From Ambulance or Tractor to Office and Home on Wheels: The Most Striking Stories and Conversions Gather at FurgoVolkswagen

Volkswagen's T1 is a symbol of adventure, freedom, and an alternative lifestyle. Who doesn't remember it adorned with flowers as a hippie symbol at Woodstock? The Bulli celebrates its 75th anniversary as the most iconic van of all time, and to mark the occasion, over a thousand Volkswagen vans gathered last weekend at the La Ballena Alegre campsite in San Pere Pescador.

In line with this year's motto, "Creating Stories Since 1950," attendees shared incredible tales of freedom, family memories in their mobile homes, and adventurous spirit. What do a carpenter, a digital nomad, a basketball player, and a nurse have in common?

Their unconditional love for their van, like Arnau Guerrero, who proudly showcased his gleaming 1955 T1, one of the oldest at the gathering, which was once an ambulance in Pontevedra and lovingly restored by him. 70 years on and still on the road.

Marc Nieves displayed photos of his grandfather, a carpenter and emigrant in Germany, who bought it in the 60s to travel with his six children and still rolls on with the fourth generation of the family.

For instance, Rafael Giraldo has transformed his van into his digital nomad office, equipping it with everything needed to live and work on board. And Pere Moyano has turned his into a nutrition consultation to tour the villages.

Meanwhile, Wendy and Biel boasted of having the only T1 of the rare Amescador model in Spain, which they brought from the Netherlands. They travelled from Mallorca.

Or ex-basketball player Tomás Jofresa proudly showed off his 1966 T1, which he brought from Paraguay, where it was used as a tractor.

The beautiful classic models, restored piece by piece with original parts, were the stars of countless selfies and passionate conversations throughout the weekend. The passion for the Bulli is such that some have it tattooed, several couples showed their wedding photos aboard the van, and for most, it is a family member.

"What we experienced this weekend on the Costa Brava goes far beyond a vehicle gathering: it's a celebration of life, freedom, and shared stories. Seeing more than a thousand Volkswagen vans gathered, from all generations, is proof that the Bulli and its successors are not just an automotive icon but a true cultural phenomenon that has accompanied thousands of people in the most special moments of their lives," declared Albert García, general director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Besides witnessing these automotive gems firsthand, attendees at FurgoVolkswagen enjoyed a weekend full of activities for the whole family. From a Show Cooking session to learn healthy recipes in a California Beach Camper, to Trail Running sessions or the Surf Challenge, where participants tested their balance on a mechanical surfboard over an inflatable mat.

This 21st edition also featured classic children's workshops, a costume contest, the family photo with all the T Range units, and a barbecue. On Sunday morning, the traditional parade of classic vans through the town of L'Escala concluded a unique weekend for all Volkswagen van enthusiasts.