Like Mardi Gras, but in DC

As I hunker down for the long-long weekend (I have Monday and Tuesday off from work), I couldn't help but realize similarities between where I live now, and my last hometown of New Orleans. Note the following similarities:

1. Entire city blocks will be closed to car traffic.

2. Hordes of people (one estimation I heard was 5 million people) will be wandering the streets looking to celebrate.

3. Bars will be open for 24 hours.

4. There will not be enough toilets for the masses of people wandering the streets.

5. People living in the greater DC metro area are renting out their homes and leaving for the weekend.

6. People who haven't left DC had people they haven't talked to in years calling up asking for a place to stay.

7. They are formal balls all weekend.

8. Friday night there is more traffic coming into the city and leaving the city.

9. Tuesday is a federal holiday!