strange laws in colombia strange laws in colombia

Strange Law 2: It is illegal for a woman to drive a vehicle in a house coat. On more than one occasion when I was in a hurry and addressing somebody like an Internet repair guy I would start the conversation with, when will it be ready and he would reply, Como estas. Dancing after midnight was banned for generations, as it is just too sinful. Strange Law 3: Vehicles cannot surpass speeds of 60 m.p.h. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. Not that South Africa has bears, but if it did, it would be illegal to wrestle with them. Every few years, articles describing "strange but true laws in each state" make the rounds on social media. In my time in Medelln, I have noticed several things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or even funny. Although not illegal to have tattoos of Buddha, a British woman was jailed for three days in 2014 for inappropriate tattoos of the man 70 percent of Sri Lankans feel is a prophet and avatar of the god Vishnu. Edy by weird dont think bad. Features, Paraguay's flag is one of the world's oldest national flags. Many of these silly, outdated laws are still on the books. They do it in order to let the seat cool down before they sit on it. 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. 6. When I arrived in Medelln there were some things Colombians do that clearly stood out right away. Let's say a man and a woman walk into a hotel in North Carolina, request to share a room, and claim they are married. Revelers wanting to get their groove on after the clock strikes 12 need to do it in well-lit nightclubs. I would welcome Christmas Comments from the Medellin community. They say things like we are leaving at 12, thats 11 brown time . 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. 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. 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. I think its worth mentioning that its not just a way of speaking. Theres most probably gonna be some cheese on it. 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. In Indiana, it's unlawful to take a fish out of the water using your bare hands. In most parts of the Caribbean islands it is illegal to wear camouflage. 1. Como has estado? The Colombian national anthem is played on the radio and television every day at 6am and 6pm by law The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. 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. If a child burps during church, his parent may be arrested. Strange Laws in All of California. Fares across the country are usually higher on Sundays, holidays and during non-business hours. In most countries, a law enters into force on the date of publication in the official gazette. It's illegal to throw stones in the District of Columbia. Yes, the dreams of many children everywhere are coming true! Becoming more widely spotted, the pink river dolphin, or Amazon River dolphin, is an inhabitant in Colombia. ESLstarter currently offer two programs in this South American gem. There seems to be a celebration for almost everything. Heck my friends even call it brown time. Then you can get down to business. Im from Medelln and maybe I can help you with mono meanings. Fact is, that you always need a plan B or even plan C when having a meeting with a Colombian. 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. This law is enforceable for both men and women. You get to experience different cultures and habits. It includes indecent physical gestures and extends to your text messages and social media, as well. Countries like Malta and Lebanon have strange laws against women. Cheese, I fond the these not neutral but just more creamy. Or how enjoyable somethings can be that you never did before like dancing Salsa. So, you follow their directions and find out there is nothing there. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Or, more precisely, the city of Sevilla. We compiled a list of weird laws around the world you may not believe exist. A really nice compilation of differences. To keep beaches clean and beachgoers healthy, Portugal has banned peeing in the ocean. Lucky you! Top paramilitary chief assassinated in northern Colombia: police. Colombias mafia hired Spanish PR company to erase New initiative will make govt. Also, after Christmas day, Colombia celebrates The Day of the Innocent Saints on December 28. If an owner does not walk their dog once a day (at minimum), they could be fined $625. This isn't just for saying the inappropriate words aloud. As you might know, Colombians love to party! Transport accidents are woefully common in Peru, a country plagued by careless drivers and poor road conditions. Here are 15 of the most bizarre and obscure laws still in effect today: It is illegal for women to drive vehicles while wearing a housecoat in all of California San Diego homeowners who have Christmas lights on their houses past February 2 may be fined up to $250 It is illegal to pour salt on a highway in Hermosa Beach If you're caught without this gadget in your car, you'll be expected . If any person calls a woman a name that suggests she isn't chaste, whether she is married or single, that person can be found guilty of slander. Although there is no jail time for the offense, you could risk . Stretching for over 300km, it is home to the largest bicycle route in South America, and definitely one of the longest in the world. Think tanks propose new court to combat corruption Colombia and Bolivia want UN to decriminalize coca, Juan Gonzalo Angel Restrepo, a.k.a. 13 / 50. 