“No-one is too cool for Moomba”: Sooshi Mango crowned 2025 Moomba Monarchs

Melbourne’s very own comedy trio, Sooshi Mango, has been named the 2025 Moomba Monarchs and are set to take centre stage at this year’s festival in March, bringing their popular "ethnic dad" personas - Johnny, Vince, and Sam - along for the ride.

Running from March 6 to 10, the Moomba Festival will continue its 70-year tradition of offering a jam-packed long weekend of free entertainment, highlighting the city’s vibrant cultures, people, art, music, and sports.

The group, made up of brothers Carlo and Joe Salanitri and their close friend Andrew Manfre, has gained immense popularity online, racking up over a billion views with their comedy sketches inspired by their European heritage.

They’re also entrepreneurs, owning the Italian restaurant and bar Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante on Carlton’s Lygon Street.

As part of their royal Moomba duties, the trio will take part in one of the festival’s most iconic events, the Birdman Rally, where they’ll join 13 other contestants in leaping into the Yarra River for charity.

“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,” Sooshi Mango said.

“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.”

A highlight of the festival, the Moomba Parade, will make its grand return, featuring 1,600 performers from community groups, dance crews, circus acts, and more.

This year’s parade will showcase seven brand-new floats, including “Best Party Ever!” - a collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Another exciting debut is a Wurundjeri float, designed by artist and cultural consultant Alex Kerr in partnership with the local community.

For the first time, Federation Square will transform into a vibrant pop music hub, with global TikTok star and pop sensation Peach PRC headlining a free concert on March 9 as part of Open Air at the Square.

“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,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

“We’re expecting more than 1.3 million people to join this whacky and wonderful Melbourne celebration. No one is too cool for Moomba, so drop the pretence and join the fun at Australia’s biggest free community festival.”