When Carnival season rolls around, it’s easy to get lost in the commotion and forget the spirit at the core of the festivities. Carnival is a public event, and so it’s common for us to take what we want from the celebration without giving anything back. It is important to remember, however, that Carnival is not simply an excuse to get drunk: it is about reveling as a vibrant and cohesive community.

To get the most out of Carnival season, it’s necessary to help others enjoy the experience, rather than just focusing on yourself. First of all, put your best foot forward. Be sure to enjoy yourself, but do not ruin the experience for those around you. Essentially, don’t act in a thoughtless or short-sighted manner.

Remember that acting stupidly won’t just impede others’ fun — it can also land you in trouble with the police. Police officers are pushed to their limits during Carnival, so don’t do anything that might give them cause to arrest you. Remember that if you are arrested during the season, then you will be in custody until Ash Wednesday.

As such, always keep safety at the front of your mind. Do not endanger yourself or those around you. Don’t get involved in violence, and remove yourself from any situation that seems to be taking a violent turn. Carnival is ripe with crime, but you can do your best to avoid it. Keep your eye on the celebration and steer clear of the drama. No situation is worth spending Carnival in Central Lockup.

Know which areas are tame and which ones are bacchanal, and be sure to respect the atmosphere. Don’t disrupt family areas. Let children and their relatives celebrate as they feel appropriate; there is no need to bring your drunk antics into the equation. Remember not to get too competitive and not to overvalue the throws. Most of what you catch is just cheap plastic, so don’t get carried away. There’s no reason to shove those around you when the beads will end up in the recycling bin at the end of the night anyway.

Most importantly, remember that this season is about far more than binge drinking. Carnival season in New Orleans is successful because our entire community comes together and devotes what it can to make this time of year great. Going to the parades without adding any value is not only minimizing your experience but also detracting from the spectacle.

Get into the spirit of Carnival and help those around you enjoy the season as well. This means something different for everyone: it could mean getting dressed up in costume, assisting those around you when they are in need or simply recycling your beads. Whatever it means to you, keep in mind that you are a part of this community, and it is your responsibility to contribute to the festivities in the best way possible.