Happy day before Mother's Day. Plus, floral festival in Spain; ancient baby hands; bad moms?
 | PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL OCHOA DE OLZA
| | It’s hard to think of Mother’s Day without flowers, so we’re celebrating with this bouquet of images from a floral festival in Spain.
In this town, each spring, a few girls sit in elaborate altars decorated with fresh flowers to mark the new season. To be chosen is an honor that will make any mother proud. Enjoy the images—and below that, stories of mothers, both human and animal, in today’s newsletter.
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First come the flowers: La Maya, a tradition in central Spain for many years, has only a few written rules. Altars must be decorated with fresh flowers, and the young centerpieces (above) must sit perfectly still for the two-hour observance. Aspiring Mayas might have to wait a long time before they sit on an altar. Only about five are chosen each year. | | | |
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It doesn’t last long: Mayas are the center of attention in their town, marveled at by passersby. But the ceremony is only one day. Read more. | | | |
 | | PHOTOGRAPH BY EMMANUELLE HONORÉ | | | |
 | PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG LECOEUR
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Holding its breath: This animal may be able to regulate its body temperature by holding its breath during dives thousands of feet below the surface. What animal is this?
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 | | PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE | |
Mamas and babies: Like super human moms, great animal moms show grace to their young, feed them when they’re hungry, teach them the ropes... and some even sacrifice themselves so their offspring may live. (Pictured above, a gorilla carries her newborn.)
Motherhood isn’t all roses: There are some “bad moms” in the animal kingdom, who are only trying to survive.
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 | | PHOTOGRAPH BY MANU SAN FELIX | |
Keeping seas pristine: Nat Geo Explorer in Residence Enric Sala has worked to keep parts of the world’s seas free from overfishing. His National Geographic Society project aims to protect at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 for the benefit of nature and humanity. Less than eight percent is currently protected. On Sunday, 60 Minutes will feature his work with sperm whales off the Caribbean nation of Domenica. See a preview.
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Today’s soundtrack: Float On, Modest Mouse
This newsletter has been curated and edited by David Beard, Hannah Farrow, and Jen Tse. Amanda Williams-Bryant, Alisher Egamov, Rita Spinks, and Jeremy Brandt-Vorel also contributed this week. Thanks for reading! | | | |
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