As we gear up for our newest adventure to a distant land, we devour as much information about the new country we’ll soon visit (this is, after all, the age of information). Sometimes though, information eludes us, and during our travels we stumble upon a cultural festival we never heard of or get caught up in the midst of traditions that confuse us. Before you get caught off guard and need to run for your life from bulls or save your new Dolce & Gabbana dress for a day when tomatoes aren’t hurled into the streets freely, do your research. You might find some strange and interesting holidays or traditions will take place during your visit.