Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Rome

Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Party in Rome

Photography by G-Rat for Madness Photography

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FANS GATHER IN ROME

 FOR HISTORIC 110th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts congregate in the Eternal City

 for momentous four-day celebration

ROME – Harley-Davidson riders from across the world took part in an epic four-day event in Rome (June 13-16, 2013) to mark the European leg of the company's 110th Anniversary celebrations around the globe.

An estimated 100,000 Harley-Davidson fans flocked to the Eternal City to attend one of the biggest events ever hosted by the company in Europe. A series of unique Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary activities took place across multiple sites in Rome for fans to experience.

Hundreds of photo's after the jump-break!

The key highlights of the event saw thousands of fans take part in a police guided motorcycle parade from the port of Ostia through some of the most iconic sections of Rome, passing by the 2000-year-old Coliseum and a one-of-a-kind custom bike show on the Foro Italico grounds with a range of Harley-Davidson models on display.

Meanwhile, situated at the Port of Ostia, the Harley Village was the base for music and entertainment with demo and guided rides, Jumpstart, H-D Experience exhibits, merchandise vendors and more. Two beachside stages hosted exclusive live performances from dozens of bands including Adam Ant, Bonnie Tyler, and Mike and the Mechanics. 

Perhaps the most famous person in Rome, Pope Francis, was presented Thursday with the Freedom Jacket and heard the story of its travels across the globe starting with an epic visit to the Tibetan plateau last year. A visit to the Vatican on Sunday followed as Pope Francis blessed thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and riders to the celebratory roar of V-Twin engines as he rode through the crowd. 

"Our promise to our customers is to offer them once-in-a-lifetime experiences that few other brands can fulfill," said Mark-Hans Richer, Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "Having our customers treated to the blessing more than fulfills that promise of epic adventures." 

Matthew Knott, PR and Communications Manager Harley-Davidson EMEA said "The aim of our 110th Anniversary celebrations in Rome was to thank and reward all of our loyal fans across Europe and the rest of the world to celebrate the adventure-loving, rebellious spirit of Harley-Davidson. It was fantastic to see thousands of fellow Harley-Davidson riders join us in Rome to celebrate this historic milestone."

Next up is the culminating Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary celebration in the company's birthplace and hometown of Milwaukee during the last weekend in August. For more information on the Milwaukee event and all the 110th Anniversary celebrations, please visit www.harley-davidson.com