lounge that you're in has a dancing license, it is illegal to move your body to the songs they are playing. For me, it wasnt really an issue because it is pretty similar to the culture in Switzerland. Liked it? However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. Colorado has its fair share of weird rules, some state-wide, some local to a city. Adam Skowronski/flickr Raccoons are fair game, but only until 2 a.m. 3. Yeah pretty much everyone in Central and South America is late. Find out more here, Tel: +44 (0) 161 818 8864 info@eslstarter.com Skype: eslstarter. Listed as part of Summary Offences Act of 1966, the Aussies probably won't mind if you do decide to fly a kite while you visit. For instance, you can get called negrito (black person) when youre black or mono (white person) when youre white. With those different habits you get to see new things and get to understand the new culture even better. Skamania County, Washington, was the first county to draft the law in 1964 which states that "any . A cup of hot chocolate, bread and cheese on the side to dip in, photo by Peter Angritt. And don't even think of walking to a gas station; you'll get another fine for that! Medellin Guru Annual Subscriptions Now Offering a Discount! And finally may even have a small cup before going to bed. My father was red hair and everybody called him mono. In my corner of America, clothing comfort consists of flip flops, cargo shorts, oversized hoodies and yoga/sweat pants to practically every event or outing. Leave the Camo attire at home when you head to the Caribbean to wear it is a big no-no in many island nations, including Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbuda and Jamaica. Strange Law 3: Vehicles cannot surpass speeds of 60 m.p.h. A true travel insurance claim story Here's a tip: Never pat a monkey, even if it's on a leash: they can be vicious. In addition to documents, many of the links below retrieve results from online databases and catalogs or collections of legal materials maintained by the Law Library. Thanks to a weirdly-worded law in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to "throw any stones, snowballs, or any other missiles" at any person or property in Topeka, an ordinance that former mayor. This law is enforceable for both men and women. Arepas taste lot better with cheese mixed into the dough. While the law has been around for a while, fans continue to partake in this tradition. It is also illegal to make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up . Whenever you get into a cab, it's normal for the taxi driver to be listening to the radio, as a way to make the ride more pleasant for everyone. Pack a breathalyzer in France. However, the law doesn't say they cannot wear dresses with spaghetti straps, capped sleeves or long sleeves. As a Colombian, I can tell you this is almost 100% accurate. Yet, I heard recently that Medellin had beautiful lights and lots to do during the Christmas holidays. If not, you could be fined up to $10,000 and even spend up to two years in jail if you interrupt a wedding. It is illegal for men and women to have a sexual relationship if they are not married, as provided by article 490 of Morocco's penal code. So, not everybody in Colombia expects an automatic tip. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. Also, after Christmas day, Colombia celebrates The Day of the Innocent Saints on December 28. He mentioned to me recently he enjoyed Christmas in Texas much more than Cali. Colombians will rather tell you a story of why something doesnt work, instead of just saying No. The time depends on the region. Enacted in 1948 while U.S. soldiers occupied Japan, the ban was placed to stop liberal Americans from corrupting the good citizens of Japan. Enjoy your weekend. Every few years, articles describing "strange but true laws in each state" make the rounds on social media. Under employment law in Colombia, employees are entitled to five days of bereavement leave in the event of the death of a parent, in-law, grandparent, sibling, child, spouse, or partner. The law . We don't understand this reasoning, given how Sevilla is a lively town where live music is played in the streets and flamenco dancers put on shows in public spaces. Plata Limpia, Luis Guillermo Angel Restrepo, a.k.a. The good folks over at Olivet Nazarene University put together an infographic of some of the most outrageous, confusing and downright weird legislation instilled around our . In either case, all is good. Strange laws from Latin America Some laws are obvious. Registered in England and Wales. In addition, Colombia has has more public holidays than most countries with a total of 18 holidays during the year. Spiteful gossip or talking behind someone's back is illegal in Indiana. In the District of Columbia, you could be fined up to $500 for every time you throw a stone or other projectile on any street, avenue, alley, road, highway, open space, public square, or enclosure. Sometimes its automatically on the bill without asking. Hi Rich! But this doesnt mean all Colombians are late. As a rule, bus travel in Peru is safest if you go with the best bus companies. India TV brings to you 10 weird and bizarre sex laws that might shock you: 1. You may also face a fine, depending on the contents of your barrel. My embarrassment tolerance went sky high since Im living in Colombia. Have a nice weekend . I have run into getting bad directions from Colombians many times so I never ask anymore. This sexist law is due to the belief that alcohol may make a woman more immoral. They might just dont know the answer to that question and probably wont tell you that they dont know. Children are technically not supposed to go trick-or-treating on October 31st. The little fella will get spoiled, like a human baby. Forgot to enjoy the food, the kindness of the people, the music, the beautiful places, the paisa culture, the beautiful landscapes, the fauna and the flora or rather lost the coming to COLOMBIA and my beautiful land. 