11 Facts About Moomba

Moomba is culturally important to Melbourne, having been celebrated since 1955, and regularly attracts up to a million people, with a record attendance of 3.

Traditional events include the Moomba parade, crowning of Moomba monarchs, fireworks displays, carnivals in the gardens along the river, river activities including watersports, water floats and the Birdman Rally, as well as live music and bands.

In 2021, the usual Moomba was cancelled by Melbourne City Council, for the first time ever, due to events and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Festival was originally named Moomba by organisers in the belief it was a native word meaning 'let's get together and have fun.

The first Moomba was heavily criticised by Melbourne's conservative establishment, including the Anglican Church, which at the time claimed it was hedonistic and embodying social decay.

Related searches

Council responded to the criticism citing that Moomba was intended to be a festival for families and as such is reinforcing family values in society.

One of the popular events associated with Moomba was the Herald Sun Outdoor Art Show in the Treasury Gardens.

In 2021 the usual Moomba events were cancelled by Melbourne City Council, for the first time ever, due to COVID-19 restrictions and Victoria's third lockdown in February.

Floats have an annual theme, usually an elaboration on "Let's get together and have fun", the avowed mission and vision statement of Moomba and are usually from sister cities, schools and community groups.

Moomba monarchy has been one of the most celebrated and controversial components of the festival over the years.

Moomba particularly celebrates the Yarra River, which has been much maligned during the history of the city until the last few decades.