Sao Paulo's annual carnival season kicks off

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Brazil celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of Lent every February or March, depending on the year, with processions, dance, music and visual creativity called Carnival.

But Carnival in Sao Paulo isn't just about the parades. It is all about the countless street parties called blocks that take on the most amazing variation of themes and play the most diverse types of music. This year's Sao Paulo's carnival season kicked off on Friday, February 23. Some 570 teams will bring performances throughout various blocks in the city.

A reveler takes part in the Sergeant Pepper's block party in San Paulo Carnival.

Revelers take part in "Casa Conmigo" (Marry me) block party during Sao Paulo Carnival. /VCG Photo

Revelers take part in the Sergeant Pepper's block party during San Paulo Carnival. VCG Photo

Happy faces of revelers in San Paulo Carnival. /VCG Photo

A boy dances during the block party in San Paulo. /VCG Photo

Revelers wear costumes at San Paulo Carnival. /VCG Photo

Remember to plan your carnival ahead of time, mapping out a basic plan of the blocks you'd like to see. Many parties occur close to one another, so it can be easy to flit in and out as you want. What's more, the city's subway system is usually free of charge during the festivities, meaning that getting across town to the next party is straightforward.

(With input from Xinhua.)