Melbourne born-and-bred comedy troupe, Sooshi Mango, have been crowned the 2025 Moomba Monarchs and are gearing up to preside over the festival this March as their beloved ‘ethnic dad’ characters, Johnny, Vince and Sam.
The trio, comprising brothers Carlo and Joe Salanitri and friend Andrew Manfre, have amassed over a billion views online for their hilarious and relatable comedy skits inspired by their European ancestry. They are also local business owners, running Italian restaurant and bar, Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante, on Carlton’s beloved Lygon Street.
“It’s an incredible honour to be crowned 2025 Moomba Monarchs. We are proud Melburnians, and as three unlikely Italian boys from the suburbs, representing not only the city but the festival of Moomba is one of the highest honours we can receive,” said Moomba Monarchs Sooshi Mango, Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre
“To be crowned Monarchs alongside a great list of icons is an absolute privilege and one that fills us with immense pride and gratitude and motivates us to celebrate the legacy that is Moomba and the city we love.”
As part of their royal duties, the trio will take on the Yarra in one of Moomba’s longest-running events, the Birdman Rally, alongside 13 other competitors jumping for charity.
Running from Thursday 6 March to Monday 10 March, the long weekend of free fun will continue Moomba’s 70-year legacy of celebrating the city’s rich and diverse cultures, as well as its people, art, music and sport.
The centrepiece of the festival, the Moomba Parade, will return featuring 1600 performers from community groups, dance troupes, circus acts, and more. This year’s parade fleet will feature seven new floats – including Best Party Ever! – created in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Also debuting at this year’s parade will be a Wurundjeri float designed by Wurundjeri artist and cultural consultant, Alex Kerr, in collaboration with community members.
In another first, Federation Square is set to transform into the ultimate pop playground, as international TikTok sensation and pop icon Peach PRC takes over for an exclusive, free concert on Sunday 9 March as part of Open Air at the Square.
Peach will bring her signature bold, bubblegum-punk-pop energy to the heart of Melbourne, joined by Sydney based singer-songwriter and producer Carla Wehbe and Adelaide-born indie-pop darling George Alice.
Other favourites joining the fun across five magic Moomba days include:
- The Moomba Masters water sports competition, featuring top Australian and international athletes, alongside the return of the Jetpack water show for the second year as part of the River program.
- More than 30 rides and games for thrill-seekers of all ages including the brand-new Sky Flyer XL, Australia’s tallest family thrill ride, swinging punters 60 meters in the air to take in the best views of the city.
- Exhilarating scooting, skating, and riding at the Moomba Skate Park, featuring top skaters in the Australian Skateboarding League’s National Final and the BMX and Scooter Skate Park League Grand Final, alongside the disco-themed Moomba Community Roller Jam
- Over 60 performers and entertainers, interactive activities and play zones and nightly fireworks lighting up the Melbourne skyline.
Moomba is proud to return in 2025 as an accessible and certified carbon-neutral event. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Symbol initiative will also continue, offering support to those with hidden disabilities, while relaxed hours from 4.00pm – 6.00pm on Friday will provide a quieter, more sensory-friendly experience for those sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds.
“No one is too cool for Moomba, so drop the pretence and join the fun at Australia’s biggest free community festival,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece. “We’re expecting more than 1.3 million people to join this whacky and wonderful Melbourne celebration.”
“The Moomba Festival is a massive event for Melbourne, generating more than $45 million for our local economy, supporting jobs and showcasing our city traders.”
“We’re gearing up for big belly laughs as we crown Sooshi Mango the 2025 Moomba Monarchs and follow their antics as they immerse themselves in the action.”
The 2025 Moomba Festival runs from 6 – 10 March. For more information and full program, visit: www.moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Lord Mayor Nick Reece with Sooshi Mango (Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre), the 2025 Moomba Monarchs – courtesy of City of Melbourne