Rome's historic centre was transformed into a rolling exhibition of Italian design and motor culture this weekend as some 25,000 Vespa enthusiasts from 67 countries gathered to mark the scooter's 80th anniversary. The event, titled "Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 years of an icon," ran from 25 to 28 June, drawing participants from as far as Chile and the United States.
The highlight came on Saturday morning when Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, officially launched a grand parade from the Baths of Caracalla. The procession snaked past the Colosseum, circled the Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia, and rode along the Imperial Forums, cheered by thousands of residents and tourists.
Eighty Years of Evolution and Style
The parade showcased more than 160 models tracing the brand's history from its post-war debut in 1946 to the present day. Enthusiasts admired rare examples from the first series, such as the historic Vespa 98, alongside the iconic "faro basso" models of the 1950s and the VBBs of the 1960s. Also on display were the ET3s, GTRs, Rally models, and the timeless PX, as well as modern Primavera and GTS scooters ridden by long-distance travellers who covered thousands of kilometres to attend.
Among the participants was Elizabeth Husman, who shipped her Vespa from Chile to Germany and then rode it to Rome. "For those like us who love the Vespa and for anyone who lives in a world of motorbikes, an event on this scale captures everyone's passion," she said. "It is a rally where you can meet all kinds of people, brought together by a type of scooter that seems to have a soul of its own: the Vespa." Italian rider Andrea Musco echoed that sentiment: "For me the Vespa is many things; for me it is a lifestyle, a sense of carefree freedom, enjoying the moment, taking in the landscape: it is a way of living. It means experiencing everything around us at a slow pace, with the utmost freedom and peace of mind."
The celebrations extended beyond the streets to the "Vespa Village" at the Stadio dei Marmi in the Foro Italico, which remained open with free admission until Sunday. The village offered live music, a photo exhibition, and a collection of historic models from the Piaggio Museum alongside the brand's current range.
The international rally underscored Vespa's enduring appeal across generations and cultures, a legacy that began in the immediate post-war period and continues to transcend borders. For four days, the spirit of a timeless legend proved more alive than ever, uniting riders from across Europe and beyond in a shared passion for two-wheeled freedom.
