Harley-Davidson in Rome for the „centenary“

Harleyluja!

From June 13 to 16, thousands of fans congratulated Harley-Davidson on its „centenary“ in Rome“

Rome in a state of emergency: On the second weekend in June 2013, Harley-Davidson celebrated a lively birthday party with around 100,000 V-twin, party and music fans in the „Eternal City“, which even amazed the spirited Italians. The American motorcycle manufacturer went all out to celebrate the European Festival into an event of superlatives on the occasion of its „centenary“.

Harley riders from all over the world, a large number of Romans as well as onlookers with and without motorcycles did not miss the opportunity to be there live. At several locations in and around Rome, they enjoyed everything but boredom with free admission and bright sunshine.

The heart of the event was the Harley Village in the Harbor from Ostia.

A huge range of impressive entertainment awaited visitors there: free test drives, fascinating exhibitions on the brand and an impressive dealer mile that left nothing to be desired. And because good parties can hardly do without good music, no fewer than 32 cool bands provided the best sound.

Top acts such as Mike and the Mechanics, Adam Ant, Bonnie Tyler and several other bands celebrated with their audience on two stages until late into the night.

In Rome itself, the second event location, the Foro Italico Village at the Olympic Stadium, also offered plenty of top entertainment: These included the finest motorcycle conversions in the Custom bike show, dealers from all over Europe and, of course, cool sounds for your ears.

Sehen und gesehen werden war das Motto der riesigen Parade am Samstag. Angeführt von Bill Davidson, dem Urenkel eines der Firmengründer, machten sich die Teilnehmer auf 3.000 Maschinen unter dem Jubel der Römer und unzähliger Touristen auf den rund 40 Kilometer langen Weg vorbei am Kolosseum ins historische Zentrum von Rom.

Sogar im Vatikan feierten die Biker – mit einer Heiligen Messe im Petersdom und mit einem einzigartigen Ereignis auf dem Petersplatz: Am Sonntag segnete Papst Franziskus tausende Harley Fahrer und 1.350 Harleys, die auf der Via della Conciliazione und weiteren Straßen unmittelbar am berühmten Platz im Süden der Vatikanstadt die Motoren donnern ließen.

Harley-Davidson dankt allen, die dieses Jubiläum so einzigartig gemacht haben, und freut sich schon jetzt auf die nächsten Geburtspartys und den Höhepunkt der Jubiläumsfeiern vom 29. August bis 1. September in Milwaukee.