Spain is a huge country, governed by many rules, and as it shows from this article, funny laws too. We present the list of the top ten funny laws in Spain but, surprisingly, none of them has anything to do with bulls or gazpacho
Funny laws are an interesting reflection of local culture. And since summer is one of those times when virtually everyone rushes to explore other cultures, we decided to pull the curtain on some of the quirkiest local and regional legislation that you may encounter on your vacation.
Here is a list of the top ten funny laws in Spain, but, we are sure that many more are missing from this article
Don´t walk half-naked on the street
This one is actually slowly and gradually becoming the norm in many Mediterranean countries, seeking to preserve a modicum of normality and civility in daily urban lives. Coastal cities, such as Valencia, Barcelona and Malaga, have outlawed the frivolity of walking around in your trunks or bikini under the threat of a fine.
The urban areas aren’t just an extension and attachment to the beach, if anything it’s the other way round, or think of them as separate areas with their own rules. In Palma de Mallorca, you can’t be shirtless either, even if wearing a nice set of dress trousers.
Don´t show off your underwear
Sevillanos take skimpy outfit policing even further. Never mind going out dressed in your undies on the streets, you are not even allowed to hang them out to dry after you’ve washed them.
That kind of thing is seen as offensive and an affront to the morality of the fairly conservative southern city. We’re not sure what the fine for that would be, but it is one of the funniest funny laws in Spain
Don´t clack your dominos in Seville
What’s up with those Sevillanos being such party poopers, but yea, it seems that the law prohibits people to play dominoes, but only on the tables of outdoor bars and cafes (or as they are locally known – terrazas).
This one dates back to 2013 when the city council passed an Ordinance Against Acoustic, Noise and Vibration Pollution. What makes this even weirder is that playing card games doesn’t fall under this legislation.
The reasoning, therefore, goes that the noise is generated by the actual clacking of domino tiles on the table. For the same reason, you can’t roll beer barrels on the street or have a TV set on your balcony. According to Voz Populi, even most Sevillians aren’t aware of these rules.
Don´t dry your mop on the balcony
Did you know that cleaning mops were invented in Spain? Yes, and so were the lollipops. Apparently, Spaniards are experts at attaching things to one end of sticks and converting them into new things.
However, residents in the town of Villanueva de la Torre (central Spain) are not allowed to dry their mops on their balconies or visible places. It’s the mention of mops in the ordinance that’s gotten the most attention, but in reality, the ban also refers to any items of laundry hanging out to air in the sun.
Apparently, this has to do with civil cohabitation between neighbours, though we’re unsure how this will lessen quarrels between next-door residents. We guess every bit counts. In that vein, dogs aren’t allowed to bark at night there either. Since 2012.
Don’t sing on the street in Zamora
Imagine that you’ve had a glass or two of nice Spanish sherry, a slice of tortilla de patatas, and you find yourself walking in the balmy night on a street in the city of Zamora. It all feels so glorious and wonderful that you want to air it all out in the form of a praising song. Well, you better not. It would be counted as vandalism there.
The ordinance regulating coexistence in this Castillian municipality states in Article 41 the following: “It is prohibited to disturb the rest and tranquillity of the neighbours through: songs or the practice of acrobatics and skill games with skates, skateboards or bicycles outside the areas designated for that purpose”. So, we guess that means that no one will applaud your somersault skills either.
Don´t throw rice on the newlyweds in Cadiz
Nothing says wedding traditions like dressing in white for the bride, exchanging rings, and throwing rice over the newlyweds – the latter is meant to symbolize prosperity and fertility. In the Andalusian city of Cadiz, however, the local government thinks rice mostly contributes to the fertility of pigeons, given that they are the ones left to clean up after the blessed ritual.
Since 2007, the municipality has banned that wedding custom on account that it’s actually trying to limit the bird population and thus maintain cleaner public areas. Likewise, throwing flower petals was also banned, making the city cleaner but somewhat less appealing as a tie-the-knot destination.
Don’t beg with a dog
In Spain, animal rights are constantly evolving. So much so, that occasionally there are some rules that may baffle you at first glance. For example, the one where beggars are not allowed to be accompanied by dogs.
The reasoning goes that such animals are used as props and often mistreated, for instance, drugged, in order to garner more pity for the begging person. And this goes right into animal abuse territory. In this case, offenders can be subject to fines of up to 3,000 euros.
However, the authorities assure that it doesn’t mean that homeless people can’t own dogs or other pets.
Don´t take your dog to the beach
Spain’s Ley de Costas (Beach Law) demands that the country’s beaches be kept clean and safe. Many municipalities have taken it up to themselves to interpret this as no pets on the sand strip. As such, you’ll find that in general your best four-legged friend isn’t allowed to catch some summer vibes on the waves. And the fines can reach up to 3,000 euros.
Luckily, that’s not the case everywhere. Other municipalities have seen a market opportunity in this and have jumped to create dog-friendly beaches as a way to attract pet-loving tourists.
Mind the sex workers on the road
Back in 2010, the small town of Els Alamús, in Catalonia, made headlines with the news that the authorities have forced the paid sex workers operating at a local roundabout to wear yellow reflective vests. Failing to do so could mean a 40-euro fine for the women or men practising that profession.
The police have found it hard to eradicate prostitution in that spot, so instead they tried to resort to the traffic law as a way of imposing some order. And even if the vests clashed with the provocative outfits worn by the girls, at least it reduced the risk of them being run over by a car.
Don´t do dumpster diving in Seville
This one is quite controversial. And has been in place since 2003. In essence, searching for food or valuables in the trash bins is strictly forbidden and carries a fine of 750 euros, with serious and repeat offenders facing possible punishments of up to 3,000 euros.
Given that the number of people who rummage through the trash is a clear sign of a deteriorating economic situation, it only seems absurd to impose heavy fines on those who don’t have the money to afford basic food anyway.
The local government has defended the ordinance with the argument that this protects the health of those who consume food from the trash, plus it helps keep the streets cleaner.
An interesting way of trying to eradicate poverty – sanctioning it.
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