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. This ban includes any DIY projects or household cleaning that produces loud noises. You can dance after midnight as long as it's not in the dark. 6. He was threatened with three weeks in jail for his choice of words. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. There a many weird and strange laws in Colombia. In Colombia, that just brings the specialness of each day to light! The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. Leave Your Creativity For the Weekdays. The original owner of the bees will not be prohibited from pursuing the fugitive bees as long as they are on land that is not fenced or cultivated.. "Colombia now is the country with the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and the . Top paramilitary chief assassinated in northern Colombia: police. 13 / 50. Despite what may take place in South Beach's world-renowned drag clubs, it is actually illegal for a man to wear a strapless gown in Florida. Here are some funny, dumb state laws from Nebraska to Wyoming. It also applies to trout, smelt, freshwater fish, lampreys and eels, but it doesn't specify what is considered suspicious. This stirred up a big debate on whether or not this means flatulence is now a criminal offense. Strange Law 2: It is illegal for a woman to drive a vehicle in a house coat. Another law, also no longer enforced but which may explain the sad state and bad taste of Colombias most well established beers, governs the sale of alcohol. These weird facts will help you get over the culture shock when you relocate to one of the worlds happiest countries. The committee will not stop there, however, and also plans to create a document that will provide clear guidelines for new laws to ensure that the creation of such obnoxious decrees will be kept to a minimum in the future, according to Justice Minister Ruth Stella Correa. A welcome change for most, you can find all three Colombian Starbucks locations in Colombia within just a few street of each other. You can get cited for driving too slow ly . See also:10 Reasons Why Colombia Should Be On Your Radar. Theres most probably gonna be some cheese on it. Russians care about looks. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. And you dont have to feel obligated to tip, even though youre used to it from back home. The list of celebrations in Colombia seems to be endless. Everyone has called him mono. I came to believe if someone did not know your name, they simply called you mono.. Colombians really celebrate Christmas in a huge way each year. No were not joking. (Why not, there are a lot of them, right?) Amanado? Many of these silly, outdated laws are still on the books. And always after saying Gracias. Most Recent Stupid Laws It is illegal to ask about a job It is illegal to die in town It's illegal to idle your car in your own driveway 1,000 Hours of training is required to braid hair. Spain despises your attempt at making sand castles so much you could be fined if caught building one in Spain. Colombia. Find out more, Copyright ESLstarter 2007-2023. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? Brazil is another, however, it is 10 times the size of Colombia! This is ironic, given that the town is known for its "Kissing Alley," where the legend of two star-crossed lovers is said to have taken place. Strange Laws in All of California. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. The logic of the law is that they're using the song for business while making a profit, so they must pay for the rights. Actually, its French law that men do not wear loose-fitting swim trunks on beaches, swimming pools and other public places where a swimsuit is required attire. Also, check out the article my husband wrote about our expat story moving to Medelln, how a couple from Switzerland moved to Medelln and are loving Medelln. Take the following laws with a grain of salt, as they are truly bizarre. Keep your dirty laundry to yourself in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is illegal to dry your clothes anywhere that projects over a street, wall, fence or window facing a street. This is a day dedicated to playing practical jokes on friends and family. The weirdest thing about some laws is that they ever needed to existlike in Oklahoma, where people were wrestling bears at such an astonishing rate that the state had to step in and institute a. Fans of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team have a tradition of throwing octopuses onto the ice for good luck. In Indiana, liquor stores are not allowed to sell cold water or cold sodas. Other wacky laws across the country include items about mustaches and food in particular. Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. Im easy and fluid when it comes to exchanging greetings but I tend to the short and sweet approach and get down to the business at hand such as ordering or paying for something. Dogs cannot travel in the back of open-top vehicles. It's also a crime to dye a dog's hair for aesthetics, so no pink poodles here. The typical granny talking to her little dog in a high pitched voice and dressing it like a baby. At times they say that but are still laying in bed and havent even showered yet. Walking along the highway is unsafe, as is having your vehicle stalled on or on the side of the road. Fines will be incurred if men have waists over 33.5 inches or 35.4 inches for women. Still, there is this ancient law dating back to 1313 that prohibits it. Forget about everything you thought you knew about Colombia. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances elderly person etc) but they will ask you if you want to put your shoulder or shopping bag on their knee whether you are young or old. Or, more precisely, the city of Sevilla. One of Mexico's most beautiful pueblos also has one of the country's weirdest laws: no kissing in the street. (I recognized it from wikpedia My favorite is PANDEBONO (Cheese Bread! Though it is one of the strange laws in America, its enactment has been beneficial. He added, "Offenders will be severely punished.". Another law, this time from the US state of Vermont, states that women must have their husbands permission to wear false teeth. no longer applicable (in regard to current culture or modern law). Links to additional digital content are provided when available. If you're a guy, you'll also need to go sitting down so that you don't make noise. Goldfish are not allowed to be kept in bowls and must, instead, have a full-sized aquarium. Endemic species are species that only exist in one country. So I definitely agree its something that people should know before they go ! At coffee shops in Colombia, 3 pm and 7 pm tend to be busier than the early morning. Article 8, law 88 of 1923: With the exception of soft drinks and beer with an alcohol content at or below 4%, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the sale of fermented beverages is prohibited between the hours of 6PM to 6AM, and on Sundays and public holidays.. The law wasn't for safety, but rather that men wouldn't dare walk around town in a Speedo, so if he wears a Speedo in the water, it surely would be cleaner than something he may have been wearing all day long. Just let the sleeping bears lie. I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. more efficent: Santos, Think tanks propose new court to combat corruption in Colombia, Judges unfamiliar with international legal norms concerning womens rights: Colombias former minister of justice, Colombias justice minister begs judges to stop shutting prisons, promises new prisons soon, Colombias new prison code wont cause massive prison releases: govt. Yep, that's right! Yes, you read that right. Why? Washington State, just below the border, has a similar law. Good morning to all. After Swiss and German travelers decided to make naked hiking a thing in Switzerland a decade ago (really! *When taking your driving license, all the drivers were also required to pass a morality test. Our son Joseph is seven years old and born in the United States with light brown hair. Here are a few: 1. On the other hand, what Ive foud in El Hueco is that if youre looking for something a bit unusual, if you ask in any store, they will give you some very specific and complex directions and its always correct. Apparently, any other time of year is okay for a water gun fight, but if you go for New Year's, shop owners won't sell you the plastic toy. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. It's not that you can't go to the bathroom, but you won't be able to make noise while you do it. Note the above photo is Colombians celebrating Christmas, something that Colombians do on a completely different level. Well, it was really just too American. By weird, I dont mean something negative but unusual / different. 3 . Or really to describe people? Its only over the past few years in Colombia that coffee shops selling quality coffee have really started taking off. As the couple "outwardly present themselves as husband and wife to the public," they are deemed a common law marriage, that is honored and valid in North Carolina. I could write way more about the beautiful things about Colombia, like you already mentioned, the food, the friendly people, the landscapes and so on. I think its worth mentioning that its not just a way of speaking. I now heard several times Colombians calling somebody mono even when he wasnt blond at all. It's just one of the many odd, unique things that have occurred in the Bolivarian Republic since Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998 and promptly flipped the country's regime from democratic to socialist. Not sure this one has ever been enforced through. Be polite and cover tattoos, respect "no photograph" signs, and don't turn your back on him. Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? Aww now I want to go back to Colombia for christmas! Think just different. A man in Zhengzhou was forbidden from naming his newborn son "@" because of the rule stating that all given names must be translatable into Mandarin. And on the Medellin Guru website we previous looked at the top 5 coffee shops in El Poblado and the top 8 coffee shops in Laureles. It's illegal to throw stones in the District of Columbia. This was something I was not used to. As you might know, Colombians love to party! Besides that, this is so true lol. Thanks a lot Charlie! In my opinion it is uncomfortable to get this question asked. Colombian Constitutional Law: Leading Cases by Manuel Jos Cepeda Espinosa and David Landau Call Number: KHH2921 .C438 2017 ISBN: 9780190640361 Published/Created: 2017 The following resources have been created or curated by the Law Library of Congress related to this nation. 1. Heck my friends even call it brown time. So much so, that the country has made driving a dirty car illegal here. FACT#17. CNBCTV18.com has handpicked a few strange yet intriguing laws that could get you in trouble in another country. Colombians have no manners at all. To keep beaches clean and beachgoers healthy, Portugal has banned peeing in the ocean. Heck my wife calls me gordito almost every day. Strange Law 1: It is illegal for persons to hunt game from a moving vehicle, unless the game they are hunting is a whale. Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. For instance, when a seat in a bus gets free, Colombians tend to first uncomfortably lean on the back of the seat before sitting down. Its used for people with light hair color, so it could be light brown, blonde or even red hair. Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. Just take a minute and picture in your mind how this law came into being. adding ta(s) to(s) to the end of words is a very common way to describe people. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. We're not sure how they enforce this, but China is known for having some strict laws. People dont usually give a seat up on packed buses (unless its very obvious ie. A really nice compilation of differences. I think one very important thing that was left out is that all conversations whether it be social or business, are always prefaced by such lines as, como estas, que mas, bien o no, como le va, etc. more efficent: Santos. See Minca as a great location for anyone interested in nature and exploring nature reserves, parks, and other protected areas. jajajajajaja hopefully find another that can come to enjoy and not criticize . Their love to cheese goes so far, that they put it nearly on and in almost everything. So, you follow their directions and find out there is nothing there. The country's Coat of Arms is on the front and its Treasury Seal is on the back with its motto, 'Paz y Justica' (Peace and Justice). Arkansas. It is illegal for autonomous vehicles to drive over 60 miles per hour. Until 1215, even being accused of a crime resulted in the punishment of enduring an ordeal that revealed a person's innocence or guilt. So, I am tentatively planning to buy three tickets and fly in for a week beginning December 25th. the other two Im not sure of. ESLstarter currently offer two programs in this South American gem. But it would be boring if you would know everything already and everything was the same, right? 2) Calling me Mr Trevor (my first name) as a mark of respect for a senior. Colombians are one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I hope the article helps other Expats and travelers in the future to avoid the same mistakes . Why this law exists is anyone's guess. Although there is no jail time for the offense, you could risk . STEALING HORSES. This means that, whether you're driving on the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike, you technically should honk your horn before you pass, according to state law. On top of that, Colombians taught me how to not overthink everything, but just enjoy the moment. (Denver) Flickr/James. The following title(s) link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Although the legislative trend in Colombia has tended towards the criminalization of possession and consumption of psychoactive substances, decriminalization prevailed when it comes to jurisprudence. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). Yes, you are absolutely right about that. All Rights Reserved. In Indiana, it's unlawful to take a fish out of the water using your bare hands. Kaparot is a traditional Jewish religious ritual that takes place around the time of the High Holidays. . The article was especially to talk about things that foreigners may consider as weird, unusual or different. Ive been to many Spanish speaking countries and if Ive learned one thing its that saying por favor, con permiso and gracias are VERY important and can open a lot of doors. The country is now one of the safest in South America, imposes short-term laws to avoid violence and has eradicated its drug-fuelled past to create an absolutely beautiful place to live, visit and teach in. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. A $110 license is required for teenagers to mow lawns. Its fresh cheese. In San Francisco, car owners are forbidden by law to polish their vehicles with used underwear. If an owner does not walk their dog once a day (at minimum), they could be fined $625. Overall hygiene is very important to Colombian culture from what I gather irrespective of class. Below you will find a list of selected legal reference materials relating to Colombia, including statutory collections, case reporters, current regulations, and secondary source resources, when available in the Law Library's collection. The following resources include primary and secondary legal reference materials, as well as government and non-government websites that provide access to free online legal information about Colombia. 3) Vanity braces, as a fashion statement, are just as common, and un-needed, in Thailand. ( IC 14-22-9-1 ). Rome's strict laws against animal cruelty include the walking of pet dogs. I would welcome Christmas Comments from the Medellin community. Its meaning varies depending on popular beliefs or the official version. Like other civil law countries, Colombia has forced heirship, which requires the estate to be distributed to spouse and descendants immediately and unconditionally, regardless of the individual's wishes. Guillo. Colombia has the largest amount of unique wildlife in any part of the world. The Ultimate Guide to Beln for Expats Living in Beln in Medelln, Pros and Cons of El Poblado: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats in Medelln, How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa 2023 Update, How to Obtain a Colombia Investment Visa 2023 Update. In 2013, one young tree-climbing enthusiast earned himself a $365 ticket for climbing one in Bellevue Square Park. Links to additional digital content are provided when available. So much so that all Canadian radio stations are required, by law, to play Canadian artists on the airwaves at least 35 percent of the time, especially during the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lawmakers in 1907 Buenos Aires took it a step further by completely stripping the Argentinean capital of the simple joy of flying kites. They do it in order to let the seat cool down before they sit on it. In Colombia, its not unusual seeing Colombians of all ages wearing braces. The ban went into place to prevent "traffic accidents" and "public disorder.". Having retired and moved to Cali three years ago, I can agree that the cultural differences are many. It includes indecent physical gestures and extends to your text messages and social media, as well. @2008-2019 - Colombia Reports. While they cannot be walked, they must have room to swim. Rather than be a weird law that is no longer used, it's a weird law that isn't enforced but that continues to be relevant. Due Amici Pizzeria: A Popular Pizzeria in Medelln with Good Pizza, Viva Envigado: A Guide to the Largest Mall in Colombia in Envigado. If you plant a flower in a pot without a drainage hole, you have created a public nuisance. I guess, for some things it is just not possible to have a rule for, that 100% fits. (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), (International Committee of the Red Cross), Constitutional Courts As Mediators: Armed Conflict, Civil-military Relations, and the Rule of Law in Latin America, Colombian Constitutional Law: Leading Cases, Manuel Jos Cepeda Espinosa and David Landau, Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress): Colombia, An Introduction to Colombian Governmental Institutions and Primary Legal Sources, Treaties, States Parties, and Commentaries: Colombia, Guide to Law Online: Nations of the World. Photo taken on the dia de la pereza in Itagi. Clearly, such obsolete laws are not unique to Colombia. Not only can you not toss confetti in Mobile, Alabama, but it is illegal to possess, keep, store, use, manufacture or sell it within city limits. Angela, Hi Angela, thank you for the explanation! The beautiful city prevents people from playing dominoes in public, allegedly because the pieces make too much noise when they clink as players put them down. Not sure why anyone would want to make a trek around the ruins and dirt in heels surely it's tough to walk and will damage the shoes but the Greeks put this ban in place to protect its ruins from damage caused by the sharp shoes. You can't wake a sleeping bear to take a selfie. We can get behind that! Australians aren't the only ones who are apparently opposed to flying a kite. This includes masks, helmets, scarves, hats, fake beards and even burkas. There were three ordeals: Ordeal by fire: The accused held a red-hot iron bar in their hands and walked three meters. Tweet this. Taxis Libres (+57-1-311-1111) and Radio Taxi (+57-1-288-8888) are two companies in Bogota with good reputations. We have no idea. 1. The voluntary tip in restaurants in Colombia is currently about 10 percent. ( IC 7.1-3-10-5 ). Tacha is an expat from Switzerland and lives in Medelln full time with her husband Sam. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. It's illegal to let your donkey (yes, you ready that right) sleep in a bathtub in Arizona. Medellin Guru 2018 Year in Review: Our Most Popular Articles, Health Insurance in Colombia: How to Sign up with SURA 2023 Update, How to Obtain a Colombia Marriage Visa 2023 Update, Coronavirus in Colombia: Snapshot of Coronavirus on April 1, COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Reality About Coronavirus Testing, How to Get to Medelln from the Airport 2022 Update, 20 Best Restaurants in Laureles in Medelln 2022 Update, Parque Arv: The Ultimate Guide to Medellns Parque Arv, Hacienda Napoles: Pablo Escobars Former Estate Turned Theme Park, Scopolamine: The Realities of Devils Breath in Colombia, Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Using Cell Phones in Colombia, Colombias IVA Tax & How Tourists Can Get an IVA Tax Refund.