Santa Maria de la Asuncion (where the organ is located) is set in the center of Tlacolula. Church construction began in 1561 by the newly arrived Spanish and was founded as a Dominican mission. The Baroque chapel features a crucifix dedicated to el Senor de Tlacolula. The chapel contains fine silver work. The walls and ceiling are covered with ornate decorations. Saints are depicted throughout the chapel many being portrayed as martyrs.  There are side altars dedicated to Jesus the Nazarene and the Virgin of the Assumption. The main altar contains the crucifix, which is guarded by a fence and two silver angels. The stories gleaned from paintings and statues were used for evangelizing purposes as a way to teach church history. The city hosts a number of religious and secular festivals during the year. Religious festivals include the feast of the Virgen del Rosario, Day of the Dead, and the feast of the Señor de Tlacolula. For Day of the Dead, the municipality sponsors an "ofrenda" (Day of the Dead altar) for grade school children. The first prize was $5000 pesos.  The feast of the Christ of Tlacolula is held on the second Sunday of October, lasting five days, which is celebrated not only with traditional Masses, processions, folk dances and fireworks, but also with the Mixtec version of the Mesoamerican ball game. The "Fiestas de las Cruces" last for two months from May to the early part of July to promote its principle products, the city hosts the annual Feria de Mezcal, Artesanía y Gastronomía (Mezcal, Crafts and Gastronomy Festival) in October.