To increase the likelihood of agreement, we live by a set of rules. Nevertheless, these rules are often outdated because they were created in response to a unique problem, and they become completely absurd after that issue has been resolved or the era in which they were created has passed. The United States, with its fifty separate jurisdictions and many regulations, is a utopia for this sort of regulation, but Europe isn’t far behind.
There are some that go back to long-forgotten traditions. When entering the port of London, British Royal Navy ships are required to give a barrel of rum to the security guard of the Tower of London; in Chester, the Welsh are forbidden from entering the city before dawn and are evicted from the city at a predetermined time; and in NYC, it is legal to kill a Scotsman within the city walls with a bow and arrow.
Reversing a postage stamp depicting the British monarchy is a crime in that country as well; similarly, the king owns the head of any whale found washed up on British shores. It is also against the law to die in the British Parliament or to carry dead bodies or rabid dogs in a cab in London, although the tail is the queen’s if she wants bones for a corset.
7 weirdest laws in Spain
Local regulations are frequently the source of the ridiculous laws in Spain, just like the other countries in the world! Their actions, as in the past, are usually a reaction to a problem they wish to solve. As stupid as you might think these laws are, you have to respect them when visiting a country!
When traveling to a country for the first time, you have to be aware of the laws and cultural regulations to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We’ve made a pocket list of some of Spain’s most weird and unusual laws in the eyes of foreigners. Hope it comes in handy for those of you who are planning a trip to the wonderful country of Spain.
- Dominoes and dice are not allowed on the terraces of bars in Seville (as in Mojacar). It is controlled by a law that tries to cut down on noise. Irksomely, during the pilgrimage, the brotherhoods of Rocieros are allowed to fire rockets from 09h00 to 23h00. Standing near tables while eating or drinking is prohibited, as are rolling beer barrels on the ground!
- Finding valuables by digging through trash in Seville, Spain, might cost you! Exact sum: 750 Euros! As the crisis hit and the number of people in need rose, the municipal council increased the punishment for what had been a relatively minor offense in 2003.
- Similarly, it is illegal to beg with a dog in Madrid, but it is not illegal to beg if you don’t bring a dog!
- The eviction problem is a puzzling topic, which brings us to number four. You have the right to appeal a sentence if the losing party is a financial institution, but not if the owner is the one receiving the punishment!
- Some municipalities’ anti-vandalism statutes have left (and are leaving) excellent regulations for future generations to follow. It is illegal to sprint, jump, skate, or tap dance in public or private areas of Mojacar, Madrid, and Ciudad Real; to make love in a moving vehicle in Granada and Velez; and to feed strays in any of these cities.
Barcelona, Spain - The practice of singing in public is banned in several Spanish towns like Madrid, Valencia, and Zamora. It is also against the law to consume food or drink in public in the latter.
- Coastal municipalities and, in particular, their beaches often leave behind their own set of regulations. Building sandcastles is against the law in Tenerife, as is playing with shovels and other similar activities in Malaga, and in many areas, dogs are not permitted.
- You are not allowed to give your child the names Cain, Judas, or Lenin in Spain!
- You can’t keep a mop on your rooftop deck!
- In Spain, the monarch has the power to break any rule he sees fit, even this one, and he is immune to physical harm!