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. "Colombia now is the country with the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and the . Have a nice weekend . If you are going to another country you may find things that you are not use too and that is exactly what this article is about. Expect to pay a hefty fine if you get caught doing so anywhere in the province of Ontario. But, if you run out of gas, you could face a big fine. Thankfully this particular law is no longer enforced, and after the governmental body entrusted in targeting antiquated laws is finished, it might not even be documented anymore. Liked it? In the Muslim United Arab Emirates, swearing could get you fined, jailed or deported. Its very common in Colombia to find this out when asking for directions. Angela, Hi Angela, thank you for the explanation! 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. 1. I also sampled some amazing cheese wrapped in platanos leaves in Tolima ! The following resources have been created or curated by the Law Library of Congress related to this nation. Skamania County, Washington, passed a law in 1969 deeming the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and. In France, drivers are legally required to carry a portable Breathalyzer in their vehicle. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. BACKGROUND: New initiative will make govt. Therationale is supposedly that person who just left the seat youre about to sit in has left their body heat behind and that this can cause the spread of germs. And its soft in texture and pretty neutral in taste. Sounds fishy, but it's true. Have a question? This was a real wake up call for me as this is very much embedded into their very polite culture. Medelln in particular celebrates Christmas with its world-class Medelln Christmas lights that are turned on for over a month. Let me be the first this year to say Merry Christmas. It is also illegal to make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up . They help you as much as they can and would never dare saying No directly to someone. Also, in Colombia, your average Colombian usually makes a distinction between tinto and cafe (coffee). Hola We can get behind that! They just dont seem to prioritize time very much. It's not that you can't go to the bathroom, but you won't be able to make noise while you do it. While women across the nations protested, the law is in effect and you can no longer buy lace garments. Australians aren't the only ones who are apparently opposed to flying a kite. Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? Having retired and moved to Cali three years ago, I can agree that the cultural differences are many. The worst part is that the law is actually strictly enforced. By weird, I dont mean something negative but unusual / different. 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. Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. 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. But for the many dog owners who ignore this law, science is now against you. While the law has been around for a while, fans continue to partake in this tradition. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? In Colombia, that just brings the specialness of each day to light! 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. This stirred up a big debate on whether or not this means flatulence is now a criminal offense. I have run into getting bad directions from Colombians many times so I never ask anymore. In Victoria, Australia, it's been illegal to fly a kite since 1966. 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. Another law, this time from the US state of Vermont, states that women must have their husbands permission to wear false teeth. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. The Brits could revoke the law, but, as armor really isn't as fashionable as it was in the Middle Ages, why should they bother? The rule isn't followed in every part of the country, but if you have an annoying neighbor who wants to complain, they would technically have the law on their side. 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. Heck my wife calls me gordito almost every day. 2) Calling me Mr Trevor (my first name) as a mark of respect for a senior. Since the building is considered a royal family palace, if anyone dies inside it, they must be buried with full honors. I guess we are talking about the same but describe it differently. The time depends on the region. This is a strange Turkmenistan law that affects such a small group of the Turkmenistan population. If you're caught feeding the pigeons, you could face fines of up to 700. If you plant a flower in a pot without a drainage hole, you have created a public nuisance. