In a nod to Melbourne's foodie culture, this year's Moomba queen and king are chef Karen Martini and restaurant owner Guy Grossi.
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The Moomba monarchs were revealed in a swirl of colour and dance by skaters Rolling Entertainment on the banks of the Yarra River on Wednesday afternoon.
Melbourne's Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the the new monarchs personified the "culinary spirit" of the city.
"If there is one thing that brings people together in Melbourne, it's festivals and there is no doubt that Moomba is very dear to people's heart," Cr Doyle said.
"The other thing that brings people together is food."
The festival will kick off on March 10, with fireworks every night of the four-day festival.
Cr Doyle said police and the council would take increased precautions this year in the wake of an Apex street gang riot around Federation Square and Swanston Street in 2016 as families celebrated the festival.
"We have taken precautions this year above and beyond what we normally do," he said.
"We liaise very closely with Victoria Police, with our own security people, and with the people who are manning the CCTV cameras. So we plan for that sort of potential disruption.
I wouldn't expect to see that again this year. I wouldn't ever want to see it again in our city."
Cr Doyle asked troublemakers to stay at home.
"If you want to come in and have fun at Moomba, please do. You're welcome and we're delighted to have you," he said.
"If you've got something else on your mind, stay home."
Cr Doyle said there would be something new and also old favourites, including more than 40 food trucks, at the festival.
"With food the centre of so much we do, our two Moomba monarchs are the centre of our diverse culture," he said.
Moomba queen Karen Martini said she was honoured to be appointed.
"It is a complete excuse to have a really good time," she said.
What an entrance! Say hello to the 2017 #Moomba Monarchs – celebrated Melburnian chefs @karen_martini and @guygrossi! pic.twitter.com/Jv63Ui8Uf7— Moomba Festival (@moombafestival) February 8, 2017
Moomba king Guy Grossi said food was about bringing families and the community together.
"We get to know each other ... and in a city like Melbourne, which is so intrinsically multi-cultural, it is one of the most important things we can do," Mr Grossi said.
The Moomba Festival will run from March 10 to March 13.
