Report: Vespa World Days 2024 in Pontedera
The event that all Vespa enthusiasts had been waiting for took place in Pontedera, Italy, in 2024. The town in Tuscany hosted the new edition of the Vespa World Daysa Vespa rally held for the first time in the place where the Vespa has been born and manufactured since 1946. For four days, the entire city honoured this icon with special events, photo and art exhibitions and a film festival.
The Vespa World Days made their debut in Paris in 1954. To mark the 70th anniversary, Pontedera was transformed into a huge Vespa village. From Thursday, the city welcomed thousands of Vespa clubs, including 660 from Italy, as well as clubs from Australia, Canada, Japan, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Pakistan, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Morocco and all European countries. The 70th edition of Vespa World Days was also an opportunity to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Piaggio, which was founded in 1884. This anniversary was honoured at the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera with an extensive exhibition entitled "Vespa all over the World". This show used original materials from the Piaggio Historical Archive to illustrate the global spread of the Vespa and its early internationalisation from the late 1940s to the 1960s. Maria D'Ascanio, the granddaughter of Corradino D'Ascanio, who created the Vespa design for Piaggio back in the day, was also present at the exhibition and was very popular as a dialogue partner.
A parade with 15,000 Vespas
The grand parade of Vespas of all eras, models and colours was an unparalleled success in the seventy-year history of Vespa World Days. 15.000 Vespas drove from the centre of Pontedera through the hills of the province of Pisa before returning to the Vespa Village, the heart of the great celebration. The parade was led by a Vespa GTS 300 in the colours and insignia of the state police, which Piaggio had donated for the opening of the event. Among the first was Rudy Zerbi, Italian television presenter and Vespa lover, on a shiny Vespa Gtv 300. All the models produced in the 78-year history of Vespa took part in the parade through the streets of the province of Pisa.
New and old faces in the Vespa World Club
There was also a lot going on behind the scenes, as the Vespa World Club elected a new president and reorganised the board. Mauro Calestrini, about whom there was a lot to report last year, will remain at the helm of the association for the next few years and the new Board consists of the following members: Enrique Alcade (Spain), Julie Pond (Australia), Marco Modaini (Luxembourg) and Lorenzo Riccardi (China). Ricciardo Costagliola, who had acted as interim president following Calestrini's resignation, is no longer on the board. The officials have already agreed on a new location: the Vespa World Days will be held in Gijon, Spain, in 2025. Congratulations! España, ¡allá vamos!
The Vespa World Club was founded in 2006 by Piaggio and the Piaggio Foundation. Its direct predecessor organisation was the "Federation Internationale des Vespa Clubs" (FIV), which had to be dissolved in 2005 due to a lack of financial support. Today, 63 nations belong to the Vespa World Club with a total of over 70,000 members organised in local clubs.
Vespa World Days 2024: voices, opinions, reports
We asked around and gathered a lot of feedback on the event in Pontedera. Both through social media and direct enquiries, we were able to capture a picture of the mood that is as diverse as the Vespa models that rattled through Tuscany. We would like to thank all those who sent in texts and really great photos, which you can read here or see in our picture gallery.
"The journey was the reward."
This was the conclusion drawn by SIP employee Olli Jewellery, who set off for Pontedera at 09.00 Clock on Wednesday 17 April with a group of four travellers. Eleven hours later, we arrived at our hotel in Valeggio. Frozen through, wet, exhausted, but not without hope. If we had known what hardships lay ahead of us, would we perhaps have turned back? We don't know.
In any case, the sun was shining the next morning and the sky was blue. However, this didn't last long and soon the rain fell mercilessly on our small group of travellers. At an altitude of 600 metres, the situation finally became precarious, as the ascent to the Passo delle Radici had to be completed in thick snow and freezing cold. The ASR on the Vespa GTS was switched off, but we still only went uphill in the tracks of the cars. Winter service? Snow clearing vehicles? Not a chance. Luckily we had the right equipment with us.
A supposed shortcut turned out to be a dead end, so we headed back up the pass and plunged into the descent at 20 km/h. The lorry we were following ended up in a ditch without snow chains and when we finally reached our evening accommodation in Lucca, it felt more like a bivouac than a hotel. What an achievement, just to celebrate the Vespa World Days with so many other crazy people from all over the world.
The return journey was no less merciless, as the onset of winter surprised us again in Seefeld and the last few kilometres to Landsberg am Lech were a challenge. Another twelve hours on the Vespa. "That was a tour for the really tough," says Olli, summarising the hellish ride. "For us, the journey really was the goal this time."
-Olli Jewellery, SIP Scootershop, Germany
"Happy and satisfied"
This time the World Days were very different from previous years, because Piaggio really invested a lot of money and time in this event. And of course there were a lot more people at this meeting than you are used to. In any case, I really enjoyed it and am happy that I was able to be there. I even had a Vespa at my disposal so that I could take part in the many activities. I particularly liked the museum and the Vespa, which was released for the 140th anniversary. I'm taking a lot of impressions back home with me and have already been invited to the Vespa Days 2025 in Spain, but of course it's always a long journey for me. Immediately after the Vespa World Days, I travelled to SIP Scootershop in Landsberg, my supplier for more than 25 years!"
-Christopher Yang , Vespa Club of Taiwanpresident
"Peace!"
For me, the greatest experience at the Vespa World Days was the parade and the Vespas from many different countries. I also really enjoyed the town of Pontedera and was able to meet my friend from Switzerland, who is a Vespa collector. I borrowed a Vespa Primavera and was able to explore the wonderful area on it. I also met Oren from the Vespa Club of Israel for the first time. He is a good man and we got on really well. Hopefully there will be peace between our countries, the people in Iran don't want war. If everything goes smoothly, I will also be travelling to the World Days in Spain.
-Masoud Parvareh , Iran Vespa Clubpresident
"A unique experience"
I was there from Thursday to Sunday morning and it was very busy, despite the less than ideal weather conditions. As an exhibitor and part of the organisers, I was present, but rarely directly at the stand, as there were simply too many people from all over the world inundating me with questions and photo requests, which was rather un-relaxing in the long run. It was actually supposed to be a few days' holiday with my friends. My highlight was definitely the parade on Saturday, which I didn't take part in, but was only there as a spectator. I think you can see a lot more of the spectacle this way than if you're travelling along at 5 km/h. But seeing 15,000 scooters being escorted by the police was really impressive and a unique experience at the birthplace of all Vespas.
Unfortunately, the weather generally didn't play ball and we weren't really prepared for that. During the day, the temperature was 10-14 degrees, which was a bit chilly on the scooter, but we still didn't want to miss out on the 200 km ride through Tuscany.
The whole town of Pontedera had dressed up and was completely dedicated to the "Vespa" theme. It was a shame that we weren't better informed about the programme, so I probably missed a lot. Many Italians also complained about the lack of merchandise and the high costs, but I think everyone has their own opinion on that. For me, the visit was definitely worth it.
-Erich "Egig" Oberpertinger, EGIG Performanceitaly
"Shining Vespa Models"
The highlight for us was of course the Corso: the route was 37 km long, took 2.5 hours and thousands of locals stood at the side of the road, cheering, filming and taking photos. Balconies were decorated with Vespa Balloons - an incredible spectacle. Another highlight was the factory tour at Piaggio, where we were taken on a small train through the production halls. Unfortunately, the organisation of the huge event was very chaotic and incomprehensible. Nevertheless, there were some nice rides organised with Guidance, which we and many others were unable to take due to the often heavy rain. Of the excursions we had booked, we were only able to take part in the excursion to Lari, this time in glorious sunshine. The old town of Pontedera was beautifully decorated, including the shop windows. Various squares and roundabouts were decorated with shiny Vespa models or giant Vespas.
Events were also held in the old town centre in the evening. There was a lot on offer, the Vespavillage was huge and the atmosphere in the tents was great. All in all, it was a great event, although unfortunately the weather often didn't play ball. The huge number of participants from all over the world was overwhelming, and the usual friendly, informal atmosphere in the Vespa community was inspiring."
-Dirk Ludwig, Kassel, Germany
News from the WWW
(not edited)
Domenico Lomanno: You can't please everyone... Especially not to 15 000(!!!) Vespisti from all over the world! It was an unforgettable event for us!
