In a pandemic year, Mexico’s Day of the Dead will be more subdued

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 mid-October 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 color has not been as prominent as Mexican authorities have said cemeteries will remain closed for the Nov. 2 celebration.

“There have been a lot of losses this year,” said Concepcion Cruz, who cultivates marigold in Mexico . . .