Hundreds of performers and spectators gather on the streets of Angola's capital Luanda for the annual Angolan carnival. The three-day bash this year also seeks to celebrate the central African nation's 50 year anniversary of independence. "The carnival is a celebration, a demonstration of our culture. Today, we are here to celebrate our independence, our freedom. Right now, we are having a big party. We are very happy," said one spectator. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES