Rome Gears Up for the Ultimate Vespa 80th Anniversary Celebration
The streets of Rome are preparing to host the largest celebration in the history of a true Italian legend. From June 25 to 28, 2026, the Italian capital will become the stage for “VESPA ROMA 2026-80 YEARS OF AN ICON”. Sponsored by the Municipality of Rome, this four-day festival marks the 80th anniversary of the Vespa, a global symbol of style, freedom, and joie de vivre.
The epicenter of the festivities will be the Foro Italico and the Stadio dei Marmi. For the occasion, these iconic venues will be transformed into the Vespa Village. The village will serve as a hub to welcome lovers of the brand, showcasing historic and current models, lifestyle collections, and countless stories from Vespisti arriving from every continent.
A Milestone for an Italian Icon
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, emphasized that the anniversary will be a wonderful public festival for the city, celebrating a scooter that has maintained its appeal across generations. He noted that the Vespa represents a significant piece of Italian history, culture, and innovation, with Rome helping turn it into a legend through cinema.
Piaggio Group Executive Chairman Matteo Colaninno highlighted that this is the greatest celebration in Vespa’s history, perfectly suited for the capital city. Colaninno reflected on Vespa’s journey alongside the Italian Republic since its creation in 1946, culminating in a global phenomenon with nearly 20 million scooters bringing life to streets worldwide today.
The Official Four-Day Event Schedule
The festival is open to the public and packed with events, surprises, and non-stop entertainment guaranteed by Radio Deejay.
- Thursday, June 25: The festivities kick off at 1:00 pm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Vespa Village. The opening day features the presentation of a Commemorative Coin and a Poste Italiane first-day cancellation ceremony. Attendees can also explore the “80 Years of Vespa” photo exhibition curated by Giacomo Bretzel. Evening entertainment includes live music, a showcase by Ditonellapiaga, and a set by DJ Molella.
- Friday, June 26: Activities organized by Vespa and its partners take over the village. Highlights include the European Vespa Rally Championship and the Gymkhana World Championship. The day closes with live performances and a DJ set by Wad.
- Saturday, June 27: The highly anticipated Grand Parade takes place in the morning, with thousands of Vespas riding through Rome’s most iconic locations. The afternoon and evening feature a Treasure Hunt at the Village and the Vespa World Club awards ceremony for Sport and Tourism championships.
- Sunday, June 28: The festival concludes with the Elegance Contest, a spectacular showcase of the rarest and most prized Vespa models. The official closing ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 pm, followed by final awards and the departure of enthusiasts.
Event Partners
The historic celebration brings together a variety of partners who share the brand’s values. Key sponsors include Main Partners ENI and isybank, Premium Logistic Partner DSV, and Media Partner Radio Deejay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where is the Vespa 80th anniversary celebration taking place? The event will run from June 25 to 28, 2026, in Rome. The main hub for the festivities, known as the Vespa Village, will be located at the Foro Italico and the Stadio dei Marmi.
Is the event open to the general public? Yes, the four-day festival is entirely open to the public. All Vespa lovers and enthusiasts are invited to attend and share their passion for the brand.
What are the main highlights of the festival schedule? Key events include the Grand Parade through the streets of Rome on Saturday, June 27. Sunday, June 28, will feature the Elegance Contest, showcasing rare and historic models. Throughout the event, visitors can also enjoy the “80 Years of Vespa” photo exhibition, the European Vespa Rally Championship, and live entertainment hosted by Radio Deejay.
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