RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Brazil kicked off its most emblematic celebration this weekend as Carnival festivities fill streets, sambadromes and public squares across the country with music, dance and millions of revelers.

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 neighborhoods with music and dance throughout the weekend.

In Sao Paulo, official samba school parades began Friday and continue Saturday, while Salvador, in the northeast, offers its unique flavor 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. ■