Join us for the Mama Baranka Tour, an inspiring city tour that takes you behind the scenes of hidden histories, overlooked communities and powerful narratives that shape the city. This tour highlights the experiences of minorities, leading up to the moving and symbolic Mama Baranka artwork.
We’ll soon host a special edition for Bicultural+ people, but this experience is also open to the full GINI Tribe. Whether you’re deeply connected to the city or discovering it for the first time, this tour offers a new lens on identity, belonging and resilience.
The Mama Baranka Tour is an inspiring, behind-the-scenes journey through the city, uncovering stories that are often left untold. As you walk through historical sites and modern landmarks, you’ll hear about migrant communities, bicultural experiences and resilient figures who shaped the city’s identity.
This isn’t your typical city tour, it’s a deep dive into history, culture, and belonging, culminating in the powerful Mama Baranka artwork. Whether you join our Bicultural+ edition or a GINI Tribe gathering, this experience offers a new perspective on urban spaces, identity and cultural storytelling.
The Mama Baranka Tour takes you on a journey of discovery, exploring overlooked communities, resilience and cultural identity in the city.
Meet & introduction at studio Nelson Carrilho
We begin at the studio of Nelson Carrilho, the artist behind Mama Baranka. Get an exclusive look into his work and the meaning behind his art.
Hidden stories city walk
Explore key locations that highlight minority histories, migration stories, and resilience in the city.
Mama Baranka reflection at Vondelpark
The tour ends at Mama Baranka in Vondelpark, where we reflect on the journey, its impact, and the power of representation.
Join us for an eye-opening experience that changes how you see the city.
This tour is not about tourist landmarks, it’s about the people and stories that shape the city but are rarely highlighted.
This ~2,5-hour tour covers approximately 5 km of walking.
With a maximum of 15 participants, this experience ensures meaningful engagement and deep connection.
What’s included:
- Guided city tour exploring hidden histories
- Stories of migrants, minorities and resilience
- A deeper look at Mama Baranka and its meaning
- Intimate group experience for rich discussions
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (we’re in the Netherlands!)
- An open mind to hear new perspectives
- Curiosity about culture and identity
Language:
Tours are offered in Dutch or English, depending on the group. You’ll be informed of the language beforehand.
Weather:
If the weather isn’t ideal but still manageable, the tour will partly take place indoors at Nelson Carrilho’s studio and follow an adapted route through the Jordaan and Westerpark. Mama Baranka will not be visited on this route, but her story remains central, told through a different lens, along different streets.
In case of very bad weather predictions, the tour may be rescheduled.
This immersive city tour offers a rare chance to explore hidden narratives and untold histories that shape the city. Led by local guides Nelson Carillho and Robin van Erven Dorens, this tour weaves together stories of resilience, migration and identity, bringing overlooked perspectives into focus.
The tour concludes at the Mama Baranka artwork, a powerful tribute to heritage and strength. Whether you join the Bicultural+ edition or a general GINI Tribe tour, you’ll experience a new way of seeing the city, through the eyes of those whose stories are rarely told.
The price includes small snacks, coffee/thee and a guided tour and exclusive insights into the city’s lesser-known cultural history.
Mama Baranka Tour
- Atelier Carillho - Amsterdam
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- Uncover overlooked communities
- A tour beyond the mainstream
- Stories of resilience & identity
Overlooked communities & resilience
Mama Baranka Tour
Cities are full of hidden stories, but not all of them are told. The Mama Baranka Tour takes you beyond the mainstream to uncover the voices and experiences of overlooked communities, shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
This tour is co-hosted by artist Nelson Carrilho and storyteller Robin van Erven Dorens, offering a deep dive into identity, resilience and migration. The journey starts at Studio Nelson Carrilho, where you’ll gain an exclusive look into his artistic process and vision, before moving through the city to explore its lesser-known histories.
Along the way, Nelson will reveal the power and purpose of public sculptures why they exist, what they represent, and how they shape our collective memory. This perspective will change the way you see public spaces, showing how art and activism are deeply connected.
A key part of this tour is the story of Kerwin Duinmeijer, a 15-year-old boy murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1983. His story remains a painful but crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and injustice. The tour concludes at Mama Baranka in Vondelpark, the monument Nelson Carrilho created in honour of Kerwin’s legacy and the resilience of marginalized communities.
This tour was originally hosted in collaboration with Pakhuis de Zwijger for the Week Against Racism, this tour continues to highlight underrepresented histories. A portion of the profits goes to the Mama Baranka Foundation, ensuring that these stories remain visible and continue to inspire.
Step into the stories that shaped the city and change the way you see it.
Connecting people across cultures
GINI experience
GINI believes that travel should go beyond sightseeing and mainstream tours, it should be about true storytelling, deep cultural connection and amplifying voices that are often unheard. Our experiences are designed to bring people closer to the real stories, real people and real history behind a place.
The Mama Baranka Tour aligns perfectly with this mission. Founder Virginia Scheele collaborated with Nina Herdigein and Nelson Carrilho to launch the first edition in partnership with Pakhuis de Zwijger for the Week Against Racism. The tour was a huge success, proving that tourism doesn’t have to be about overcrowded, generic city tours, it can be a way to rediscover a city through the lived experiences of its people.
Led by true Amsterdammers, this tour replaces surface-level tourism with raw, meaningful storytelling. It’s a chance to see the city through the eyes of those who shaped it, understand its history beyond the tourist lens, and engage in conversations that matter.
By participating in this tour, you’re not just learning, you’re supporting a shift towards ethical tourism, with a portion of profits going to the Mama Baranka Foundation.
Join us in making travel a force for change.
Empowerment
Why GINI?
Empowering Overlooked Communities
Saamhorigheid en inclusiviteit bevorderen
Impactvolle reiservaringen
Duurzaam & Eerlijk Toerisme
Answers to guide your impact
FAQ
Who is this tour for?
This tour is for anyone who wants to explore the city through a different lens. We offer a Bicultural+ edition, but we also host general GINI Tribe tours that are open to all.
Do I need prior knowledge of the city?
No! Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this tour provides new insights into overlooked histories and communities.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately ~2,5 hours, including storytelling stops and reflections.
How much walking is involved?
We’ll walk approximately 5 km through the city center. If this is too challenging, please email us at contact@lifeofgini.nl to discuss whether we can adjust the tour to your needs.
Who is leading the tour?
The tour is co-hosted by artist Nelson Carrilho and storyteller Robin van Erven Dorens, bringing together art, history and lived experiences.
Where does the tour start and end?
We begin at Studio Nelson Carrilho and end at Mama Baranka in Vondelpark.
Is the tour accessible?
The tour involves city walking, but we aim to be as accessible as possible. If you have specific needs, please reach out so we can explore options together.
Does this tour support a cause?
Yes! A portion of the profits is donated to the Mama Baranka Foundation, supporting its mission to keep these stories alive.
What if the weather is bad?
Since we’re in the Netherlands, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes and rain gear. In case of severe weather predictions, the tour may be rescheduled.
Ready for impact?
Mama Baranka Tour
Step into an experience that inspires change, book your GINI experience today!
