Today we’re pleased to introduce you to our two official Wapuu mascots for WordCamp Europe 2024.
What is a Wapuu?
If you’ve been to WordCamp events before, you’ll be familiar with Wapuus. The original Wapuu was designed as a mascot to promote WordPress in Japan. Kazuko Kaneuchi, a Japanese illustrator, created the first design as a gift to the WordPress community. “Wapuu” debuted at WordCamp Fukuoka in February 2011.
Why have we chosen two?
Torino is famous for a range of things, and is often known as the Automotive Capital of Italy – especially with large car and vehicle manufacturers helping develop the town over the years.
The city’s industrial history and expertise in automobile production have shaped its identity. Our venue for 2024 is the Lingotto Building complex, originally built by Fiat in 1916 and built in a way that construction of vehicles began on the ground floor, with the production line continuing on each floor above until the finished cars emerge on the top floor for a test run across a 1.5km test track!
If you want to see some of the cars produced at the venue – and from around the world – MAUTO (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile / National Museum of Automobiles) is located just a 10 minute walk from our venue.
Based on two very popular modes of transport in Torino, we’ve our Wapuu riding along in their Fiat 500 car and Vespa Piaggio scooter!
Vespa Piaggio Wapuu
The Vespa Piaggio, a classic Italian scooter, was first manufactured in 1946 and it played a significant role in post-World War II Italy’s economic recovery and became a symbol of freedom and mobility for Italians.
It embodies Italian style and lifestyle, design, and craftsmanship. It has been featured in numerous films (“Roman Holiday”” – in Italian: Vacanze Romane – primarily!), art pieces, and fashion spreads, solidifying its status as an iconic cultural symbol.
‘Cinquecento’ Wapuu
The Fiat 500, also known as the “Cinquecento,” was introduced in 1957 and soon became a symbol of Italy’s economic boom, offering affordable mobility to the masses.
It represents Italian ingenuity, creativity, and adaptability. Just like the Vespa, the 500’s iconic design and cheerful personality have made it a beloved cultural icon in Italy and abroad.
We’d like to thank the amazing design creativity which our very own design team member Eleonora Anzini provided to create both designs. Eleonora is a brand designer and graphic designer from Italy, and also helps support the organising of her local WordPress Meetups.
Downloadable Wapuus
If you’d like to download one of our Wapuus, you can do so below
Bonus: WordCamp Italia 2022 Wapuus
Italy is also famous for its culinary traditions, especially pasta and pizzerias which you’ll find across the city. For WordCamp Italia 2022, the team created two amazing Wapuus to celebrate, with Spaghettuu II e Margherituu!