The fish and seafood sector in the capital of Puebla is preparing for the end of the Lent and Holy Week season with expectations of reaching 80-90% in sales. Eleazar González Pérez, president of the Union of Owners and Distributors of Fish and Seafood Shops of the state, reported this. Although the increase will not be as high as in previous years, merchants are confident in selling up to 20 tons of product daily, a figure that has historically remained strong during peak seasons like Lent and year-end. These dates also represent a labor opportunity, generating about 1,000 temporary jobs in the sector. However, González Pérez acknowledged that demand has decreased since the start of the season due to factors such as the economic situation and a lower practice of the Catholic faith, leading to fewer people observing fasting days. Fish and Seafood Prices Currently, market prices remain accessible for some products, while others have increased: Mojarra: 100 pesos/kg Sierra: 100 pesos/kg Crystal shrimp: 180-220 pesos/kg Bulk shrimp: 200-220 pesos/kg Octopus: 220-240 pesos/kg Huachinango: up to 250 pesos/kg Salmon: up to 280 pesos/kg Purchase Recommendations To avoid health risks, merchants suggest: Fish should have a fresh smell, not ammonia Scales should be firm Eyes should not be sunken Gills should have a bright red color Shrimp should be kept on ice during transit Regarding consumption, they recommend that raw or cooked seafood can be frozen for up to a month, but in the refrigerator, they should only be kept for two to three days. They request security and transport Facing days of high attendance—from Thursday to Holy Saturday—the sector requested greater surveillance in the 16 Poniente area to ensure safe shopping. They also pointed out that the seafood market located in the Francisco I. Madero neighborhood is facing low activity, despite having six operational stalls and three restaurants. He said that although there has been promotion by the Puebla City Council's Markets Directorate, 18 spaces are still available, so they consider it necessary to expand public transport routes to facilitate access to this northern area of the city. "The potential exists, but connectivity and more commerce are needed to reactivate this point," concluded the sector's representative.
