In Colombia, its not unusual seeing Colombians of all ages wearing braces. When people first began sighting Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, in the 1800s, British Columbia made it illegal to kill him/her/it. Here are some of the most random and unique laws in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. In the 1950s, the situation got so bad that a law had to be passed against this. The state passed legislation prohibiting bear fighting in 2000. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. Christmas lights inside Parque Norte in Medelln last year. Hi Tacha, 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. I wish i knew that before . A law that prohibits Colombian companies from "importing" Chinese laborers to work on Colombian land is just one of the ridiculous and bizarre laws that may be targeted for removal by a government body looking at ways to steamline the country's legal system, El Pais reported on Monday. These things Colombians do you will need to get used to, but thats one of the nice things about foreign countries. 4. Enacted in 1948 while U.S. soldiers occupied Japan, the ban was placed to stop liberal Americans from corrupting the good citizens of Japan. My embarrassment tolerance went sky high since Im living in Colombia. 2. Lastly, relevent to the topic our son has light brown hair and is often called mono. I figure that is because either his hair is almost blonde or an incorrect guess at his name. love from Colombia . With those different habits you get to see new things and get to understand the new culture even better. 2. SI,SI,SI,SI,SI WOULD YOU PLEASE RING UP THE CHOCOLATE???!!! And Christmas is almost a month-long celebration in Colombia. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. | Contact | Editorial Policy | 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. We refer to mono or mona to blondes. And other things Colombian do that I noticed by observing the locals after being in Medelln for a while. They love to dress them up with a Colombia shirt or another cute little outfit. 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. 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. 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. Better to get the picture-perfect shot of Venice's beautiful bridges instead. The law 198 sees thatOh gloria inmarcesible! is played daily at 6am and 6pm both on the radio and on public television. CNBCTV18.com has handpicked a few strange yet intriguing laws that could get you in trouble in another country. Until 1215, even being accused of a crime resulted in the punishment of enduring an ordeal that revealed a person's innocence or guilt. LOL!! And its soft in texture and pretty neutral in taste. Save for Sumo wrestlers, in an effort to prevent obesity in its citizens, Japan created the Metabo Law. 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. Those who live 5 miles or more from the place where the invasion is occurring must announce it by beating on a drum or another method that alerts the town. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. Medelln in particular celebrates Christmas with its world-class Medelln Christmas lights that are turned on for over a month. So, I am tentatively planning to buy three tickets and fly in for a week beginning December 25th. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Think just different. In Alabama it is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church, while mustaches are illegal in Indiana if the bearer as a tendency to habitually kiss other humans. To keep beaches clean and beachgoers healthy, Portugal has banned peeing in the ocean. 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. Have a nice weekend . Staying on the coffee theme, its completely normal for children to drink coffee after meals. If you're caught without this gadget in your car, you'll be expected . 3 . See Minca as a great location for anyone interested in nature and exploring nature reserves, parks, and other protected areas. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. 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. Also, I have to mention, that the cheese here is not as salty and strong in taste. In 2013, one young tree-climbing enthusiast earned himself a $365 ticket for climbing one in Bellevue Square Park. But thanks for the input. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween. When making a payment that is more than $10, it is illegal to pay with more than a single coin under the Currency Act in Canada. 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. I dont have so much luck when Im asking for directions. In Indiana, it's unlawful to take a fish out of the water using your bare hands. Aww now I want to go back to Colombia for christmas! On the island of Majorca, for example, you could pay 100, but you could pay up to 1,500 in Galicia. One of Mexico's most beautiful pueblos also has one of the country's weirdest laws: no kissing in the street. This includes masks, helmets, scarves, hats, fake beards and even burkas. 30. Paraguay's flag is one of the world's oldest national flags. Believe me when I say, you will never have to worry about getting bored in Medelln or other cities in Colombia, theres always something going on. So, you can wear a fake mustache to church as long as it doesn't elicit laughter. And one has to get used to if he/she comes from a more direct culture, to not be perceived as rude. Same with your height or your body size, its possible that you get called gordito (fat) if youre bigger or flaco (skinny) because youre skinny, and so on. Even if youre not dancing, drinking or singing, you will have fun watching the Colombians doing it. This need to avoid clothing that could have been worn throughout the day also extends to T-shirts; you'll need to lose those as fast as your surfer shorts. And finally may even have a small cup before going to bed. 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. This sign of disrespect is punishable by imprisonment in Sri Lanka. Besides all this, the goal is still to get a beautiful smile. Gringo: Is Being Called a Gringo Offensive in Colombia? Arepas taste lot better with cheese mixed into the dough. But don't even think about trying to enjoy this childhood pastime anywhere else. 3. About the name-calling I also agree with you. The colors of the Colombia flag are yellow, blue and red. 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. Tibetan Buddist monks are not allowed to reincarnate after they die unless they have been granted permission from the government. Features, Be polite and cover tattoos, respect "no photograph" signs, and don't turn your back on him. It seems a tad dangerous. Hunting any animals other than raccoons on Sunday. Sign up for the Free Medellin Guru Newsletter You can see all of the previousMedellin Guru weeklyemail newsletters and sign up here. "Dumb Laws" Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. In either case, all is good. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. If a dead whale should wash up on the shores of the British coast, the head belongs to the King, the tail belongs to the Queen, and the bones will go to the making of her corset, an antiquated British law reads. In addition, Colombia has has more public holidays than most countries with a total of 18 holidays during the year. Theres most probably gonna be some cheese on it. Ireland. You can't wake a sleeping bear to take a selfie. In order for me to make this Colombia's best travel guide, I have to mention Minca, which is located in the highlands of the country. Adam Skowronski/flickr Raccoons are fair game, but only until 2 a.m. 3. While women across the nations protested, the law is in effect and you can no longer buy lace garments. Guillo. These weird facts will help you get over the culture shock when you relocate to one of the worlds happiest countries. 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. Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? All Rights Reserved. #10: Flirting. 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. One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation. If a child burps during church, his parent may be arrested. 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. You may also face a fine, depending on the contents of your barrel. 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. In 2011, a Swiss man was fined more than $100 for his bare-bottomed walk. Airport taxis across Colombia are regulated, safe and an easy to spot bright yellow color. And you end up going in circles. Powered by Digitale Zaken and Parrolabs. Fun stuff ! Yep, that's right! Whereas in the U.S. or Europe, it seems almost only kids wear braces. But, if you run out of gas, you could face a big fine. Fares across the country are usually higher on Sundays, holidays and during non-business hours. 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. On Feb. 21, Colombia's Constitutional Court legalized abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Goldfish are not allowed to be kept in bowls and must, instead, have a full-sized aquarium. Classically, it is performed by grasping a live chicken by the sholder blades and moving around one's head three times, symbolically transferring one's sins to the chicken. The following resources have been created or curated by the Law Library of Congress related to this nation. But it would be boring if you would know everything already and everything was the same, right? In my opinion it is uncomfortable to get this question asked. And then, you'll be fined. Tall dandelions and other weeds are banned in Pueblo Large dandelions in southern Colorado. So, not everybody in Colombia expects an automatic tip. Casadas Marinka in Minka. On top of that, Colombians taught me how to not overthink everything, but just enjoy the moment. Muy bien tambien (At this oint Im thinking okay, now down to business to buy that chocolate bar) Every few years, articles describing "strange but true laws in each state" make the rounds on social media. Countries like Malta and Lebanon have strange laws against women. 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. I prefer the cheese with sweet stuff, like Arepa de Chocolo con Queso or Pastel de Arequiqe con Queso. 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 . Links to additional digital content are provided when available. (where Im from) Thats why I didnt even think about it. Strange laws from Latin America Some laws are obvious. I retired to Cali three years ago from Houston, Texas with my wife and our 7-year old son. 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. 2. And don't even think of walking to a gas station; you'll get another fine for that! Paraguay Facts for Kids. ( IC 7.1-3-10-5 ). 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. Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. Ill be visiting Medellin my 3rd time next month and I absolutely love the culture there. Sorry ladies (and gents), but Russia doesn't want you wearing anything lacy underneath your clothing. Then you ask someone else at this location and they tell you its five blocks in the other direction. Strange Laws in All of California. Im glad that you agree with almost everything in the article :). In Victoria, Australia, it's been illegal to fly a kite since 1966. It includes indecent physical gestures and extends to your text messages and social media, as well. Maybe because I have many Hispanic friends. Note the above photo is Colombians celebrating Christmas, something that Colombians do on a completely different level. Oblea (like a flattened waffle cone ) will be served with arequipe, jam and of course, cheese. Links to additional digital content are provided when available. Spiteful gossip or talking behind someone's back is illegal in Indiana. You will be surprised how tasty things can be that may sound or look weird. It's not that you can't go to the bathroom, but you won't be able to make noise while you do it. Only directional, real estate and landmark signs are allowed. The list of foods in Colombia with cheese seems to be endless. Great article! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job! Colombians are one of the friendliest people I have ever met. So I definitely agree its something that people should know before they go ! (We have to admit, that's a pretty good rule.). Let me out of here!!!!!! Perhaps there were too many reported cases of intoxicated bee keepers allowing their bees to escape? I now heard several times Colombians calling somebody mono even when he wasnt blond at all. There have been some things posted that I experienced and was not surprised by or thought but maybe some of that is because my wife is Colombian. This requires people between the ages of 40 to 74 to have an annual waist measurement performed at the doctor. We're not sure how many people were planning to die here, but we guess Britain wanted to be safe. During large national events, such as the World Cup and elections, local Colombian governments will impose a short-term ban on alcohol to avoid violence in the streets between rival supporters. I have met a few that are very punctual. The women wear heels, make-up, and other feminine attire to align with the occasion. Amanado? And all of these are Gluten Free. I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. The islands want to look clean while you're cleaning. He mentioned to me recently he enjoyed Christmas in Texas much more than Cali. more efficent: Santos. Colombia. Overall hygiene is very important to Colombian culture from what I gather irrespective of class. 