Mardi Gras is the best free entertainment on the planet. When it comes to Mardi Gras, you need to leave behind your everyday stress and struggles and step into your purple, green, and gold alter ego.

The easiest way to survive the day is by staking a spot on the route with your best Mardi-Gras-loving friends. You can set up chairs, food, drinks, and even have full-time access to a bathroom. Inevitably, people will wander away from the neutral ground spot to explore the parade route and people watch. During those wandering times, or if you are a Mardi Gras floater (ˈmärdē ˌɡräˈ flōdər : a person that wanders for the entirety of the day with no neutral ground spot) then make sure you input some of these Mardi Gras Survival Tips:

Have a plan

Often times you cannot rely on cell phone service on the parade days because there are so many people also trying to use their phones. Plus, it is easy to get separated in a crowd where somehow everyone knows everyone. Either designate a meet up spot in the instance of a separation or designate a destination (aka bar) where everyone can eventually meet up again. Just make sure your friends aren’t left completely stranded at the end of the night.

Have a go-to toilet

If you find a spot on the route that comes with access to a toilet all day and night, then you win! You’ll be oh-so-thankful for that toilet when other people are waiting in line to pay a dollar to use the public porta potties.

Bring a roll of toilet paper

If you are not as lucky as the full-access toilet people, then pack a roll of toilet paper in your backpack. Just trust me on this one. There is nothing worse than using a porta potty with no toilet paper.

Bring something to hold your drink with

Koozie? CamelBack backpack? Or maybe take after this guy…

Bring some extra clothes

If you live in Louisiana, then you are well aware of our crazy weather. There have been several Mardi Gras where it was super hot during the day and freezing cold at night. On the other hand, there have been many Mardi Gras seasons that were just straight up cold. Your best bet is to be prepared for both hot and cold weather. You might want to switch from shorts to pants or bring a jacket for later. Don’t forget your gloves if it’s really cold because nothing is worse than catching thick beads with frozen fingers. But I doubt you’ll have to worry about that this year.

Bring water and some snacks

Necessities. You never know when you’ll need a snack, am I right?

This season I hope you embrace the crazy, seize the day, and make some lasting fuzzy memories. Have a fun and safe Mardi Gras season! Comment your favorite survival tip below. Bring on the parades! Laissez les bon temps rouler!