Fragrance house

Macarena

Macarena is a fragrance introduced in 1996 by the Spanish perfume company Gal, inspired by Los del Río’s song of the same name. It launched first in the United States, with export plans reported for Canada, Chile, Japan, Italy, Germany, and Spain, and was presented as a fresh Mediterranean scent marketed for both sexes. Gal was founded in Madrid in 1898 by Salvador Echeandía Gal, developing from a modest cosmetics shop and an early business in lotions, powders, and elixirs into a broader Spanish perfumery. Its historical products included Heno de Pravia soap, launched in 1905. Following an acquisition, Gal remained within the Puig family business structure and was associated with Puig’s perfumes, cosmetics, and fashion divisions. The cultural reference behind Macarena was especially prominent in 1996: Los del Río’s original song appeared in 1993, while a later remix reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks.