Background on Daniel Pérez Varela and Apsaje
Daniel Pérez Varela, the president of the Asociación Poblana de Salones Sociales y Jardines para Eventos (Apsaje), has reported a significant recovery in Puebla’s party venues sector. With over 1,500 venues in Angelópolis and its surrounding areas, the industry has seen a 50% increase in event hosting compared to the previous three years when the emergency sanitaria forced closures.
Industry Impact and Economic Contribution
Pérez Varela highlighted that many entrepreneurs had to adapt by lowering their costs to resume operations. Despite this, expenses related to electricity, water services, and hiring staff for banquets remained unchanged.
The party venues industry plays a crucial role during peak seasons, such as school graduations and year-end celebrations, generating up to 180 million pesos in revenue. Moreover, this sector creates more than 20,000 direct jobs, including roles like servers, cooks, security personnel, administrative staff, and indirect positions such as party organizers, food and beverage producers, music groups, makeup artists, florists, and rental services providers.
Seasonal Trends and Pricing
During the Christmas and New Year seasons, 60% of venues offer catering services for these dates, as many families prefer dining out instead of preparing meals at home.
Some establishments have been hosting holiday dinners for over two decades, with music groups included in the package, leading to annual reservations from families.
On average, venues charge 350 pesos per person, a price that has remained stable despite rising insum costs since last year.
Sales and Revenue Projections
Two days prior to the holidays, venues sell out 100% of their access, ensuring a steady income as the year ends. The first two months typically see fewer events due to the post-holiday financial slowdown, often referred to as the “cuesta de enero,” which extends until after February.
Pérez Varela remains optimistic, hoping that 2026 will see a return to the thriving event scene of pre-crisis times, with venues hosting at least one weekend event each.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Daniel Pérez Varela? He is the president of Apsaje, an association representing party venues in Puebla.
- What is the current state of party venues in Puebla? The sector has seen a 50% recovery in event hosting compared to the previous three years.
- How many party venues are there in Puebla? There are over 1,500 venues in Angelópolis and its surrounding areas.
- What is the economic impact of the party venues industry? The industry generates significant revenue, creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and contributes to the local economy during peak seasons.
- What are the average charges for hosting events? Venues typically charge around 350 pesos per person.
- What are the sales trends leading up to holidays? Venues sell out 100% of their access two days before holidays, ensuring steady income during the end-of-year period.
- What are Pérez Varela’s expectations for the future? He hopes that 2026 will see a return to pre-crisis event activity levels in Puebla’s party venues sector.
