The screenplay was adapted from the novel 'Gabriela, Cravo e Canela' by Brazilian writer Jorge Amado, published in 1958.
It was the first telenovela aired on Portugal's 'RTP 1' channel, and it became a huge success throughout the country, influencing fashion, including hairstyles, choice of baby names and everyday vocabulary.
Elizabeth Savala (Malvina) has co-starred with Vanessa Giácomo in three Globo TV dramas. Giácomo played Malvina in Gabriela (2012).
Cidinha Millan and Pedro Paulo Rangel performed the very first nude scene on Brazilian television in this series.