NEW ORLEANS - Essence Fest is back and better than ever for their 30th birthday celebration. Thursday, the Essence Festival of Culture kicked off its event and previewed some of the fun to come while also appreciating the journey to 30 years of celebrating Black culture.

WWL-TV reports the annual festival brings half a million people into the city each year. 

"Thank you for understanding the city of New Orleans is second to none not only in the United States of America but throughout the world," New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said. "There’s not other culture as rich as this culture right here."

Visit Essence Fest this weekend. For more information, visit its website here.