Every evening, just before sunset, I watch rose-ringed parakeets gather in a tree near my home. Flocks of vibrant green feathers coming together to welcome the night inevitably led to so many questions.

Where do they come from, and what are these tropical birds doing in the midst of Dutch weather?

I learned many myths about their origins but found only some truths: they come from tropical regions and have been a part of Amsterdam’s landscape since the 1970s, forming thriving communities that coexist — sometimes uneasily — with the city’s native bird species. They are resilient, adapting to a cold, urban environment far from their natural habitat.

Their story embodies both beauty and controversy. These birds, in a city so different from their tropical origins, remind me of the journey of migrants who adapt to unfamiliar places, bringing along both colour and complexity.

They are symbols of resilience, adaptation, and the delicate balance between inclusion and resistance. They inspired the featured poster, as did Arca, with her comedic relief.

“Good evening!

Good evening Latin America and to the rest of the world, hello I guess.

Hello my love, we’re conquering Europe.

We’re here, reverse colonization.”