The Louisiana city known as the Big Easy is celebrating a big birthday this year. New Orleans turns 300 years old. The celebration began December 31 with a huge fireworks show over the Mississippi River. Performances, parties and other events throughout 2018 will honor the tricentennial, including the city’s most famous celebration: Mardi Gras. Kristian Sonnier is with New Orleans' Convention and Visitors Bureau. She says the city’s three centuries of history include colonization by both France and Spain, a British invasion, devastating fires, pirates, yellow fever and hurricanes, among other challenges. But, through it all, New Orleans has held on to what Sonnier calls authentic traditions and a sense of place.