strange laws in colombia

Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. ( IC 14-22-9-1 ). I must of asked 5 people in Medellin for directions each of them giving me opposite directions. But don't even think about trying to enjoy this childhood pastime anywhere else. The voluntary tip in restaurants in Colombia is currently about 10 percent. It is illegal to cross in front of a car with its engine running. Germany banned making any loud, excessive noises during quiet hours which are typically between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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. The little fella will get spoiled, like a human baby. Hi Rich! Thanks a lot for highlighting them. 2. Watch out: These weird laws around the world could land you behind bars. Rome's strict laws against animal cruelty include the walking of pet dogs. The worst part is that the law is actually strictly enforced. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. Also, in Colombia, your average Colombian usually makes a distinction between tinto and cafe (coffee). Staying on the coffee theme, its completely normal for children to drink coffee after meals. Strange laws, also called weird laws, dumb laws, futile laws, unusual laws, unnecessary laws, legal oddities, or legal curiosities, are laws that are perceived to be useless, humorous or obsolete, i.e. Keep your eyes on your gas gauge and fill 'er up when you get low. It really depends on the context, but in general I would say they dont use it to offend anybody, but to make it also easier for you to know that they are calling you. So, keep this in mind when youre having a date, appointment, meeting or whatever it might be. In Colombia, that just brings the specialness of each day to light! Well, it was really just too American. If you're in certain parts of Sweden and need to go to the bathroom after 10 p.m., you're out of luck. In fact, you cannot even play a game in a public place if it annoys someone else. Don't even think about dying inside the Houses of Parliament, or you'll actually, we don't really know what the consequences for this crime would be. Thats why it surprised me even more that they nickname people by their appearance. You get to experience different cultures and habits. So, rather than saying: Sorry I dont know they will make up a story or tell you anything to help you even though its not true. LOL! The Cao Cristales river in Colombia get transformed every year into a liquid rainbow, full of incredible bright colours, clashing against the grey rocks, highlighted by the crystal blue waters. No one has ever captured proof of this hairy, giant creature, but if you should find it and kill it, you could be fined up to $250,000 if you do not have a proper hunting license. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Please dont take it in a negative way, different doesnt mean bad at all . One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation. You can get cited for driving too slow ly . Besides that, this is so true lol. Even if the preacher asks if anyone has any objection to the wedding, if you are in South Australia, keep it to yourself. I had to convince one of my daughters and one of my friends that my wife was not offending me when she calls me Gordo or Gordito hahahaha. Odd Laws in the San Diego Area Homeowners in the San Diego region may be charged with a $250 fine if they don't remove their Christmas lights by February 2. Tinto is a thicker more concentrated version that is made with commodity beans and sold in small cups. At coffee shops in Colombia, 3 pm and 7 pm tend to be busier than the early morning. The 50 Craziest State Food Laws. Edy by weird dont think bad. Sign up for the Free Medellin Guru Newsletter You can see all of the previousMedellin Guru weeklyemail newsletters and sign up here. We're all for intellectual property protection, but this seems a bit extreme. 3) Vanity braces, as a fashion statement, are just as common, and un-needed, in Thailand. 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. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). Many Europeans are freezing inside buses or hotels in the US, whereas many people visiting Europe in the summer find the heat unbearable . 13 / 50. Strange Law 2: It is illegal for a woman to drive a vehicle in a house coat. Need assistance? The law . For quite some time, I have enjoyed reading all the articles and comments. Under the Salmon Act of 1986, Parliament deemed it illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances across the U.K. does not wear pants. They help you as much as they can and would never dare saying No directly to someone. Before you ask, yes, kids are included in this restriction and parents foot the bill. Lucky you! The Air Fouling Legislation" of 2011 made it illegal for people in Malawi to "foul the air.". A cup of hot chocolate, bread and cheese on the side to dip in, photo by Peter Angritt. Whereas in the U.S. or Europe, it seems almost only kids wear braces. Gringo: Is Being Called a Gringo Offensive in Colombia? For countries with civil law systems, the official gazette often serves as the sole source of the authoritative texts of laws until updated codes are published. 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. It's not that you can't go to the bathroom, but you won't be able to make noise while you do it. