Brazil Kicks Off Carnival Weekend With Massive Street Celebrations

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 15 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Brazil kicked off its most iconic celebration this weekend, as Carnival festivities flooded streets, sambadromes and public squares across the country with music, dance and millions of revelers, reported Xinhua.

In Rio de Janeiro, the highlight will be the Special Group Samba School parades at the Sambadrome, running from Sunday through Tuesday.

Major samba schools will present large-scale performances featuring elaborate floats, thousands of dancers and powerful drum sections, while traditional street parties named blocos will fill neighbourhoods with music and dance throughout the weekend.

In Sao Paulo, official samba school parades began on Friday and continue on Saturday, while Salvador, in the northeast, offers its unique flavour with sound trucks moving through city circuits to Afro-Brazilian rhythms such as axe and samba-reggae.

Recife and Olinda are also holding major events through Tuesday, featuring giant puppets, frevo and maracatu performances.

Beyond entertainment, the Carnival is a key economic driver, boosting hotels, restaurants and transport.

Local authorities have stepped up security, sanitation, and health services to ensure safe celebrations, with campaigns promoting peaceful coexistence, diversity and responsible conduct. 

--BERNAMA-XINHUA