More than 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries converged in Rome for the largest Vespa rally ever organized, celebrating the iconic Italian scooter’s 80th anniversary.
The multi-day celebration transformed the Italian capital into a showcase of Vespa’s history, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts from around the world for parades, exhibitions, music, and community events centered on one of the world’s most recognizable two-wheelers.
A Historic Ride Through Rome
The highlight of the celebration was a massive parade through the heart of Rome during the Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years of an Icon event.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri officially flagged off the procession, led by representatives of Vespa Clubs from the 67 participating countries.
Beginning at the Terme di Caracalla, the parade passed some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Altare della Patria, and the Fori Imperiali, where thousands of spectators lined the streets to watch and photograph the passing scooters.
Eight Decades of Vespa History
The parade featured more than 160 Vespa models produced over the brand’s eight-decade history.
Among the highlights were rare examples of the 1946 Vespa 98, the first production model, alongside classic scooters from the 1950s and 1960s, including the VBB series. Popular models such as the ET3, GTR, Rally, and the enduring PX also drew enthusiastic crowds.
Modern Vespa models, including the Primavera and GTS, were equally well represented, with many owners riding thousands of kilometers to take part in the anniversary celebration.
More Than a Parade
Beyond the ride itself, visitors gathered at the Vespa Village at the Stadio dei Marmi in the Foro Italico, where activities included live entertainment, exhibitions, a display of historic scooters from the Piaggio Museum, showcases of the current Vespa lineup, and official merchandise.
The event underscored Vespa’s enduring appeal across generations, celebrating not only eight decades of design and engineering but also the global community that continues to make the scooter an enduring symbol of Italian mobility and lifestyle.