APA- Abuja (Nigeria) The Abuja 2009 carnival on Saturday kicked off with the display of colors and excitement was evident among members of the participating contingents from Nigerian states, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana.

Abuja residents lined the walk-ways along the carnival routes through Garki village, Area 1, festival road where it will terminate at Eagle square.

All 36 states, excluding Ogun, participated in the carnival floats where each state showcased different colorful artistic and symbolic representation of their culture and traditions.

All members of the contingents also performed their peculiar dance moves to the admiration and excitement of residents, including motorists who openly showed appreciation by taking quick snap shots with either their cameras or cell phones.

Officials of the Abuja carnival 2009 were conspicuously seen coordinating the easy movements of the floats as they handed out water sachet to the artists during the long carnival walk.

In order to avoid the 2008 incident one life was lost with several others wounded when a driver of its float lost control, organizers of carnival 2009 took the precautionary measure to make available guides to properly direct drivers to keep their floats steady on the road.

“I am excited to see my brothers and sisters doing the dance steps of our people,” said local resident, Mr Uche Ike.

The four day carnival is organized without the expected state funds.