25,000 Vespas from 67 countries parade through Rome to celebrate iconic scooter's 80th anniversary

Around 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries gathered in Rome for the largest-ever Vespa rally, celebrating the iconic Italian two-wheeler's 80th anniversary with a spectacular parade through the city's historic landmarks.

Around 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries rolled through the streets of Rome on June 27 in what was the largest Vespa rally ever organised, as the iconic Italian two-wheeler celebrated its 80th anniversary.

The massive parade formed the centrepiece of the Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years of an Icon celebrations, which began two days earlier and continued through the weekend. Thousands of enthusiasts, known as Vespisti, travelled from across the globe to take part in the milestone event.

The procession was flagged off by Rome Mayor and was led by the presidents of Vespa Clubs representing all 67 participating countries. Starting from the Terme di Caracalla, the cavalcade passed some of the Italian capital's most recognisable landmarks, including the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Altare della Patria and the Fori Imperiali.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer on the riders and capture the spectacle as Vespas spanning eight decades of production rode through the city.

The parade showcased every generation of the legendary scooter, from the rare Vespa 98—the first production model introduced in 1946—to vintage models from the 1950s and 1960s, including the "low-light" variants and VBB series. Popular classics such as the ET3, GTR, Rally and the iconic PX also drew enthusiastic applause, while modern Primavera and GTS models were present in large numbers, many having completed long-distance journeys to reach Rome.

The celebrations continued at the Vespa Village in Foro Italico, where visitors enjoyed live music, exhibitions, shopping and displays celebrating the brand's rich heritage. The venue also featured a collection of rare historic Vespas from the Piaggio Museum alongside the company's current Vespa lineup, offering fans a glimpse of the scooter's evolution over the past 80 years.

Born in 1946, the Vespa remains one of the world's most recognisable two-wheelers, with its blend of Italian design, practicality and timeless styling making it a global symbol of urban mobility.

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