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. Yet, I heard recently that Medellin had beautiful lights and lots to do during the Christmas holidays. If you are a fluent English speaker who craves a casual, laid-back lifestyle among a welcoming host nation, then why not teach English in Colombia? Only recognize (and find in google search) Gorditas But what about laws that don't make any sense? Photo taken on the dia de la pereza in Itagi. I was out wandering with a friend on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan Island, when we ran into a local walking his pet monkey. Colombians in Antioquia take solicitous politness to a whole new level that I must admit fatugues even me. This may be weird but are lovely and great. Ask for directions from a passerby and if they dont know they still will tell you something like three blocks ahead and to the right. Article 6 of the Civil Code: The bees that flee a hive and come to rest in a tree that is not owned by their previous owner, return to a state of nature and liberty, and anyone may seize them for their honeycomb, as long as they have the permission of the owner of the land upon which they rest. ( IC 7.1-3-10-5 ). Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. (Image: Shutterstock) 2 / 16. 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. But when you're traveling, you certainly don't want to wind up behind bars! But thanks for the input. New Year celebrations in Cambodia get so crazy that the capital city of Siam Reap won't allow for the sale of water pistols leading up to and during its big celebrations. Some Colombians may not even know what some of the Colombia holidays stand for, but will certainly celebrate. This sign of disrespect is punishable by imprisonment in Sri Lanka. Everyone has called him mono. I came to believe if someone did not know your name, they simply called you mono.. The wrestling matches resulted in the inhumane treatment of the bears, who had their claws and teeth removed so they wouldn't maul their opponents. Rome's strict laws against animal cruelty include the walking of pet dogs. Guillo. Me too, I learned my lesson haha . In an effort to encourage people to keep their chickens under control, there is a statute in Quitman, Georgia, that says you can be fined if your chicken should get loose. A luxury that so many are yet to experience is air conditioning. 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. Thankfully this particular law is no longer enforced, and after the governmental body entrusted in targeting antiquated laws is finished, it might not even be documented anymore. But if you are married, it's just one glass of wine for you. 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. If youve been wondering why, much to your chagrin, that Aguila (alcohol content 4%) you were nursing appeared to improve your spatial awareness and make people less interesting, look no further than to this law. In either case, all is good. and just for completeness, the breads in the first photo on the left is Almojabana and right is Pan de Yuca. You can get cited for driving too slow ly . Its meaning varies depending on popular beliefs or the official version. Some Colombian friends told me, that the braces are like a status symbol, for wealth or having money. Como estas? Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. This sexist law is due to the belief that alcohol may make a woman more immoral. 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. In this way I got to know a lot more people, learn more about the culture and also improve my language skills everyday. 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. Its not just a single day or a weekend. Photo of a women with braces outside of a dentist officeC. People dont usually give a seat up on packed buses (unless its very obvious ie. FACT#17. In this article I look at my top 12 things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or funny. Since the law in Colombia does not allow to charge tips directly, in Colombia they usually ask you (especially in tourist areas) if they can charge you a tip. Dogs cannot travel in the back of open-top vehicles. 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. Though it is one of the strange laws in America, its enactment has been beneficial. Earlier this year, the British Express reported a man sent an angry message to a car dealer who seemingly did him wrong. 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. PERDON are all those food words? 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. If you are tried and convicted of horse theft, the penalty in Florida is still written as death by hanging. They love to dress them up with a Colombia shirt or another cute little outfit. Casadas Marinka in Minka. Find out more here, Tel: +44 (0) 161 818 8864 info@eslstarter.com Skype: eslstarter. While these lists are amusing, they are often riddled with factual inaccuracies. STEALING HORSES. All Rights Reserved. Colombians are so nice, they will try to help you even when they dont know the answer to your question. The country banned high heels at the Acropolis in 2009, so no stilettos at the Parthenon. Arkansas. Take the following laws with a grain of salt, as they are truly bizarre. It is illegal for women to drive vehicles while wearing a housecoat. Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job! 2. I now heard several times Colombians calling somebody mono even when he wasnt blond at all. The law was finally repealed in 2010. You usually see this behavior in movies. I dont have so much luck when Im asking for directions. Officials claim the ban helps to properly identify people during crowded events, should anything negative happen and someone need to be identified. When you have a dog you can enter most restaurants and most stores with it. Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. The bottom line is that the things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or just funny or unusual are from our point of view. Of course thats not the only reason because many just couldnt afford braces as a teen and are now catching up on the dental work. Clearly, such obsolete laws are not unique to Colombia. @2008-2019 - Colombia Reports. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. Please dont take it in a negative way, different doesnt mean bad at all . 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.. This can be frustrating and can take some time to get used to for foreigners. What other weird things Colombians do have expat readers experienced? According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. Laws against fun are most common in centuries-old legislation. Muy bien tambien (At this oint Im thinking okay, now down to business to buy that chocolate bar) The law was put on the books in an effort to reduce crime. If you're in certain parts of Sweden and need to go to the bathroom after 10 p.m., you're out of luck. There a many weird and strange laws in Colombia. I now speak Spanish with locals even though I know I might say or pronounce something wrong, but that doesnt stop me anymore from speaking. And all of these are Gluten Free. Bien (grrrr) Don't Take Cheap Buses and Dubious Taxis. A number of books and websites purport to list dumb laws. 1. love from Colombia . Keep up to date with latest news and job offers: Gap year and career break travel insurance, tailored to you. The women wear heels, make-up, and other feminine attire to align with the occasion. One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation. A few of our bizarre, unexplained laws. 6639481. In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in . Taxis Libres (+57-1-311-1111) and Radio Taxi (+57-1-288-8888) are two companies in Bogota with good reputations. Im glad that you agree with almost everything in the article :). 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. I must of asked 5 people in Medellin for directions each of them giving me opposite directions. My father was red hair and everybody called him mono. Perhaps there were too many reported cases of intoxicated bee keepers allowing their bees to escape? The following title(s) link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Besides all this, the goal is still to get a beautiful smile. As a Colombian, I can tell you this is almost 100% accurate. My state of mind changed a lot since I traveled and now live in Colombia. Colombians are really friendly and welcoming people. 2. He mentioned to me recently he enjoyed Christmas in Texas much more than Cali. So, not everybody in Colombia expects an automatic tip. Mothers calling their sons papi and fathers calling their daughters mami. 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. This includes masks, helmets, scarves, hats, fake beards and even burkas. Arizona. Japan was like the country version of the movie "Footloose." Paraguay Facts for Kids. Save for Sumo wrestlers, in an effort to prevent obesity in its citizens, Japan created the Metabo Law. Enjoy your weekend. 3 . 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. Chewing gum in Singapore Matt Ragen/Shutterstock Ireland. 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 little fella will get spoiled, like a human baby. 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. The colors of the Colombia flag are yellow, blue and red. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. Thanks Angela. There are plenty of urban legends and fake state laws circulating around the internet. He was threatened with three weeks in jail for his choice of words. OMG Name calling. It is illegal to cross in front of a car with its engine running. Their love to cheese goes so far, that they put it nearly on and in almost everything. 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. 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. This has to do with the fact that the cemetery is full, so the mayor issued an ordinance in 2008. 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. Tweet this. We know that people in different states have very different opinions on how certain foods should be eatenjust look at the country's wild variety of sandwich . Hi Tacha, 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. Use our online form to ask a librarian for help. Arepas taste lot better with cheese mixed into the dough. We're not sure exactly what level of dirt is permitted or how often the rule is actually enforced. 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). Hot chocolate with cheese is also a thing that Colombians like to drink. You can find many people selling tinto from thermoses on the street. Oblea (like a flattened waffle cone ) will be served with arequipe, jam and of course, cheese. Colombians adore their little hairy companions. Skamania County, Washington, was the first county to draft the law in 1964 which states that "any . The guy down the street is fair game, though. Washington State, just below the border, has a similar law. Think you can just climb a tree in Canada? This ban includes any DIY projects or household cleaning that produces loud noises.