The Deep Connection Between Bayern Munich and Oktoberfest: The Tradition That Defines Bavaria’s Giant

Bayern Munich not only represents one of Germany’s most passionate football regions; it also carries Bavarian identity in its crest, motto, traditions, and deep connection with Oktoberfest.

Bayern Munich Has Bavaria Running Through Its Veins

Talking about Bayern Munich means talking about a dominance that has made them the Bundesliga's Rekordmeister, but reducing the club to its sporting success would overlook an essential part of its identity. The German giants are deeply connected to Munich and the state of Bavaria, and that connection can even be seen in some of the team's most recognizable symbols.

The club's presence at the celebrations of this Bavarian festival has become a tradition for players, coaches, and families over the decades.

Its name is already a statement: Bayern is the German word for Bavaria. Added to that is the distinctive diamond pattern on its crest, inspired by the Bavarian flag, as well as one of the institution's most famous mottos: “Mia san mia”, a Bavarian dialect expression that can be understood as “we are who we are.”

These elements help explain why Bayern has built such a strong identity around the place where it was founded. And among all of them, there is one time of year when that connection becomes especially visible: Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Is Also Part of the Dress Code

Oktoberfest, known in Munich as Wiesn, began in 1810 and eventually became one of the most important celebrations of Bavarian culture. For Bayern Munich, the festival has become an annual tradition in which players, coaches, and families take part wearing lederhosen and other traditional clothing. Icons such as Pep Guardiola, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Kahn, and Lothar Matthäus have also been part of these celebrations.

The connection also has a commercial side. Bayern Munich and brewery Paulaner have maintained a partnership since 2003, and the team regularly visits the brewery during the Wiesn.

A Celebration That Also Takes the Field

The relationship between Bayern Munich and Oktoberfest is also reflected in the club's kits. Since the 2021-22 season, adidas has released a special shirt for the Wiesn, although the club had already used designs inspired by Bavarian culture, such as the 2013-14 kit.

For Oktoberfest 2026, Bayern Munich and adidas took that tradition even further with an eye-catching design. The new special-edition shirt features a dark base with a multicolored floral-inspired pattern, along with a special crest linked to the Wiesn season.

The Wiesn, a Part of Bayern's Identity

Every year, Oktoberfest turns Munich into the center of Bavarian culture, and Bayern joins the celebrations alongside its players, coaches, and families. The club's participation reflects a connection that goes beyond football, as the Wiesn is part of the life and traditions of the city the team represents.

Bayern Munich may be a global powerhouse, but during Oktoberfest it once again shows its local side and reinforces an identity built around Munich, Bavaria, and “Mia san mia.”