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. India TV brings to you 10 weird and bizarre sex laws that might shock you: 1. While this can sometimes be the case, Colombia is currently taking steps to crack down on corruption, and attempting to bribe a member of the police or armed forces is a crime. You can find many people selling tinto from thermoses on the street. In an effort to keep the streets of Barcelona free of beachgoers in bikinis and men going shirtless, lawmakers in the Spanish town on the Mediterranean banned anyone from being topless or in a swimsuit in public anywhere but the beach or a pool. 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 . Colombians use every occasion to drink aguardiente (anise-flavoured liqueur), to sing and to dance together. Fines will be incurred if men have waists over 33.5 inches or 35.4 inches for women. 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. no longer applicable (in regard to current culture or modern law). 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. Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. 2) Calling me Mr Trevor (my first name) as a mark of respect for a senior. And always after saying Gracias. This goes for Ottawa, Toronto and even in the middle of the forest unless you have a permit. Im from Medelln and maybe I can help you with mono meanings. Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. He was threatened with three weeks in jail for his choice of words. this isnt just a Colombian thing. You'd think this law was passed a hundred years ago and is now obsolete, but in reality, it was passed in 2009 and is occasionally enforced. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances Cannibalismis allowed under life-threatening conditions, however. The only thing I would change is that we dont really call mono white people. The point of this silly law is that you are not to interrupt the service. Aww now I want to go back to Colombia for christmas! 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. By common law marriage rules in the state, that man and woman would legally be married. Heck my wife calls me gordito almost every day. They are just not used to be punctual and since its not considered as rude as it is in the U.S. and Europe they have no reason to change. By weird, I dont mean something negative but unusual / different. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? Let me out of here!!!!!! When you take a selfie with Buddha, you are turning your back on him. The following resources have been created or curated by the Law Library of Congress related to this nation. Anyone importing, selling or making gum in Singapore can get fined and/or jail time, with the exception of nicotine and dental gums offering therapeutic value. Suspiciously holding a salmon in the UK Ben Bryant/Shutterstock Parliament's famous Salmon Act of 1986 states that it's illegal to hold a salmon under suspicious circumstances. Washington State, just below the border, has a similar law. Colombians adore their little hairy companions. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. Its only over the past few years in Colombia that coffee shops selling quality coffee have really started taking off. Please dont take offense. A number of books and websites purport to list dumb laws. Ive spent many months and weeks in Cali since the 90s. Maybe because I have many Hispanic friends. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. 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. Here are some funny, dumb state laws from Nebraska to Wyoming. Also, no matter where I have been so far in Medelln, I usually have seen a pet store nearby and off course in every mall. Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. If some Colombian laws like those governing fugitive bees might seem obnoxious, they appear positively reasonable in comparison to some of the similary outdated laws that have been noted in the legal codes of other countries. PERDON are all those food words? 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. Earlier this year, the British Express reported a man sent an angry message to a car dealer who seemingly did him wrong. Disingenuous , petty, and very jealous. Skamania County, Washington, passed a law in 1969 deeming the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and. Arkansas. Before you get any crazy ideas and have too much Scottish whisky you should know you could get a ticket for drunk cow riding. Billboard advertising is not allowed in the state of Hawaii. A really nice compilation of differences. 1. In addition, it is illegal to spook a horse that someone is riding. No were not joking. With those different habits you get to see new things and get to understand the new culture even better. Colombians are one of the friendliest people I have ever met. This stirred up a big debate on whether or not this means flatulence is now a criminal offense. Its used for people with light hair color, so it could be light brown, blonde or even red hair. (Image: Shutterstock) 2 / 16. Kaparot is a traditional Jewish religious ritual that takes place around the time of the High Holidays. In Colombia, the everyday man wears dress shoes, khakis or slacks and long sleeve shirts or polos. Totally agree with you about the cheese, it really doesnt need to be salty its delicious the way it is. Many Colombians has no idea what they are celebrating or why, but love to throw lavish parties anyway and enjoy drinking and dancing with friends and strangers alike. (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. He added, "Offenders will be severely punished.". The controversial ban went into effect in August 2018. These publications may also contain other information including the text of international agreements, court decisions, official announcements, and government notices. Even if youre not dancing, drinking or singing, you will have fun watching the Colombians doing it. Let me be the first this year to say Merry Christmas. Children are technically not supposed to go trick-or-treating on October 31st. Another country trying to combat noise pollution in weird ways is Spain. In San Francisco, car owners are forbidden by law to polish their vehicles with used underwear. I absolutely love that about the culture but for others it would demand an elevation in their sartorial game if they want to be taken seriously. 6. I was always afraid of speaking a foreign language, because I was to afraid of making mistakes. Just about everywhere you go, there are laws against speeding or shoplifting, laws regulating the purchase and consumption of alcohol and zoning laws that dictate what kind of building you can construct where. They just dont seem to prioritize time very much. Arizona. In my time in Medelln, I have noticed several things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or even funny. 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. The Protection of the Rights and Interests of Elderly People (over the age of 60) includes a number of requirements for children when it comes to their elderly parents. The article was especially to talk about things that foreigners may consider as weird, unusual or different. 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. You may not forsake or insult your parents, you must take care of their farm for them, and you must provide for them, among other laws. No obscenities during phone calls. Our son Joseph is seven years old and born in the United States with light brown hair. Living in a foreign country is always interesting. This means that in an hour of radio during the workweek, you'll hear more than 20 minutes of artists like Nickelback, Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion, Michael Bubl and Justin Bieber all of whom are proud Canucks. We're again not quite sure how they would prove this one, but it's better safe to just use the restrooms like a civilized person. The ruins are nearly 2,500 years old, so be respectful and wear some soft-soled shoes when you visit. There a many weird and strange laws in Colombia. Casadas Marinka in Minka. You think you only ordered a fruit salad? We have no idea. It includes indecent physical gestures and extends to your text messages and social media, as well. It's a common assumption for travellers in Colombia that you can get away with almost any crime by simply quietly offering a fistful of banknotes to the arresting officer. OMG Name calling. The list of celebrations in Colombia seems to be endless. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. These weird facts will help you get over the culture shock when you relocate to one of the worlds happiest countries. No. With thousands of pigeons descending upon Saint Mark's Square and Venice, lured by the the tourists readily handing out food in exchange for Instagram-worthy photos, Venice lawmakers officially made it illegal to feed the pesky fowl in 2008. In Colombia, its not unusual seeing Colombians of all ages wearing braces. 2. For a complete list of the Law Library's gazettes, please visit the Foreign Legal Gazette Collection. Angela, Hi Angela, thank you for the explanation! Have a question? Don't get caught blowing bubbles in the streets! Take, for example, one popularly referenced law: You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant in the state of Michigan. 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. 1. Sometimes its automatically on the bill without asking. Enacted in 1948 while U.S. soldiers occupied Japan, the ban was placed to stop liberal Americans from corrupting the good citizens of Japan. I was out wandering with a friend on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan Island, when we ran into a local walking his pet monkey. But PALEEZE can we get on with it? Also, theres a really high tolerance for dogs everywhere. A $110 license is required for teenagers to mow lawns. Why? 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. Its not just a single day or a weekend. All Rights Reserved. So, the parents must beware of such strange laws that are in effect and should be sure of locking the liquor cabinet when they leave the house. Sounds fishy, but it's true. And don't even think of walking to a gas station; you'll get another fine for that! 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. 1. I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. Moose aren't allowed on the sidewalk. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. LOL this is a great article. Should you find yourself in need of a hotel room for the night, you may want to fess up if you aren't a married couple. Yes, you are absolutely right about that. 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. Or really to describe people? SI,SI,SI,SI,SI WOULD YOU PLEASE RING UP THE CHOCOLATE???!!! Read about these strange and wacky laws and more in Weird British Columbia Laws: * From 1947 to 1986, it was illegal to sell stoves on a Wednesday in Vancouver * Kelowna once permitted nude bathing in any public waters, but only between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am * In Port Coquitlam, it is against the law to own more than four pet rats or to allow your Brazil is another, however, it is 10 times the size of Colombia! In addition, Colombia has has more public holidays than most countries with a total of 18 holidays during the year. Forget about everything you thought you knew about Colombia. 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. It's illegal to throw stones in the District of Columbia.