How important are fiestas in Mexican culture? What relationship exists between the fiesta and the individual?

Fiestas are extremely important in Mexican culture, perhaps more than any other moment or event. The fiesta, which used to be part of other cultures, has been diluted or dropped altogether, so that Mexico is the last refuge of the fiesta as it should be. The event is the only time that a man can throw off all constraints and live his true personality. He is afraid to do that during the rest of the year, because to be open and receptive is shameful in his culture. But during the fiesta, no one knows whether he is acting or being truthful; often his truth takes the ruse of disguise - and he can fool the world while still revealing himself. That notion is powerful in Mexican culture. The relationship between the fiesta and the individual therefore, is one of complete truth and revelation. The fiesta serves as the means of confession for a man who wants to make himself known to the world.