The Piaggio Group, in partnership with the City of Rome, has announced an unprecedented four-day celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Vespa, one of the world’s most recognizable mobility and lifestyle icons. Scheduled from June 25 to June 28, 2026, the event will transform the Italian capital into a global gathering point for Vespa enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers from around the world.
Titled “Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years of an Icon,” the celebration is expected to attract thousands of riders representing more than 60 countries. The event will honor eight decades of innovation, design, culture, and freedom that have made Vespa a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and style across generations.
Rome was selected as the host city because of its deep historical and cultural connection to the Vespa story. Over the decades, the city has served as a backdrop for films, artistic works, and cultural moments that helped elevate the scooter into a global phenomenon.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be a dedicated Vespa Village at the Foro Italico and Stadio dei Marmi. The venue will feature historic and contemporary Vespa models, exhibitions, entertainment programs, merchandise experiences, and interactive activities designed to showcase the brand’s heritage and future direction.
Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, described the anniversary as a major public celebration of an Italian icon that continues to resonate with people across generations and cultures. He emphasized the city’s pride in hosting enthusiasts from around the world for an event that highlights Italy’s creativity, innovation, and cultural influence.
Matteo Colaninno, Executive Chairman of the Piaggio Group, said the anniversary represents the largest celebration in Vespa’s history. He noted that since its introduction in 1946, Vespa has accompanied social, economic, and cultural transformations in Italy and beyond, evolving into a global symbol of mobility and lifestyle.
The four-day program will include exhibitions, live performances, entertainment events, sporting competitions, rallies, and cultural activities. Highlights include the unveiling of a commemorative coin, a special postal cancellation ceremony, an exhibition chronicling Vespa’s history, and the highly anticipated Grand Parade, which will see thousands of Vespas travel through Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
The celebrations will conclude with the traditional Vespa Elegance Contest, showcasing some of the rarest and most valuable models ever produced. As Vespa approaches the milestone of 20 million units sold worldwide, the anniversary event will celebrate not only a legendary vehicle but also a global community united by passion, heritage, and the enduring spirit of freedom on two wheels.