The house brand Flo: I loved it in Tuscany, it was very emotional when the Vespa came home again after a long time.
Andreas Episcopo: What I found a pity was that the toilets weren't exactly clean and it was impossible to wash your hands afterwards. The prices everywhere were a bit sky-high. Otherwise I saw a fantastic number of smiling faces, of course the exit on Saturday was Hammer. The start through the town centre and the whole of Pontedera watching, clapping, cheering, photographing and filming was really touching for me as you can feel that Vespa is their passion. Viva la Vespa
Pasquale del Sorbo: I thought it was great, chaotic, emotionally Italian, definitely an experience even if not everything always works smoothly, but to be honest, isn't it the Vespista that make the experience unforgettable?
Christian Mayr: i just wanted to see the sacred halls, i think the factory is just a show. the museum disappointed me a bit, i've seen more original ones in the neighbourhood. nevertheless, the 1500 m where the wek was built still has a real flair. it's clear that not everything runs smoothly at a meeting with so many people. all in all, i'm very satisfied
Laura Marko: I was also pretty annoyed to have paid €90 twice for virtually nothing. No gala dinner together, as is usually the case on a Saturday evening, just some meal vouchers. A measly welcome kit that didn't even include a programme booklet, no T-Shirts. I'll never buy a ticket again. Especially not at this exorbitant price with such chaotic organisation.
Oliver Stöger: On the whole it was ok. I just don't quite understand why they only provided Italian-speaking security for the welcome packages. A few posters with the most important information in English would have alleviated a lot of resentment. Not much general entertainment such as fun games, test stand etc. A main stage with constant moderation of what's going on, what can be seen where, etc. Would have been desirable. Otherwise great people, great atmosphere in the marquee.
Alexandra Roth: We were there as guests because we are not in a Vespa club. Our Vespa was only separated from the crowd by a barrier and we walked into the Vespa Village without any problems or checks. We bought a T-Shirt for a few euros at the stand next to this package issue and even got stickers. I also swapped a commemorative coin for a Ricola sweet from the president of Vespa Italia 😁 We took a trip through Tuscany without the crowds and had a great campsite by the sea. Unfortunately we couldn't go to the museum, it was exclusively for members and I heard that even they couldn't get free slots. We would have liked to take part in an excursion, but we weren't allowed to go. But it was still a great experience. We met lots of friends, got to know new Vespisti and really enjoyed ourselves. We might actually consider joining a Vespa club to be even more part of the Vespa family. The organisation there was a bit confusing, but we got on well. Interlaken was a bit more structured, but also with far fewer participants. It is still unclear whether we will be travelling to Gijon next year.
Mario Pollmann: What really fascinated me the most was the positive acceptance of 2-stroke scooters throughout the region. Here at home, the typical gesture is to hold your nose. Sure, Home of Vespa ... but also in Pisa, Lucca etc.
Renato Silva: Experiência única no berço onde tudo nasceu. A região da toscana é lindíssima para passeios de vespa, boas pizzas, gente amável, tudo belo. Agora para falar da organização do evento foi medíocre, para não insultar os mais sensíveis, não se admite com tantos meses de antecedência para realmente promover o VESPA WORLD DAYS, falta de respeito pelos Vespistas de todo o mundo que pagaram 90€ pela inscrição não levarem qualquer lembrança do evento. 90€ x +/- 8000 participants 720000€ fora os patrocinadores e alugueres dos espaços. VERGONHA...
Giuseppe Vullo: On the whole, it was just great to see so many Vespas in the home of the Vespa. It was a pity that there was nothing really to buy, neither tuning nor accessories.
Kai Thoms: The three of us from the Vespa Club Hannover von 1950 e.V. were more than enthusiastic. Italy makes it special. The Corse, our motivation to take part in the VWD, was great! Apart from that, the region is a fantastic view, plus many thousands of equally crazy people! It's just fun that way. A little constructive criticism, the story with the T-Shirts could have been solved better.
NOTE: The organiser has now reacted and will send the T-shirts to all Vespa clubs that have paid for them.
Picture gallery: Vespa World Days 2024
Video: Vespa World Days 2024
