Thousands of Vespas swarm Rome’s historic center to mark iconic scooter’s 80th anniversary
More than 10,000 riders are expected as the anniversary rally adds exhibitions, club events and a parade past Rome landmarks.
- More than 10,000 'Vespisti' from across the globe converged on Rome on Saturday, marking the 80th anniversary of the iconic scooter brand with a grand parade through the city's streets.
- Piaggio first filed the patent for the Vespa on April 23, 1946, creating an affordable transport solution that helped kickstart Italy's economy after the Second World War.
- Celebrations began Thursday at the 'Vespa Village' at Foro Italico, a sports complex in Rome's north, showcasing the brand's cultural legacy in films like 'Roman Holiday,' 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' and 'Luca.'
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the scooter as representing 'industrial excellence,' while attendees from around the world noted the brand's ability to foster community and friendship.
- With about 20 million vehicles sold worldwide since 1946, production continues in Pontedera, Italy, while the brand maintains a niche presence in U.S. markets like Florida and California.
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Thousands of Vespas Have Descended Upon Rome
More than 10,000 Vespas putt-putt-putted around the Colosseum and past the Roman Forum on Saturday, marking the 80th anniversary of the iconic scooter. Enthusiasts came from all over, with the AP speaking to people from across Europe, San Francisco, Australia's Gold Coast, the Philippines, and more. Vespa-carried visitors converged...
From "Holiday to Rome" ("Roman Holiday") and "La Dolce Vita" to "Journal intimate" ("Dear Diary"), Vespa has become on the big screen a world emblem of the Italian lifestyle. The legendary scooter, born with the Italian Republic, is celebrating this weekend, in Rome, 80 years of existence, reports AFP.
Rome celebrates 80 years of Italy's iconic Vespa scooter
Thousands of Vespa riders took to Rome’s streets to mark Vespa’s 80th birthday. The wasp-waisted scooter became a symbol of Italy’s rebirth after World War II. Source link : https://www.dw.com/en/rome-celebrates-80-years-of-italy-s-iconic-vespa-scooter/a-77735061?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf Author : Publish date : 2026-06-27 14:51:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
Legendary Vespa turns 80 as Rome celebrates a lifestyle icon
An icon of the Italian way of life, the Vespa celebrated its 80th birthday on Saturday, as thousands of riders paraded through Rome on the legendary scooters.A few donned biker jackets despite the scorching heat while others opted for t-shirts, the hum of their machines filling the capital with a colourful buzz.Some rode solo, others...
Vespa enthusiasts from various countries around the world flooded the streets of the Italian capital on their scooters
Photos show Vespa enthusiasts buzzing through Rome celebrating the little scooter's 80th anniversary
Around 15,000 Vespas buzzed through Rome on Saturday, celebrating the scooter’s 80th anniversary. Enthusiasts from Europe, the US, Australia and the Philippines gathered to honor the iconic brand. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Alessandra Tarantino, The Associated Press
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