Some visitors came in ceremonial attire.Image: keystone
June 27, 2026, 4:16 p.mJune 27, 2026, 4:16 p.m
The 80th birthday of the Italian cult scooter was celebrated with a big Vespa parade in Rome. In midsummer temperatures, numerous fans from all over the world rode through the Italian capital on their Vespas. The route led past, among other things, the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums. Tens of thousands of participants were expected to attend the parade.
Prominent backdrop: the Colosseum.Image: keystone
The multi-day celebrations for the Vespa anniversary had already begun on Thursday. A Vespa Village was set up in the north of Rome where fans and members of Vespa clubs from all over the world met. Exhibitions and meetings of participants took place there.
Developed after World War II
In 1946, the first models rolled off the assembly line at the manufacturer Piaggio’s main factory in Pontedera, Tuscany. After the Second World War, the Vespa was developed as a cheap means of transport for the general public. It developed into a cult vehicle in the following decades. According to Piaggio, almost 20 million units have been sold since production began.
The parking lot in front of the Vespa Village looked so beautiful.Image: keystone
More than 60 Vespa clubs from all over the world registered for the parade. German Vespisti – that’s what Vespa lovers call themselves – should also be there. Around 600 to 800 officially registered fans from Germany had previously confirmed their participation, and numerous fans without Vespas also wanted to travel to Rome.
Audrey Hepburn whizzed through Rome on a Vespa
For Italy, the Vespa is considered a national symbol. The two-wheel scooter is also very popular abroad. For many he is considered the epitome of the Italian lifestyle. The cinema also helped achieve international fame: in the 1953 film “A Heart and a Crown,” Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck raced through Rome on a Vespa. The Vespa also appeared later in other productions. (sda/dpa/jul)