The more the world changes, the more Melbourne stays the same.
Thousands flocked to the annual Moomba Parade in Kings Domain on Monday, capping off a long weekend of major events that Lord Mayor Nick Reece says drew about 2 million people to the city.
Moomba monarchs Sammy J (the comedian) and Caterina Mete (the red Wiggle) led a typically colourful and eclectic convoy of 1800 performers, nine floats and 35 cultural groups down Birdwood Avenue from 11am.
A giant dumpling steamer, a spaceship and a flying pig unicorn were among the displays.
While some deride the parade as daggy, thousands of families still took a break from their regular schedules and the relentless news of global turmoil to spend a public holiday at this bizarre wonderland.
Not all diaspora groups were happy this year, however.
The Federation of Macedonian Cultural Artistic Associations of Victoria said on Monday morning its members had pulled out of the parade because they were not allowed to display the Star of Kutlesh flag.
“For us Macedonians, participating without our flag would mean compromising a core part of who we are,” the organisation said on social media.
Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia have long feuded over the symbol of a 16-rayed yellow sun on a red background, also known as the Vergina Sun.
Reece said he was disappointed at the decision to pull out, but said the City of Melbourne only allowed national or organisational flags.
“Moomba is a day for fun,” he said. “Ancient feuds about flags and things … I really hope we can leave them at home and just come out and enjoy the day.”
The lord mayor said he expected Moomba Festival to attract more than 1.3 million people over four days and break attendance records.
He also proudly trumpeted the 483,934 spectators who attended the grand prix, solid crowds at Saturday’s Flemington horse races and the return of AFL to the MCG. “This is the biggest weekend Melbourne has ever had,” he said.
After years of missing the festival, Brad and Shaelli Kovac made the trip from Carrum Downs to the Moomba Parade on Monday to show their 14-month-old child, Millie, what it was all about.
“It’s just a good family day out,” Shaelli said. “We never thought about coming until we had our own kids … And it’s a lot bigger than I thought it was.”
Sammy J said he was proud of his reign as Moomba monarch, though his plan to make Melbourne even better by introducing free coffee and more hook turns may not come to fruition.
“These days we all spend so much time on our couch watching Netflix and not getting out of the house. And Moomba reminded me this year that it’s so physical,” he said.
“Everyone’s getting out and watching stuff, and people are making so much effort. There’s so much colour and movement. And that’s actually a really beautiful thing.”
A troupe of Colombian dancers were among the crowd favourites on Monday as they performed at the festival for the second time.
“It was very fun and important to have such a community group, and to have the performance to unite everyone,” said Rafael Lopez Buelvas, who was part of Colombia Dance Au last year, but watched from the shade on Monday.
“We like to dance, be happy and participate, spread the energy, spread the love, and bring everyone together.”
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