At the Chalan Kanoa cemetery, Mary Sablan visited the tombs of her parents Juan A. Sanchez and Concepcion DLG. Sanchez.
She noted that flower shops have lowered their prices.
But her brother, Joe Sanchez, said more people still prefer plastic flowers, which are cheaper.
“Everybody is suffering so they choose the best price they can afford,” he added.
But whatever the price of the flowers, he said, it doesn’t matter because “we can never repay the sacrifices of our parents.”
Donald Crisostomo of the Saipan mayor’s office believes the prices of flowers have gone up so he bought one small bouquet of plastic flowers for $25.
Like Crisostomo, most residents went from one tomb to another because they have many relatives buried at the cemetery.
From Chalan Kanoa, Crisostomo said he has to go to Tanapag cemetery to join other family members who were visiting their other relatives buried there.
Tee Abraham, former Northern Marianas College dean of community programs and services, said she saved money so she could buy plastic flowers.
She also brought some flowers from her house.
“We have a theme every year so the flowers will have different colors,” she said.
Abraham said they usually spend $400 to $550 on flowers and candles every year.
Jose I. Torres visited the tomb of his father Felix Torres Palacios. He said he bought one set of plastic flowers for $25.
Tina Kukkun said that for Carolinians like her, the custom is to bring scented flowers, some of which are then used to make mwars which are also offered to their dearly departed.
Island residents also visit the graves of their loved ones during other special occasions, like the birth anniversary of the deceased or Christmas.
Jocelyn Kapileo said she prefers to offer candles rather than plastic flowers.
“The candle will give them light,” she said, adding that plastic flowers are usually stolen after visitors leave the cemetery.
Besides, she added, plastics are not good for the environment.
