Around 25,000 Vespa scooters filled Rome for the brand’s 80th anniversary, turning the Italian capital into a rolling tribute to one of the world’s best-known two-wheelers.

Riders from 67 countries joined the Vespa Roma 2026 event, which became the largest rally ever organized for the scooter brand. 

The gathering brought together Vespa clubs, collectors, longtime riders and fans who traveled to Rome for the celebration.

The parade started at Terme di Caracalla after Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri gave the signal. Vespa Club presidents from the 67 participating countries led the ride, followed by thousands of scooters from different generations.

The route took the group past some of Rome’s most famous landmarks. The riders passed the Colosseum, moved toward Piazza Venezia, circled the Altare della Patria and continued along the Fori Imperiali.

Crowds lined the streets to watch, cheer and record the parade. Many of the scooters on the road came from private owners who brought their own machines to Rome. 

The event gave spectators a rare look at the full range of Vespa history in one moving display.

More than 160 Vespa models produced over eight decades appeared during the parade. Among the oldest were rare examples of the Vespa 98, the first production series released in 1946. Vintage units from the 1950s also joined the ride, along with VBB models from the 1960s.

The ET3, GTR, Rally and PX models drew attention from the crowd. Newer Primavera and GTS scooters also had a strong presence, with many owned by riders who traveled long distances to reach Rome.

The anniversary event also continues at Vespa Village, located inside the Stadio dei Marmi at the Foro Italico. 

The venue has been hosting music, parties, shopping, displays and activities for visitors since the festivities began.

Radio Deejay provides music at the site, while a photo exhibition gives guests a closer look at the brand’s history. 

The Piaggio Museum also brought a collection of historic and rare Vespa scooters to the event.

Visitors can also see the current Vespa range and shop at the special Vespa Store. The program remains open to the public until the end of the celebration.

Eight decades after the first Vespa arrived, the Rome rally showed how far the scooter has traveled. It also showed how many people still feel attached to it, from collectors with rare units to riders who simply wanted to be part of a very loud, very Italian birthday ride.