Maritsa (Greek: Μαριτσά) is a village situated on west coast of the island of Rhodes, Greece, about 17 km (11 mi) far from the capital, between Kremasti and Psinthos.

Maritsa is also home to Iraklis AKS, a sports club with senior and junior teams competing at regional level.

Maritsa is renowned for its hospitable inhabitants and traditional character, it is the only village in Rhodes without a seasonal hotel, though studio apartments are available upon request.

The ceremony takes place at about 19:00 of 31 December and 3 hrs later the party is "fired up" by a group playing local songs and dances performed by instruments like lyra and bouzouki.

At the crib is offered hot tea from locally herbs as well as traditional rusk while the small children can come out photographs with Santa Claus.