Day of the Dead celebration muted

MEXICO CITY: Marigolds, known in Mexico as ‘‘the flower of the dead’’ for a scent believed be strong and sweet enough to attract souls and draw them back, are generally all around by midOctober as the Day of the Dead approaches.

But with the country exceeding 85,700 official deaths from the coronavirus pandemic this year, the bright, orange colour has not been as prominent and Mexican authorities have said cemeteries would remain closed for the November 2 celebration.

Ratcheting back the celebrations was a sacrifice that must be made if Mexico was to curb the spread of the pandemic, director of Mexico City’s Commission for Natural Resources and Rural Development Columba Lopez said.

‘‘People have to stay at home,’’ he added.

The Day of the Dead tradition blends Catholic rituals with the preHispanic belief that the dead return once a year from the underworld. — Reuters