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. Coffee con leche (coffee with milk) is an after dinner treat for little ones, whilst strong black coffee is the norm for adults. Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. Due Amici Pizzeria: A Popular Pizzeria in Medelln with Good Pizza, Viva Envigado: A Guide to the Largest Mall in Colombia in Envigado. A receipt with two totals, one with a tip (27,315 pesos) and one without a tip (25,000 pesos). Just in case you get hungry, Idaho will imprison you up to 14 years if you eat the flesh or blood of a person. Fact is, that you always need a plan B or even plan C when having a meeting with a Colombian. Sometimes its automatically on the bill without asking. Under the Salmon Act of 1986, Parliament deemed it illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances across the U.K. Yes, you read that right. Colombia is a different country with different habits and some things Colombians do may seem to be weird by foreigners. The list of celebrations in Colombia seems to be endless. (Image: Shutterstock) 2 / 16. Read on to know more. NEBRASKA. Instead, being hesitant around the issue and explaining their reasoning instead of just saying no. But for the many dog owners who ignore this law, science is now against you. 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. Think tanks propose new court to combat corruption Colombia and Bolivia want UN to decriminalize coca, Juan Gonzalo Angel Restrepo, a.k.a. This is possibly the weirdest fact of them all. In Finland, however, taxi drivers are required by law to pay royalty fees for songs they play while driving passengers. Here are 13 of those weird laws in Colorado that will leave you shaking your head. Yeah pretty much everyone in Central and South America is late. Bien (grrrr) 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. So much so, that the country has made driving a dirty car illegal here. It is illegal to cross in front of a car with its engine running. This law was put forward to protect hibernating bears since tourists would waltz into the dens and disturb the animals' seasonal slumber. If caught, you could receive a fine up to $500 and even up to a year in jail. When packing for a trip to Greece, make sure you have the right shoes. Si, gracias In Colombia, that just brings the specialness of each day to light! One of the things that stands out to me as being unique is the intentional way Colombians dress and their attention to their appearance. DON'T TOUCH ELECTRIC WIRES and just for completeness, the breads in the first photo on the left is Almojabana and right is Pan de Yuca. 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. Other wacky laws across the country include items about mustaches and food in particular. Need assistance? 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. 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. Colombians love nothing better than dipping a special, melting cheese into a steaming hot mug of hot chocolate. For someone who loves ocean surfing, you will be impressed to learn that Peru is one of the best surfing locations in the world. If you're a single woman in La Paz, Bolivia, drink up! Though it is one of the strange laws in America, its enactment has been beneficial. They claim it is for health and safety. If you ask (especially a stranger) a question, like: where is the nearest supermarket or where can I get a hamburger. Thats why it surprised me even more that they nickname people by their appearance. Advertisement. Besides that, this is so true lol. 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. Arizona. Ive spent many months and weeks in Cali since the 90s. So, keep this in mind when youre having a date, appointment, meeting or whatever it might be. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? 15 years ago, it was unsafe to leave Colombia's big cites and drive into the countryside or between cities. The weird aspect of the Act comes from Section 32 of the Act, which is headed "Handling Salmon in Suspicious Circumstances". Theres no age limit for partying here. Heck my wife calls me gordito almost every day. As you might know, Colombians love to party! 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. 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 Keep your eyes on your gas gauge and fill 'er up when you get low. Here are some funny, dumb state laws from Nebraska to Wyoming. Please dont take it in a negative way, different doesnt mean bad at all . 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. I guess, for some things it is just not possible to have a rule for, that 100% fits. The Salmon Act 1986 is a weird English law that deals primarily with the licensing and regulation of salmon dealing in Scotland and in England and Wales. Angela, Hi Angela, thank you for the explanation! As any of my hispanic friends will assert, its a brown thing. By nature and upbringing Im courteous and social. I felt that it didnt need to be salty because it was just naturally delicious. Skamania County, Washington, passed a law in 1969 deeming the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and. 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. 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. 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. From the suburbs right into the centre of the city, Bogota is covered in cyclists and cycle lanes. Transport accidents are woefully common in Peru, a country plagued by careless drivers and poor road conditions. The time depends on the region. This was a real wake up call for me as this is very much embedded into their very polite culture. It is illegal for autonomous vehicles to drive over 60 miles per hour. Japan was like the country version of the movie "Footloose." Even if the preacher asks if anyone has any objection to the wedding, if you are in South Australia, keep it to yourself. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. It is also illegal to make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up . Under Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, "swearing disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person.". While they cannot be walked, they must have room to swim. When you take a selfie with Buddha, you are turning your back on him. The future of Medellin Guru needs the help of readers to remain ad free. . If you plant a flower in a pot without a drainage hole, you have created a public nuisance. Heck my friends even call it brown time. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. 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.