Thousands of families have lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the annual Moomba parade, featuring 35 cultural groups, nine floats and almost 2000 participants marching along the streets of Melbourne.
The cultural event's monarchs, Red Wiggle Caterina Mete and comedian Sammy J, are presiding over what is expected to be one of the largest festivals to date, with almost half a million people expected to turn out on the final day.
"The lord mayor doesn't know this, but Caterina and I have just actually signed into law the fact that we will be the monarchs now forever," the comedian said.
"We're really taking over this city from now on, so it's a new reign, Melbourne, and we're loving it."
As the parade got under way to the delight of children and adults alike, different cultures put on a show, including Chinese dragons swirling through the streets and Indian Bollywood dancers performing epic routines.
The Colombian contingent was an eye-catcher, dressed as the guacamaya, or macaw, featuring dazzlingly bright colours of their flag and winged headpieces.
"We are so proud to bring a piece of Colombia to Australia," dancer Jiame Ulloa told AAP.
"As a country, Colombia has really big problems in the government, but also we have a lot of joy, a lot of happiness, so that's what we want to show."
Fellow dancer Carolina Lasso joined the Colombian troupe this year after watching from the sidelines in 2025.
"I just love it. I think what they're doing is a really great job at joining all the communities that are a part of Melbourne," she said.
It's not the first time Mete has been in the parade, having performed as Charlie Chaplin in the 1993 with her dance school.
"I hope it inspires young children dancing in the parade or watching the parade to dream big," she said.
For Dave, his wife and two children, who moved to Melbourne 10 months ago, Moomba encapsulates the multicultural success of the city.
"Even in your own neighbourhood, you can see that. But when you come to something like this, you can tell all those cultures come together and want to put on their best," he told AAP.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said attendance records had been broken across the weekend.
Almost two million people have turned out to events in the city, including Moomba, the F1 Grand Prix and the start of the AFL season.
"This is the biggest weekend Melbourne has ever had, full stop," Mr Reece said.
