9. Mardi Gras

The Buzz -- New Orleans' signature festival originated as a religious holiday, but it's best known for its spectacular parades and frenetic party scene. Approximately two weeks of festivities culminate with this citywide holiday on the final Tuesday before Lent. The four major processions – Zulu, Rex, Elks, and Crescent City – travel from Napoleon Avenue to St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Over 15,000 riders, donning colorful masks, toss buckets of beads and themed coins to the crowds, who party far into the night. NB The official start of Mardi Gras is January 6, the "twelfth night" after Christmas.