ROMANCE ON TWO WHEELS – INTERNATIONAL VESPA MEETING IN BANJA LUKA

Is there a more romantic means of transportation than a Vespa? Just think of the film Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and you’re instantly transported back to the carefree days of the 1960s and 1970s.

PHOTO: FB - Vespa klub Banjaluka

Yet, despite the wave of electric two-wheelers, the Vespa hasn’t lost its charm. One reason may be the belief that Vespa riders are great romantics. Many fell in love with the scooter thanks to their fathers, and now they ride together across Europe, creating beautiful shared memories.

With that spirit in mind, the largest city of Republika Srpska hosted an event gathering Vespa enthusiasts who love to tour Europe with their beloved machines.

One participant, Simon from Italy, joined the ride with his wife and says their love for the Vespa brought them together.

“Since we met, we’ve been traveling by Vespa. Every summer we go somewhere. We take the ferry to Croatia, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We love visiting all these Balkan countries,” says Simon.

He adds there’s a sense of pride in riding this scooter, knowing it originates from Italy yet remains beloved worldwide.

“People here love the Vespa much more than in Italy. Over there, there are many more motorcycles now. People who have Vespas prefer to keep them in garages, polishing them rather than taking them on long trips. It’s not like before, like in Roman Holiday. That’s just a movie,” Simon says with a smile.

RIDERS FROM ACROSS EUROPE AND ALL GENERATIONS

The cruise on these iconic two-wheelers draws all ages. The youngest participant, 16-year-old Kristijan Ećimov, brought his own Vespa to the ride. He says he couldn’t wait to be old enough to ride.

“My grandpa had a Vespa, he passed that on to my dad, and I was just waiting to be old enough to take the test,” Ećimov explains.

Another participant, Tomaš from Hungary, says he has been riding his Vespa for over 10 years.

“During that time, I’ve met so many wonderful people from Hungary and all over the world. That’s why I still love my Vespa and the feeling I get when I ride it,” says Tomaš.

The “International Vespa Meeting” in Banja Luka is now in its 13th year, attracting more and more riders each time.

Co-organizer of the event, Slobodan Stanivuković, says this year’s gathering includes around 100 participants.

“They’re coming from Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia of course, mostly from the countries of the former Yugoslavia,” Stanivuković says.

VESPA MEETING – A REASON TO RETURN

It’s Tomaš’s first time in the city on the Vrbas River, but he’s already sure he’ll be back.

“This is my first time here, but I’ll definitely return because people here are so nice. It’s really beautiful to come here. Rafting was what attracted us the most, but once I arrived, I saw how kind everyone is—and that’s the best thing,” says Tomaš.

The youngest participant, Kristijan Ećimov, came from Rovinj, Croatia, and says this isn’t his first time in Banja Luka.

“I first came two years ago with my dad, he drove the Vespa back then, and the Vespa Club Banja Luka told me I had to come next time with my own Vespa. So I got my license, and here I am two years later,” says Ećimov, who earned his license just two months ago.

KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE

Foreign participants happily return to the Banja Luka Vespa meeting, as the hosts always leave a strong impression.

“We always organize a beautiful gathering. The beauty of our city, our hospitality—these are the things we’re known for, and we make sure our guests have the best time,” says co-organizer Stanivuković.

This is the only event of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with the growing number of participants, organizers hope the tradition will continue for many years and be passed on to the next generation.

“As long as we can, and now that we have younger members, we hope they’ll continue our tradition. We plan to keep doing this for many more years,” Stanivuković concludes.