The Bloody X-Mas Market 2024 - A recap

The first Bloody X-Mas Market was a complete success! Together with the ZTB of the Charité, the Wacken Open Air invited people to a very special Christmas market at the end of 2024, which not only spread a festive atmosphere, but also made an important contribution to blood donation.
While blood was being donated inside the Charité, a cozy and at the same time rocking Christmas market was taking place outside. Here the donors could strengthen themselves after donating blood, wait for their donation or simply stroll through the market as visitors. The offer ranged from delicious waffles and roasted almonds to delicious sausages and non-alcoholic apple punch - after all, the aim was to support blood donation and the best way to do that was sober! “A nice picture with all the Wacken fans dressed in black collecting donations. The crowd was so large that we couldn't take everyone. Of course, there are always people who want to donate but are unfortunately not allowed to for various reasons. This often includes fresh tattoos, after which you unfortunately have to wait four months before you can donate again” – (Marlen Zickert, ZTB donor marketing)

Another highlight of the market was the raffle with amazing prizes. The proceeds from the campaign will now be used for a good cause. A total donation of 4,713 euros was raised, which will go to the Charité's pediatric oncology department. These funds are used for toys and craft materials as well as events in the oncology ward for the young patients. A total of 156 people were recorded in the system who wanted to donate on site. Of those, 93 were actually able to donate blood – an impressive number that is about three times what is achieved on a “normal” Thursday. Particularly pleasing: Over 50% of the donors were first-time donors, including Wacken founder Holger Hübner, who also took part in the bloodletting.

In addition to the committed donors, many visitors were there to enjoy the great atmosphere and the two acoustic sets from Saltatio Mortis and Beyond the Black. Both bands supported the campaign with their heart and soul and helped raise awareness of the importance of blood donation. “On behalf of the ZTB, I would like to thank not only the donors, visitors and artists but also the team at Barflow Drinks Catering and Event Management GmbH, the EDEKA branch Invalidenstraße, Plant-Kölle Teltow, the FSI Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and everyone else Helpers who made the Bloody X-Mas Market possible,” emphasizes Marlen Zickert, donor marketing at the ZTB.

The Bloody X-Mas Market not only showed how much joy and community spirit there can be in such an event, but also impressively demonstrated how important it is to stand up for others. We are already looking forward to doing it again this year!