Bangkok: Vespa celebrated its 80th anniversary in Rome, Italy, with tens of thousands of Vespas filling the streets in what was the largest gathering of Vespa enthusiasts and riders from around the world in history.

According to Thai News Agency, over 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries worldwide paraded through Rome's historic streets, passing landmarks such as the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Imperial Forums. This event, titled Vespa Roma 2026 - 80 Years of an Icon, runs from June 25 to June 28.

The main event areas are located at Foro Italico and the Stadio dei Marmi, which have been transformed into exhibition spaces, motorsports competitions, club parties, and concerts. More than 160 classic and rare motorcycle models from the Piaggio Museum are on display, free of charge, ranging from the pioneering models of 1946 to modern models such as the Primavera and GTS. A special edition Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo is also being launched to commemorate the occasion.

The Vespa was first launched in 1946 by the Piaggio company amidst the ruins of World War II. It became a symbol of Italy's economic and cultural recovery due to its affordable price, modern design, and high maneuverability for navigating narrow city streets. Over the years, Vespa has become one of Italy's most iconic designs, featured in the 1953 film *Roman Holiday* and numerous advertisements, embodying a free and stylish lifestyle.

Vespa has been in continuous production for 80 years, with approximately 160 model redesigns and nearly 20 million units sold worldwide, including over 2 million in the past decade. Vespa is currently sold in around 100 countries, with its main markets in Europe and Southeast Asia, and has manufacturing plants in Italy, Vietnam, and India.